MS Cherry, a talented and versatile four-year-old bay filly bred by Sensational Slam out of the Zanjero mare Fifityshadesofgray, made a resounding statement in her 2025 racing debut, capturing the $780,000 OTB Appreciation Trophy at Caymanas Park on January 11.

This decisive victory marked a remarkable turnaround from her 2024 season when she secured only one win from eight starts, often showing glimpses of brilliance but struggling to find consistency.

Ms Cherry, who is a half-sister to stablemate and former 2000 Guineas winner Mojito, won the Restricted Allowance IV contest for native-bred four-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) and imported four-year-olds and upward (non-winners of two) over seven furlongs (1,400m) by 2¾ lengths.

Under the expert guidance of Panamanian jockey Ismael Velasquez and Hall-of-Fame trainer Richard Azan,
Ms Cherry showcased her impressive speed, agility, and tactical prowess. After a good start she broke well with the leaders but was taken off the pace and settled in fourth place down the backstretch, biding her time and conserving energy as Princess Akilah (Romario Spencer), Queen of Soul (Omar Walker) vied for the early lead with Zulu Princess (Tevin Foster) racing in third place.

As the field approached the half-mile turn Velasquez made a decisive move, expertly manoeuvring
Ms Cherry to the front of the pack. Once in the lead, the filly pulled away from her rivals with ease, her powerful strides devouring the ground as she crossed the finishing line easily ahead of the field.

The winning time of 1:28.1 was respectable, and Ms Cherry’s dominant performance left no doubt about her potential for success in the upcoming racing season. Zulu Warrior finished second, with J Spieth (Raddesh Roman) taking third place in a competitive field.