Mojito holds the cards for 103rd Jamaica Derby
FOLLOWING his unplaced effort in the recent Jamaica St Leger, in which he was the favourite, the Richard Azan-conditioned Mojito returns in the 103rd edition of the Jamaica Derby looking for redemption in the season’s final Classic race at Caymanas Park today.
Mojito, the Jamaica 2000 Guineas champion, entered the 10-furlong (2,000m) Jamaica St Leger on July 1 hoping to continue his journey to Triple Crown glory, but his five-race victory streak was halted when he placed eighth by more than 30 lengths. Thalita won the battle, with Money Miser finishing in second place.
Something went wrong that day since Mojito, last year’s champion two-year-old, is a considerably superior animal than the runners in his age group. Mojito is packed with utter class and raw talent and just needs to turn up at least 90 per cent fit to put away rivals, despite having no actual workout before this afternoon’s race. Champion jockey Dane Dawkins continues to ride the Savoy Stomp – Fiftyshadesofray horse.
The $7.5-million contest, a Grade One Futurity event for native-bred three-year-olds going 12 furlongs (2,400m), is positioned as the 10th of 11 races on the day with a post time of 5:00 pm. First race is at 11:30 am.
If Mojito does not show up then Thalita and Money Miser could be in the running for the Blue Riband event.
Thalita entered the Jamaica St Leger with an outside chance after finishing second in the Jamaica 1000 Guineas over one mile (1,600m) on June 3. However, the chestnut filly had a race to remember, winning the St Leger Classic by five lengths over Money Miser.
Thalita will be a strong threat with the addition of two furlongs (400m). Reyan Lewis, the current leading jockey, will ride for champion trainer Jason DaCosta.
Money Miser, who is bred, owned, and trained by Fitzroy Glispie, has never finished lower than second in four career starts, winning once and placing second three times. The chestnut colt is another runner who will enjoy every step of the journey and, once focused, is expected to be competitive throughout the race. Tevin Foster is still riding.
Ability, Anonymous, and Huntsman are the other runners in the 14-horse field who should make an impression.
Ones to watch
Race 1) Milkman/Buzz Assault/Fabulosity
Race 2) Richie Rich/Coalition/Here Comes Doc
Race 3) Ultimate Machine/KP Choice/Slammer
Race 4) Xceptional Babz/Gracefully Made/Four Fiver
Race 5) Rani Bangala/Minidewak/Salud
Race 6) Password/Slam Dunk/Uncle Nub
Race 7) Atomica/Money Monster/Miniature Man
Race 8) Storm/Secret Traveller/Helicopter
Race 9) Inspire Force/El Profesor/Luksol
Race 10) Mojito/Money Miser/Thalita
Race 11) Uncaptured Empress/From Sheer To Ben/Antractica