MOJITO’S victory in the 49th running of the $3.75-million, BetMakers-sponsored, Jamaica 2000 Guineas Classic on Sunday, June 4, 2023 confirmed his credentials as the best among his peers, with racegoers clamouring for the next Triple Crown winner.

Mojito, last season’s champion two-year-old, won the Futurity race for native-bred three-year-old colts and geldings over one mile (1,600m) by 12 1/2 lengths. Mojito, trained by Richard Azan and ridden by champion jockey Dane Dawkins, won in 1:37.2 (24.1 x 46.3 x 1:10.3) for his fifth victory in seven lifetime starts.

“I said he [Mojito] was one of the best, because I have trained really good horses, and now he ranks right there with them. I was a little bit worried in the first part of the race where he broke slowly as I thought he would be bobbed down. The jockey knows the horse very well; I was really surprised that he went so quickly to the lead but then he relaxed after that — and then the rest was history.

“Well, you know, once they reach that level we have to try mainly to maintain that level that he has and keep him because we have two more races to go for the Triple Crown and we intend to go there. Now, one is 10 furlongs and the other is 12 furlongs and so we know we have to sort of change his strategy a little, but you know, I have been there before and I know what to do,” Azan said in his post race interview.

The Supreme Racing Guide analyses the performances of the nine horses who ran in the 2000 Guineas.

FIRST: Mojito – With a performance that oozed absolute class and raw talent, Mojito extended his winning streak in 2023 to three victories from three starts. Azan prepared Mojito to the minute, and he deserves credit for his charge’s success on the track. Mojito’s next major challenge will be the 10-furlong Jamaica St Leger in July, and he is anticipated to do much more.

SECOND: Money Miser – Ran the race of his life for second place with Reyan Lewis in the saddle. Money Miser has made massive strides — from releasing his maiden on May 23 to finishing second in a Classic race on his next outing. The 2000 Guineas run was a great effort from this chestnut colt, who should continue to improve and earn in the remaining Classic races.

THIRD: Ability – Executed as intended. In the straight, Ability offered nothing but he is a talented horse who will return.

FOURTH: Rhythm Buzz – Ran well for the first time at this level. Rhythm Buzz, who lacked the winner’s class, should profit from this experience.

FIFTH: Sensational Move – Ran as planned for to earn a portion of the cash. Sensational Move appears to enjoy travelling the distance and should earn additional revenue for his connections when the Derby and St Leger take place later in the year.

SIXTH: Burning Valor – Surprisingly got a share of the purse pie.

SEVENTH: Whizz Kidd – Did what he could and nothing more.

EIGHTH: Awesome Anthony – Was simply outclassed.

NINTH: Secret Admiral – Still not ready for the big league yet.