With the Sir Howard and Hotline stakes races marking the beginning of the ‘Road to the Triple Crown’ for native-bred three-year-olds, attention turns to the coveted $1.4-million Alexander Hamilton Memorial Trophy, with American-bred contender Commandant poised to make another impressive statement on local soil.

Commandant, who made a notable impression in his island debut last December with a third-place finish in the Mouttet Mile, has emerged as a one of the country’s promising runners.

His impressive seasonal debut on January 1 in a nine furlongs and 25 years (1,820m) event, where he led from start to finish, winning by 6 ¾ lengths in a time of 1:54.3, underscored his potential. With exceptional morning workouts under his belt, Commandant appears poised to deliver a standout performance.

The Rohan Crichton trainee worked five furlongs (1,000m) straight in 58.0 with four furlongs (800m) done in 45.1 on Saturday, March 1. He then galloped five and a half furlongs (1,100m) in 1:05.3 with the last five furlongs coming in 59.3 on Saturday, March 8. Those gallops alone suggest that Commandant should have an easy win here.

The Open Allowance event for three-year-olds and upward over seven furlongs (1,400m) is positioned as the ninth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 5:00 pm. First race is at 11:50 am.

Among the six rivals lining up against Commandant, Is That A Fact and Run Julie Run appear to be the most credible threats, poised to give chase and potentially challenge the favourite’s dominance.

Although Is That A Fact has not secured a win recently, he boasts exceptional talent and has been training well. A strong effort is anticipated from him in this contest.

This classy filly Run Julie Run enters the contest on the heels of two consecutive wins, including the Chairman’s Plate and the Miracle Man Cup. Her strong training and impressive form make her a real threat to Commandant.

Meanwhile, a talented field of seven colts and geldings will clash in the Sir Howard Stakes, while six fillies will vie for top honours in the Hotline Stakes. Both prestigious events carry a lucrative purse of $1.2 million and will be contested over six furlongs (1,200m).

Trainer Anthony “Baba” Nunes appears to hold a strong hand in the Sir Howard Stakes, boasting the top two contenders in the talented duo of Easy Money and Another One.

Easy Money’s winning debut on February 15 over 5 furlongs (1,000m) round was undoubtedly impressive. He demonstrated his prowess by defeating stablemate Brahma Bull by a length in 1:02.1. With a relatively light training regimen leading up to this event,
Easy Money is poised to contend for top honours.

However, on paper, Another One appears to be the horse to beat. His scintillating debut performance, where he triumphed by 8 lengths in a time of 59.0 on February 9, was truly remarkable. Another One has continued to impress in his morning workouts, and it’s likely that he’ll maintain his winning streak.

The Hotline Stakes is more an open race with more than half of the runners in with chances of winning.

Lady Babita’s impressive victory in the Eighty Thirty Sprint over 5 furlongs (1,000m) straight on February 1 showcases her exceptional class and talent. She is a strong contender for top honours in this event.

Despite a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes last December, Danka has trained exceptionally well for her seasonal debut. Her preparations suggest that she is poised to deliver an impressive performance.

Social Aviator’s remarkable debut win, where she came from far behind to triumph over 5 furlongs round on December 24, 2024, demonstrates her exceptional potential. The extended trip in this event is likely to suit her, and she may emerge victorious once again.

Enthusiasm’s winning debut over 4 furlongs (800m), where she edged out Honour Prince by ½ length in 47.2, highlights her notable talent. She is unlikely to encounter any difficulties at this trip and may secure another win.