ABILITY, owned and trained by Patrick Lynch and ridden by jockey Allen Maragh, won the 103rd staging of the $7.5-million Jamaica Derby — the final jewel in the Triple Crown series of races — at Caymanas Park, on Monday, August 7, 2023.

Ability, a three-year-old bay colt bred by Lion Tamer out of the Soul Warrior mare Disability Charm, won the Futurity race for native-bred three-year-olds over 12 furlongs (2,400m) by an impressive 3 ½ lengths in a time of 2:42.3 (24.0 x 48.1 x 1:16.0 x 1:42.3 x 2:10.1).

Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide analyses the performances of the 13 runners in the Derby in the order they finished. Note, Anonymous, trained by Anthony “Baba” Nunes, was a late non-starter.

FIRST – ABILITY: It wasn’t only a win or a spectacular performance; it was a royal coronation. There were no indications that Ability would go the distance in the Jamaica Derby with Ability entering the Blue Riband event as a non-winner of three races. Ability waited behind the pace for the majority of the race but was only asked to run by Maragh while navigating the half-mile (800m) curve, grabbing up the approaching distance. With only five races under his belt Ability still has a lot of room to grow as with this Derby win he quickly moves to the Open Allowance level. It was a glorious training feat by Lynch, well executed by Maragh.

SECOND – MONEY MISER: Tried his best but was simply outdone by a better horse on the day. Money Miser sat close to the pace, made his move at the right time, but had nothing in the stretch to challenge the winner. He has earned well throughout the Classic races, finishing in second place in the 2000 Guineas on June 4, the Jamaica St Leger on July 1, and now in the Jamaica Derby. Money Miser’s time in the sunshine will come soon enough. Credit must be given to trainer Fitzroy Glispie for a job well done.

THIRD – SECRET ADMIRAL: Was expected to get the 12-furlong of the Jamaica Derby and that’s exactly what Secret Admiral did. Secret Admiral with no recent form to recommend him going into the Derby produced his best effort in a long while to earn for his connections. .

FOURTH – MOJITO: After his dismal run in the Jamaica St Leger, Mojito was expected to do much better — and he did. Mojito improved on his eighth-place finish in the St Leger to place fourth in the Jamaica Derby. Mojito took an early interest in the race when passing the stands for the first time and for most of the backstretch, before faltering badly in deep stretch. An uninspiring effort from Mojito who clearly cannot get a distance of ground. Still, Mojito cannot be written off at this stage of his career. There is no doubt that Mojito packs a lot of talent, and might yet prove to be the best suited to handle the vigours of the top classes.

FIFTH – THALITA: Confirmed herself as the favourite for the Jamaica Derby after her impressive win in the Jamaica St Leger. Thalita broke well but could not land a real punch when needed. Nevertheless, she did what she could, but on the day could not handle the colts and geldings.

SIXTH – SUPER ALEX: Earned a piece of the Jamaica Derby pie without being a threat.

SEVENTH – UNCHARTER: Made it to the Derby, which in itself is a victory.

EIGHTH – LIFE IS LIFE: Was never a winning factor.

NINTH – KAI ON THE GO: Should have never started.

TENTH – HUNTSMAN: A lot more was expected from Huntsman. He has his problems, and with the Classic races over and done with in 2023, Huntsman can now return to his three-year-old condition races.

ELEVENTH – STRIKE SMART: Ran as expected

TWELFTH – CALIFORNIA GOLD: Showed up in the early part of the race, then faded out of contention.

THIRTEENTH – STEIN: Had no business in this Derby field.