MOJITO’S emphatic victory in the 2000 Guineas cemented his position as the best among his peers, and the grey colt should put competitors in their place again in today’s 97th running of the $4.5-million Jamaica St Leger Classic as he continues his journey towards Triple Crown glory at Caymanas Park.

The Richard Azan trainee won the 2000 Guineas over one mile (1,600m), on June 4, by a commanding 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.

There is nothing else to say about this gorgeous horse whose only goal is to come in good health. Mojito, bred by Savoy Stomp – Fiftshadesofgray, is considerably more mature than his peers, and it will take something extraordinary to prevent him from winning his second Classic.

The victor of the 1000 Guineas Classic race, Mamma Mia, trained by Jason DaCosta, is also aiming for Triple Crown glory.

Mamma Mia won the 1000 Guineas on June 3, leaving competitors in no doubt about who the best three-year-old filly is at this point in the 2023 season. Mamma Mia was engaged in a tense stretch duel with Thalita, and with the help of Phillip Parchment she gained the upper hand near to home and triumphed 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 improbable.

The Jamaica St Leger, the second jewel in the Triple Crown series of races, will be run over 10 furlongs (2,000m). The native-bred three-year-old Futurity contest is positioned as the ninth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 4:35 pm. First race is at 11:45 am.

With nothing on paper that appears to be capable of testing Mojito, the contest for second place should be the most exciting. Either Money Miser, Thalita or Huntsman, in addition to Mamma Mia, could fill the exacta position behind Mojito, last year’s champion two-year-old.

Money Miser, bred, owned, and trained by Fitzroy Glispie, ran the race of his life to finish second behind Mojito in the 2000 Guineas by some 12½ 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.

This chestnut colt’s performance in the 2000 Guineas was outstanding, and he should continue to progress and earn in the next Classic races.

Thalita was expected to win the 1000 Guineas but she was just outclassed by a better horse on the day, her stablemate Mamma Mia. 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 Mojito is a very difficult task.

The Ian Parsard-trained Huntsman returned to smash competitors in the Mr Lover Lover Trophy on Sunday, June 18, after missing the Jamaica 2000 Guineas for a period of recovery. He dominated the race from start to finish, winning by a dominant 16 lengths in a time of 1:58.2 over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m). If Huntsman appears in the same mood as he did in Mr Lover Lover, he will easily take second place.

Rhythm Buzz, Princess Sharon, All For Love, Sensational Move, Kai On The Go, From Sheer To Ben, and Life Is Life round out the field.

ONES TO WATCH:

Race 1) The Love Of God/Hot Stepper/Xylophonic Steel

Race 2) Legit Boss/Is That A Fact/Royal Ash

Race 3) Lion of Ekati/ Shadowfax/Asurety

Race 4) Sunshine Cat/War Of The Roses/Garrincha

Race 5) Sir John/Secret Traveller/Iannai Links

Race 6) Burlap/Anonymous/ Modern Miracle

Race 7) Atomica/Excessive Force/Perfect Brew

Race 8) Zabratone/Anchorman/ Wowza

Race 9) Mojito/Huntsman/ Money Miser Race

10) Lure of Lucy/Inspire Miracle/Champion Bubbler