St Leger is Mojito’s race to lose
The Jamaica St Leger, the second jewel in the Triple Crown series of races, takes place tomorrow (July 1, 2023), with Mojito and Mamma Mia looking to continue their road to Triple Crown glory.
Mojito was the winner of the Jamaica 2000 Guineas, while Mamma Mia was victorious in the Jamaica 1000 Guineas. Both races were run over one mile (1,600m).
The St Leger, a native-bred three-year-old Futurity race, will venture over 10 furlongs (2,000m) and has attracted a field of 12 runners.
Below, The Supreme Racing Guide takes a closer look at each runner entered and their chances of success.
1. MOJITO: (3 gr c by Savoy Stomp – Fiftyoneshadesofray) – His dominant victory in 2000 Guineas Classic on Sunday, June 4, established his status as the finest among his colleagues. Mojito won by 12 1/2 lengths in a time of 1:37.2. Mojito extended his winning streak in 2023 to three wins from three starts with that performance, which radiated utter class and raw potential. Nothing more can be said about this magnificent horse, whose only aim is to arrive in excellent health.
2. RHYTHM BUZZ (3 b c by Buzz Nightmare – River Rhythm) – Ran well to finish fourth in the 2000 Guineas behind Mojito. It was Rhythm Buzz‘s first run at the level and although he lacks the class of Mojito, he should profit from this experience.
3. MONEY MISER: (3 ch c by Soul Warrior – She’s Traditional) – Ran the race of his life to finish second behind Mojito in the 2000 Guineas by some 12 ½ lengths. 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.
4. PRINCESS SHARON: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Princess Shine) – Should easily get the distance but is not expected to get into the frame.
5. ALL FOR LOVE: (3 ch f by Nuclear Wayne – Princess Sallema) – Finished third in the 1000 Guineas behind stablemates Mamma Mia and Thalita on June 3. All For Love appears to have a lot of stamina, as she was nowhere in the early stages but came on strong in the straight, particularly in the final half-furlong. However, she finished way behind the top two, which does not speak well for All For Love in this race against colts and geldings.
6. THALITA: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Luminous Trieste) – Was expected to win the 1000 Guineas but she was just outclassed by a better horse on the day. Thalita sat back and made her move when the moment was right, but she eventually lost the battle. Thalita is talented and bred for distance, and could turn the tables on her stablemate but getting the better of Mojitois a very difficult task.
7. MAMMA MIA: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Princess Greeta) – Won the 1000 Guineas in a manner that left competitors in no doubt as to who is the top three-year-old filly at this time in the 2023 season. Mamma Mia was locked in a stirring stretch duel with Thalita, and under strong guidance from Phillip Parchment, Mamma Mia gained the ascendancy half a furlong out and prevailed in the end. Mamma Mia should get this distance and could finish as the best filly once again but seeing her defeating the colts, especially Mojito, is not a possibility.
8. SENSATIONAL MOVE: (3 ch c by Sensational Slam – Money Move) – Was fifth in the 2000 Guineas on June 4. Sensational Move appears to enjoy travelling over long distances and should earn additional revenue for his connections.
9. KAI ON THE GO: (3 ch c by Midnight Hawk – Wild Wild West) – Has no chance of winning.
10. HUNTSMAN: (3 ch c by Key To Power – Dream Point) – After missing the Jamaica 2000 Guineas for a period of rehabilitation, Huntsman returned to spank rivals in the Mr Lover Lover Trophy on Sunday, June 18. He controlled the race from start to finish, winning at 9 furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) by a commanding 16 lengths without breaking a sweat, in a time of 1:58.2. If Huntsman shows up in the same mood as he did in the Mr Lover Lover, then he will surely give Mojito a run for his money.
11. FROM SHEER TO BEN: (3 b c by Here Comes Ben – Sheer Madness) – Is going to be left behind.
12. LIFE IS LIFE: (3 b c by Natural Selection – Little Wasp) – Only in this race to make up numbers.