Captain Sparrow, the three-year-old bay colt bred by Savoy Stomp out Rackam’s Mistress, made a triumphant return to the track on Saturday, June 15, 2024, winning the Mr Lover Lover Trophy impressively.

After missing the Jamaica 2000 Guineas Classic due to injury concerns,
Captain Sparrow reaffirmed his status as a leading contender for the upcoming Jamaica St Leger.

Starting from the back of the eight-horse field, Captain Sparrow showcased his talent of acceleration and endurance, closing in on his rivals to win the nine-furlong and 25-yard race (1,820m) by an impressive 4 ¾ lengths in 1:59.4 (25.1 x 49.4 x 1:16.4 x 1:46.4).

The race was for native-bred three-year-olds (non-winners of two) and imported three-year-olds and upward (maidens).

This convincing victory marks a promising comeback for Captain Sparrow, and his connections will be eagerly looking forward to his next start in the Jamaica St Leger.

Trainer Anthony Nunes said that Captain Sparrow’s victory was a testament to his resilience and determination. Nunes explained that Captain Sparrow had lost his appetite due to a virus circulating in the stable, but he recovered in time for the Mr Lover Lover Trophy.

“After missing the Jamaica 2000 Guineas on June 2 due to a brief illness, he had only one gallop in 19 days. A little virus was going around in my stable and he just came off his feed and I thought it was the best thing to do to miss the 2000 Guineas,” Nunes told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“We got him right and this race came up and because he didn’t run in the Guineas, we knew he needed a run before the Jamaica St Leger, and he proved himself to be a true warrior by delivering an impressive performance despite his limited preparation,” Nunes added.

Looking at the Jamaica St Leger (10 furlongs), Nunes said: “He is an out and out stayer. The drawback for him is that he is going to have the DaCosta [Jason] clan of horses in front because they have more natural speed. We will have to count on his stamina so that he can come home.”

With champion jockey Reyan Lewis at the helm, Captain Sparrow bided his time at the rear of the pack as Unruly Don led the field into the clubhouse turn and onto the main track. Supremasi, ridden by Raddesh Roman, tracked the leader from the outset and seized the advantage approaching the six-furlong mark, with J Spieth and Unruly Don in hot pursuit. Captain Sparrow at that stage was lagging way behind.

As the field entered the half-mile, Supremasi kicked into high gear, attempting to break away from the pack.
Captain Sparrow, sensing his moment, made a bold move, rapidly gaining ground on his rivals approaching the distance.

With momentum on his side, he surged to the front, displaying his impressive acceleration.
Captain Sparrow cruised to an effortless victory, leaving his stablemate
Supremasi to secure second place, while Lady Lauren finished third under Youville Pinnock.

Nunes was also pleased with the effort by Supermasi.

“I am very, very pleased with Supremasi. It was his third start and he went from a six-and-half furlong maiden race to run against one of the leading three-year-olds, I thought he lost his way at the quarter because he was in front and he is not used to that.

“He threw his ears and head up as if he was lost. He ran off as you can see in the replay but what happened was that Captain Sparrow had already developed momentum on him. I liked how he finished up the race and galloped out. Let’s hope both of them stay healthy and sound and we will have some fun with them later down,” Nunes said.