THE final phase of the Road to the Triple Crown series is set to electrify the racing scene this afternoon with The Kingston and The Portmore stakes races promising to deliver high-octane action. Native-bred three-year-olds will clash in the two separate Graded Stakes events, each offering a purse of $4 million.

In The Kingston, which is confined to colts and geldings, 11 talented runners are set to compete over seven and a half furlongs (1,500m), with Runaway Star favoured to take the top spot. Runaway Star has been impressive in its recent outings, showcasing speed and stamina that could prove decisive in the contest. However, the competition is expected to be fierce, with other contenders looking to upset the favourite’s plans.

In The Portmore, 13 fillies are to battle over the same distance, with Burning Hedge tipped as the favourite. Burning Hedge has demonstrated exceptional form, and her pedigree suggests she has the potential to excel in this event. Yet, the fillies field is deep, and several runners could mount a serious challenge to Burning Hedge’s dominance.

These two events mark a crucial milestone in the Road to the Triple Crown series, showcasing the best of Jamaica’s native-bred talent. The stakes are high, and the competition is expected to be intense, with each runner looking to make its mark and claim the coveted prizes.

The Kingston is positioned as the eighth event with a post time of 4:55 pm while The Portmore is the ninth and final race of the day with a post time of 5:35 pm. First race is at 12:15 pm.

Runaway Star, trained by Jason DaCosta, produced a strong performance the Prince Consort Stakes to win but was disqualified due to causing interference and intimidation to promoted winner Honour Prince. With Honour Prince not participating, Runaway Star might have a clear path to victory. His form and training suggest he is the top contender here.

Sensational Soul, I Dream Again, and Mark My Identity could put in strong bids for second place here.

Burning Hedge was expected to run better than her seventh-place finish in the recent Thornbird Stakes. Trained well, and if she reproduces her last December form in the eight-furlong (1,600m) Jamaica Two-Year Stakes, The Portmore race should be a stroll in the park for her.

Social Aviator and Danka look to be her two threats here.

Ones to watch:

Race 1)
The Hot Dancer/Princess Ifiyah/Princess Akilah

Race 2)
H Two O/Bowmore/Miss Grove

Race 3)
Speed on Wheels/ButterCup/Princess Cataleya

Race 4)
Lucy in the Sky/Storm/Conundrum

Race 5)
Iannai Links/Zion’s Princess/Genealogy

Race 6)
Woman In Love/Queen Latepha/Miss Braeton

Race 7)
Final Load/Lion Charmer/Bernard De Quik

Race 8)
Runaway Star/Mark My Identity/Sensational Soul

Race 9)
Burning Hedge/Social Aviator/Danka