California Crown, the progressive three-year-old bay colt by Hedge Fund out of Dream Big, continued his upward trajectory with a scintillating performance to capture the prestigious $1.25-million Trevor “Slicer” Simpson OD Trophy feature at Caymanas Park on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

Owned by Carlton Watson and trained by champion conditioner Jason DaCosta, the four-year-old chestnut colt produced a scintillating display of speed and power to win the Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward by an impressive three lengths.

Racing over five furlongs (1,000m) on the round course, California Crown clocked a respectable 1:00.2 (23.3 x 47.3), securing his second-consecutive victory this season from as many starts. California Crown’s victory was testament to the skill and expertise of DaCosta, who has been enjoying a successful start to the season.

With Robert Halledeen aboard, California Crown exploded out of the starting gates, seizing the lead and never relinquishing it. The chestnut colt dictated the pace, fending off early challenges from A Gift From Ben (Tajay Suckoo), Joy Is Golden (Ismael Velasquez), Talona (Youville Pinnock), and Sensational Move (Dane Dawkins) as they navigated the half-mile turn.

As the field entered the home stretch, California Crown accelerated, maintaining a commanding lead. Although Sensational Move launched a late bid, California Crown’s superiority told, and he crossed the wire an easy winner. Sensational Move took second, with Kem finishing third.

With this latest triumph, California Crown confirmed his status as one of the most exciting young prospects in local racing.

— Ruddy Allen