Run as race seven at the traditional distance of eight furlongs, performances in the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes is generally a reliable indicator of the future class of the juveniles that do well in this event and it is not expected to be different on this occasion.

Having spoken to a principal breeder, I was informed it was hardly surprising there were only six juveniles, two colts and four fillies, thought capable of competing successfully in this featured event. This was the worst annual yield in history with less than 160 foals coming from breeding sheds of 2023. This is naturally causative of the small field, still, according to my informant, there was an improvement in 2024.

At the break from the gates, it was sprint-conformed colt Strong Mind (6-1), who as expected made the early running effortlessly whilst Hazelnut was the least alert. Pursued by Lovisa (8-5) and Burning Hedge, Strong Mind had his stamina limitation exposed ruthlessly from 300 metres out.From the top of the home stretch Burning Hedge (7-2) quickened considerably and sprinted clear entering the final furlong to score by over eight lengths. Veteran conditioner Carl Anderson, who bred and retained ownership of the filly, takes considerable credit for the progressive form of Burning Hedge.

Run at 1,400 metres, race one on the popular race day was won by 7-5 favourite Sir John, coming home just over five lengths ahead with Javaniel Patterson at the reins for trainer Edward Walker. Whilst the five-and-a-half-furlong race two was gifted to the connections of 1-2 bet and near four-length winner Storm Valley entered by Ryan Darby.

The winner of Storm Valley, 2024 title-chasing Tevin Foster, had no further success after joining chief protagonist Raddesh Roman on 129 wins. In fact, he saw things unfold differently for his rival who responded with a three-timer. After evens favourite
Toronado Steel (Shane Richardson) scored in the six-furlong race three for trainer Khary Tucker, Roman won race four with Oral Hayden-owned and trained Unruly Boss (3-5) scoring by over four lengths at end of the six-furlong trip.

In race five, Roman for a double, inflicted further pain on the Tevin Foster fan club with the 9-5 bet Indestructible. The three-year-colt, declared by Phillip Elliot, led and never looked likely to be caught at any stage of straight gallop over five furlongs in delivering a two-length victory margin.

Fearless Force (1-1), saddled by Phillip Feanny, scored by one and half lengths in the six-furlong race eight to confirm Roman’s three-timer to be at 132 over Foster’s 129. This was to prove almost decisive in his bid for the 2024 titleeach having securedseven and eight mounts respectivelyon the final day.

Race six went to Ridge Liner (Larris Allen) prepared by Dale Murphy to win the five-furlong straight event by just over two lengths at odds of 5-1. Even money favourite
Bulletproofcoffee (USA) won race nine, run at five furlongs straight,by nearly 13 lengths with former five-time champion Trevor Simpson aboard for trainer Owen Sharpe.

Then in the ninth and closing event the good form of trainer Gary Subratie continued with
Digital One (USA), considerably undermatched as well, winning by nearly 10 lengths over the six and a half furlongs at off 3-5. Dane Dawkins only required an economy of effort in the saddle as the US-import continue to win with hugely advantageous weight allotments.

It is taking too long for the hierarchy of the URTAJ and the TOBA to realise that this hopelessly flawed racing product cannot deliver purse increases with over 40 per cent odds-on favourite each race day. The United States Jockey Club is now aware that in the last three decades, having lost over 50 per cent of races and 60 per cent of the annual crop of foals is moving to the handicapping of the horse population after 96 years. When will the 33-year mimicking of the US error by the local architects and supporters of theJamaica claiming systemend in an admission it has failed here as well?

The Training Feat Award is presented Dale Murphy for presenting lightly-raced Ridge Liner in winning condition to prevail in a competitive field. Difficult to keep fit, Ridge Liner delivered the Best Winning Gallop with Larris Allen deserving of the Jockeyship Award.