The stage is set for the 104th Jamaica Derby, the final Classic race of the season, in which Intrestntimesahead, last year’s champion two-year-old, seeks to add another prestigious title to his collection.

The talented bay colt faces stiff competition from 10 rivals, including 1000 Guineas winner
Run Julie Run, the sole filly in the field, and 2000 Guineas winner and stablemate
California Crown.

The Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide takes a closer look at the contenders and their chances of claiming the coveted $7.5-million purse over 12 furlongs (2,400m) in this thrilling Futurity event for native-bred three-year-olds.

1. ZULU WARRIOR: (3 ch c by Soul Warrior – Lookatmenow) – Recently broke his maiden over 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m) on July 7, but he will face a significant challenge in the Derby. With a lack of experience, with just four outings, and a relatively modest pedigree, Zulu Warrior is unlikely to repeat his winning form. Zulu Warrior’s best effort might be a mid-pack finish, but he is likely to be left behind by the more seasoned and talented contenders.

2. CROWN CHASER: (3 b c by Bern Identity – Salty Talk) – Surprised many with his strong second-place finish in the 10-furlong (2,000m) Jamaica St Leger on July 7, just 3 ½ lengths behind winner Intrestntimesahead. Crown Chaser’s come-from-behind style and ability to close the gap make him a competitive force in the Derby. With his recent performance, Crown Chaser has demonstrated the stamina and determination needed to contend for the top prize.

3. RUN JULIE RUN: (3 gr f by Successful Native – Runaway Julie) – Showed her guts with a third-place finish in the Jamaica St Leger, just 3 ¾ lengths behind the top two finishers. Despite being outdone by Intrestntimesahead’s late surge in deep stretch, she demonstrated her battling qualities and ability to stay with the leaders. With her strong finish and determination,
Run Julie Run is poised to deliver another impressive performance in the Derby. Her chances of winning are strong, especially if she can maintain her pace and find an opening in the stretch.

4. MACK AND ROME: (3 b c by Bold Conquest – Gold Miner) – Mack and Rome’s ninth-place finish in the St Leger by over 40 lengths was a disappointment, but he bounced back with a win on July 20 over 9 ½ furlongs (1,900m). However, facing the same runners again as he did in the St Leger, it is unlikely Mack and Rome will suddenly find the form to contend for the top prize. He’s a long shot at best.

5. KING PIYE: (3 ch c by Admiral Alex – Jamaican Pharoah) – King Piye’s 10th-place finish in the Jamaica St Leger by over 45 lengths was a dismal performance. Although he showed some improvement with a third-place finish behind
Mack and Rome on July 20, he is still not expected to make an impact in this race.

6. INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD: (3 b c by Bold Conquest – My Friend Lucy) – The one to beat. Intrestntimesahead’s dominant win in the Jamaica St Leger by 3 ½ lengths on July 7 marked a triumphant return to the top. He has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with, and his ability to adapt to any distance and conditions makes him the favourite for the Jamaica Derby. With his impressive training and reputation on the line,
Intrestntimesahead is poised to put on a show and leave the competition in his dust.

7. OIL MACHINE: (3 ch c by Bern Identity – Keep The Faith) – Oil Machine’s impressive over-20-length win on July 8 was an eye-catcher, but it is nothing to get too excited about. He didn’t face much competition that day, and against this talented field, he is unlikely to replicate that performance. Has no chance of winning.

8. CALIFORNIA CROWN: (3 ch c by Hedge Fund – Dream Big) – California Crown’s seventh-place finish in the St Leger was a surprised, and his limitations were exposed. He couldn’t respond when challenged by Intrestntimesahead and Run Julie Run, fading badly in the stretch. This doesn’t bode well for his chances in the 12-furlong Derby in which stamina is key.

9. PROVIDENT: (3 ch c by Sensational Slam – Dream Point) – Now this is a horse to watch. Provident’s late charge to finish fourth in the St Leger showcased his ground-covering abilities, and his breeding suggests he will excel over longer distances. Expect him to be a strong contender in the Derby, where he is likely to make another top-four finish. He’s a dark horse with a lot of potential.

10. BOLD MOVE: (3 b c by Sunshine N Shadow – Money Move) – Let’s be real,
Bold Move is out of his league here. He is only in the race for the thrill of it, and his chances of winning are slim to none.

11. CAPTAIN SPARROW: (3 b c by Savoy Stomp – Rackam’s Mistress) – Ran a decent race to finish fifth in the St Leger, but he had to work hard for it. He broke slowly and took his time to get into the race, but by the time he found his stride, the leaders were long gone. With further to travel in the Derby, Captain Sparrow might manage to improve his position by a place or two, but don’t expect him to be a major player.