THE stage is set for a thrilling battle in this afternoon’s 98th running of the Jamaica St Leger Classic race as colt California Crown and filly Run Julie Run look to continue their journey towards possible Triple Crown glory.

The two top-rated, native-bred three-year-olds will face off for the first time, each seeking to move one step closer to etching their names in history. California Crown, trained by Jason DaCosta, has been impressive with three consecutive wins from as many starts, including an impressive victory in the 2000 Guineas on June 2.
Run Julie Run, trained by Ian Parsard, has shown remarkable form with back-to-back victories including the 1000 Guineas on June 1.

However, if California Crown or Run Julie Run hope to claim the coveted Triple Crown title then one of them must first outshine the exceptional Intrestntimesahead, also trained by DaCosta.

The Jamaica St Leger, a native-bred three-year-old futurity event, is the second jewel in the Triple Crown series and will run over 10 furlongs (2,000m). The race is positioned as the 10th and final event on the card with a post time of 5:45 pm. First race is at 12:00 pm.

Intrestntimesahead, last year’s champion two-year-old, was the odds-on favourite to win the 2000 Guineas over one mile (1,600m) on June 2, but it didn’t materialise. The three-year-old bay colt finished a close second to stablemate California Crown, ending his four-race winning streak. Despite the loss, Intrestntimesahead showed tremendous heart and determination, battling from start to finish.

There is no question that Intrestntimesahead (Bold Conquest – My Friend Lucy) is going to get this trip of 10 furlongs and, based on the nature of the race, this talented and far-striding colt is going to mount a much stronger challenge this time around.

With a smooth training regimen under his belt Intrestntimesahead is poised to exact revenge on California Crown and dominate the rest of the field. Intrestntimesahead is expected to be close to the pace before moving into contention rounding the half-mile turn. Once he gets a clear path in deep stretch it should be smooth sailing for him in the Jamaica St Leger. Current leading rider Tevin Foster remains in the saddle. The stage is set for a thrilling comeback.

Run Julie Run (Successful Native – Runaway Julie) is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the Jamaica St Leger. Run Julie Run dazzled in the 1000 Guineas, leaving rivals in her dust with a convincing 4¾-length victory over one mile on June 2. Her final time of 1:42.1 bettered California Crown’s mark of 1:42.3 done in the 2000 Guineas, showcasing her exceptional speed and talent.

With her stellar form and effortless stride Run Julie Run is expected to set the pace her and challenge the rest to keep up.

California Crown ( Hedge Fund – Dream Big) has made a remarkable transformation in just three short months. From breaking his maiden on April 27 to winning the 2000 Guineas on June 2,
California Crown has proven his mettle by staying undefeated in just three starts.

His impressive win in the 2000 Guineas showcased his exceptional talent, outshining the best colts and geldings in the field by a length and three quarters in a time of 1:42.3 for one mile. With his impressive stride and endurance California Crown is expected to tackle the St Leger distance with ease, paving the way for a potential Triple Crown sweep.

Of the rest in the 11-horse field Captain Sparrow, Provident, and Crown Chaser are expected to be a part of the outcome of this race.

Captain Sparrow (Savoy Stomp – Rackam’s Mistress), after missing the 2000 Guineas due to injury setbacks, returned on June 15 to win the Mr Lover Lover Trophy over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) by 4¾ lengths, in a smooth 1:59.4.
Captain Sparrow is going to enjoy this distance to the max and should be fighting in deep stretch here.

Provident (Sensational Slam – Dream Point) has already shown promise with a third-place finish in the 2000 Guineas. Although he was five lengths behind winner and stablemate California Crown, don’t count him out just yet. Provident is expected to thrive at this distance, and while he may not be the main contender he could still pull off a surprise. Keep an eye on this dark horse.

Crown Chaser (Bern Identity – Salty Talk) came into the 2000 Guineas with high hopes but finished in fifth place, 7½ lengths behind the winner.
Crown Chaser is another runner who is going to enjoy this distance and is surely going to find a place or two here.

Ones to watch:

Race 1)
Rohan Kabir/Secret Traveller/Simba The Lion

Race 2)
Millinium Star/Wearyourhonor/Adenosine

Race 3)
Lambo Girl/Princess Ria/Blinding Light

Race 4)
Texas Metal/Storm Boy/In The Spirit

Race 5)
Eagle One/Baton Rouge/Basilicus

Race 6)
Zulu Warrior/So Beautiful/She’s Adorable

Race 7)
Shooting Star/J Spieth/Battle Angel

Race 8)
Thalita/Money Miser/Press Conference

Race 9)
Funcaandun/Easy As ABC/Mahogany

Race 10)
Intrestntimesahead/California Crown/Run Julie Run