CAPTAIN Sparrow, conditioned by Anthony “Baba” Nunes, is poised to dominate this afternoon’s $1.19-million United Racehorse Trainers’ Association of Jamaica (URTAJ) Trophy feature race, thanks to the suitable conditions and distance which are expected to play perfectly to his running style.

The nine-furlong, 25-yard (1,820 metres) event attracts 10 thoroughbreds — including imported three-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three), and native-bred three-year-olds and four-year-olds (non-winners of four).

Although Captain Sparrow, as the overwhelming favourite, disappointed in the Winston Griffiths Classic on September 8, his previous performance in the Jamaica Derby on August 6 suggests he has the class to dominate this field.

Finishing just a length in third place behind stablemate Crown Chaser and filly
Run Julie Run in the 12-furlong (2,400m) event, Captain Sparrow is poised to utilise his skills to outpace the competition here.

With his proven ability, Captain Sparrow is the prime candidate to claim top place. The three-year-old bay colt has worked well coming into this race, having gone 1:15.1 for six furlongs (1,200m) on November 10. Prior to that, Captain Sparrow had worked seven furlongs (1,400m) in a smooth 1:28.2 on November 4, indicating that he is ready to go. Six-time champion jockey Omar “Hot” Walker will ride.

While the stage is set for a Captain Sparrow show, the Savoy Stomp offspring confronts formidable challengers in American-bred Sheer Delight and Mack and Rome. Sheer Delight’s speed and agility could prove a challenge, while Mack and Rome’s endurance may test Captain Sparrow’s stamina.

The Restricted Stakes contest is positioned as the 10th and final race on the day, with a post time of 5:00 pm. First race is set for 11:30 am.

Sheer Delight, trained by Donovan Hutchinson, is one of six foreigners in the island for next month’s Mouttet Mile. The three-year-old dark bay colt has already raced two times on local soil so far and has finished in third place on both occasions.
Sheer Delight is a potential winner. Christopher Mamdeen will ride.

The Saglain Roman-trained Mack and Rome has won three races from 10 career starts, and all of those wins have come going two turns. He made one move to win at distance on October 20, clocking a fast 1:56.1. If he can reproduce that effort then Mack and Rome can surely win. Panamanian Dick Cardenas has been called upon to do riding duites.

— Ruddy Allen

Ones to watch

Race 1)
Expeditious/Pharoah It Is/Pro Johnny

Race 2)
General Chief/Sneaky Joe/Blue Sky

Race 3)
Rock-Ola/Blood Moon/Sea Place

Race 4)
Secret Sensation/Althia/Mr Lowe

Race 5)
Will The Conquerer/From Sheer To Ben/Baton Rouge

Race 6)
Jet Ski Girl/Beautiful Moon/Bernelle

Race 7)
Manny Slam/Maggie’s Trix/Epic

Race 8)
Sir John/Nakamura/Great Trick

Race 9)
Irish Wish/Pope’s Lady/Midnight Galaxy

Race 10)
Captain Sparrow/Sheer
Delight/Mack and Rome