Captain Sparrow announced himself as one of the 2024 Classic aspirants following an emphatic win in a maiden condition call for native-bred three-year-olds on Saturday, March 30.

Bred by Savoy Stomp out of Rackam’s Mistress, Captain Sparrow came from behind rivals to win the 7-furlong event by 3 ¼ lengths in a time of 1:30.2 (24.3 x 49.0 x 1:16.0).

With Reyan Lewis in the saddle, Captain Sparrow fell behind as Roman Princess (Josue Osorio) took the lead from Hickory Slim (Omar Walker), Rosetta (Robert Halledeen), and Rack Dem (Paul Francis). Captain Sparrow was still trailing runners as the leaders increased the pace entering the half-mile turn.

The Anthony Nunes-trained Captain Sparrow then began to make inroads as the distance approached, emerging from the final turn on the outside of runners within striking distance.

When everything appeared to be over as Rosetta took control coming off the home turn, Captain Sparrow started to throttle, powering ahead of his competitors. He won ahead of
Rosetta and Brenda Boy (Linton Steadman) at the finish.

“The performance is not bad as this was a stepping stone. I mean, obviously you can tell that he stays a distance of ground; I wish he had a little bit more pace but maybe as he gets older and he gets the hang of running and maybe that will come. Then if that comes, it makes him much better of a horse,” Nunes told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“I think the stables will have some horses running in the Classic races but I don’t know if we have the best ones but I except to have a few of them running.

“We will take it from here with Captain Sparrow and see what happens. I think the trial races [Prince Consort Stakes] are little too close, basically two weeks away and I think it would be unfair to run him back so quick but we will see what happens,” Nunes said.