Following California Crown’s triumph in the Monday Morning Trophy feature on Sunday, May 19, 2024, trainer Jason DaCosta believes his three-year-old chestnut colt now has a say in the Classic series of races.

The Monday Morning Trophy, a native-bred three-year-olds (non-winners of two) and imported three-year-olds and upward (maidens) at seven furlongs,
California Crown (Hedge Fund – Dream Big) easily defeated rivals by four lengths in a smooth 1:28.1 (23.1 x 46.2 x 1:13.1).

“It was a good performance from California Crown to win today. He is improving and hopefully he continues to improve and we might have a shot in the Classic races,” DaCosta told the Jamaica Observer’s Supreme Racing Guide.

California Crown, under the guidance of Robert Halledeen, broke well, then proceeded to track Amma (Josue Osorio) from second position down the backstretch. Still wrapped tightly, California Crown continued in a steady gallop into the half-mile (800m) turn before striking the front full of running as the distance approached.

With no genuine rivals coming forward in the stretch, California Crown comfortably secured his second consecutive victory, finishing ahead of
Riches to Rags (Shane Richardson) and Amma.