‘Cherry’ made in the Two-Year-Old Stakes
The Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes, the premier race on the calendar for the juveniles, takes place at Caymanas Park today.
The Futurity contest will see 10 runners battling for juvenile supremacy as they travel one mile (1,600m) for a major share of the $4-million purse on offer.
The Jamaica Observer‘s The Supreme Racing Guide takes a close look at each runner and their chances of being crown champion two-year-old for 2023.
1. ROSETTA: (2 rn f by Bold Conquest – Khadiliah) – Still a maiden after four starts. Rosetta will remain a maiden after this race.
2. COMEHOMETOME: (2 b f by Northern Giant – Heart Of Gold) – Finished fifth by 24 ¾ lengths behind stablemate Digital One over 7 furlongs (1,400m) on November 25. Comehometome has worked well since and should be fighting for the spoils. Note: Tongue-tie off.
3. LUCY IN THE SKY: (2 b f by Liquidity – Tap A Bay Yankee) – Has not done anything of significance since releasing the maiden tag on August 26. Lucy In The Sky should be left alone in this one.
4. BUTTERCUP: (2 b f by Conquest Cherimash – Shahar) – Surprised rivals when she came from behind to beat all over 7 furlongs on November 19. Buttercup has shown that she will get the distance but will find repeating not on the cards.
5. MATUSO: (2 b c by Casual Trick – Puddy Pooh) – The only horse in the line-up to win over today’s distance. Matuso defeated Rosetta and Blu Sensation by a length in a time of 1:42 and while that was an improved run, he cannot be fancied for two in a row.
6. INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD: (2 b c by Bold Conquest – My Friend Lucy) – Was a 10-length winner over 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m) on December 17. Intrestntimesahead took advantage of the sloppy underfoot conditions that day and made one move to score in a time of 1:23.0. Intrestntimesahead could go home with a piece of the pie.
7. FASTNFURIOUSLINKS: (2 gr/rn f by Casual Trick – Another Fury) – Ran a brave race over 7 furlongs on November 25 when finishing second to stablemate Digital One. Fastnfuriouslinks had to be checked at the furlong pole and never recovered, finishing 6 ¾ lengths adrift of the winner and 10 lengths ahead of Run Julie Run who finished third. Fastnfuriouslinks has a great chance of winning this prestigious event.
8. BANADURA: (2 b f by Casual Trick – Esperanza) – Talented filly who was just 2 ½ lengths behind stablemate Digital One over 5 ½ furlongs on October 7. Banadura was an easy winner on debut at three furlongs (600m) on August 1. Banadura is bred to get a distance of ground, and having shown speed in her two races to date, she could use her pace and run rivals off their feet. Note: First time Lasix.
9. MS CHERRY: (2 b f by Sensational Slam – Fiftyshadesfray) – Half-sister to last year’s winner of this race Mojito. In her only run so far, she was an easy victor coming down the straight (1,000m) on September 30. She won by 3 ½ lengths in a time of 1:01.2. Ms Cherry has looked improved in her gallops since and is poised to deliver another winning performance.
10. RUN JULIE RUN: (2 gr f by Successful Native – Runaway Julie) – Is going to be left behind in this one.
