On Saturday, September 2, 2023, Winston “Fanna” Griffiths, who is currently a licensed trainer, will once again be honoured with a race being run in his name. The third running of the Winston “Fanna” Griffiths OD Classic (GR.2) is for native-bred three-year-olds, non-winners of a Grade 1 race going 9½ furlongs (1,900m).

Below, the Jamaica Observer‘s The Supreme Racing Guide analyses the nine runners entered as they compete for the major share of the $3.75-million purse on offer.

1. ESSENTIAL QUALITY: (3 ch f by Sensational Slam – Texas Missy) – Finished in 11th position by some 99 lengths in the August 5 Jamaica Oaks over 10 furlongs (2,000m). Essential Quality is going to be left behind here as well.

2. LIFE IS LIFE: (3 b c by Natural Selection – Little Wasp) – Based on current form, Life is Life cannot be recommended for a winning run.

3. PRINCESS SHARON: (3 b f by Soul Warrior – Princess Shine) – Was favoured to win the Jamaica Oaks on August 5 but finished in third place by 19 lengths behind Mamma Mia and Power From Above. With Power From Above present here, the chances of Princess Sharon winning are remote.

4. BURLAP: (3 b c by Casual Trick – Fedora) – Comes into this race seeking three-consecutive wins. Burlap is an improving sort who should be comfortable at this distance and, as such, is expected to run well.

5. MONEY MISER: (3 ch c by Soul Warrior – She’s Traditional) – Consistent sort, who is, on paper, the horse to beat in this trophy race. Money Miser has raced five times in his career, winning once and finishing in second place in the other four runs. Money Miser finished second behind Mojito in the 2000 Guineas, second behind Thalita in the St Leger, and second behind Ability in the Jamaica Derby Classic races. With none of those winners here, it should be an evening stroll for Money Miser.

6. CALIFORNIA GOLD: (3 b c by Lin Tamer – Blue Saphire) – Has no chance where winning is concerned.

7. POWER FROM ABOVE: (3 ch f by Key To Power – Blufield) – Ran an encouraging race to finish second behind Mamma Mia in the Jamaica Oaks Classic over 10 furlongs on August 5. Power From Above came from behind horses to get beaten by 10 lengths in that all fillies contest. However, she was a winner over this distance on July 8, by four lengths in a time of 1:59.2. If she can reproduce that effort, then Power From Above can definitely have a say on the outcome of this race and challenge for top honours.

8. RICHIE RICH: (3 ch c by Soul Warrior – Red Gold) – A winner on last who is going to find it really difficult repeating.

9. STRIKE SMART: (3 b c by Wannabeaplayer – Profile) – Is going to find both the distance and rivals too hot to handle.