As jockey Shane “Canter Man’ Ellis guided Sensational Soul to victory in The Kingston on Sunday, May 4, 2025, the crowd erupted in cheers, and Ellis couldn’t help but feel a sense of confidence in his mount’s abilities.

The Graded Stakes race for native-bred three-year-old colts and geldings was the final leg on the ‘Road to the Triple Crown’ series of races. Sensational Soul came from behind runners to beat Runaway Star (Raddesh Roman) by ½ length over 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m). Owned by Chevan Maharaj and trained by Gary Subratie, Sensational Soul won in a time 1:35.1 (24.1 x 47.3 x 1:14.4 x 1:28.2).

After the race, Ellis shared his thoughts on the thrilling experience, his eyes still shining with excitement.

“His preparation coming into the race was good,” Ellis said, praising the trainer’s fine work.

“The trainer did a fine job with Sensational Soul, and I couldn’t complain about his readiness. He missed the Prince Consort Stakes the other day due to issues, and the trainer sorted it out, and so we were focusing on this race and then the 2000 Guineas, and so far, everything is good,” Ellis told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

Ellis wasn’t worried at any point during the race. Instead, he focused on who he would beat, his mind racing with strategy.

“I wasn’t worried at any point during the race, all I was thinking was that who I am going to beat in the race, whether it was the leader or one of Jason’s [DaCosta] horses,” Ellis said.

Leaving the three-furlong (600m) point as Runaway Star tried to steal the march on the field, Ellis found himself pinned down on the inside and that’s when he spotted Wesley Henry aboard Bromtpon Boy riding nearby.

“The leader seemed as if he was comfortable, and so it was him I was stalking. Leaving the three-furlong point, I was kind of pinned down on the inside, and who was on my outside was my brother Wesley Henry, and I said, ‘Greens, ease off me a little bit because your horse is dead’,” Ellis recalled with a chuckle.

Henry obliged, easing off and allowing Ellis to manoeuvre on Sensational Soul. As Ellis navigated the field, he noticed Robert Halledeen aboard I Dream Again closing in. However, Ellis wasn’t concerned.

“And so he kind of eased off me a bit, and here comes Robert Halledeen aboard I Dream Again, but he wasn’t any threat,” Ellis said confidently.

In the final stretch, Ellis made his move, targeting Runaway Star. He didn’t want to alert Roman Raddesh’s jockey, so he made a stealthy pass.

“As I keep on hunting Runaway Star, going for Runaway Star, I didn’t make any noise because I didn’t want Roman to come and lick me down, and so I just screechy past him like a thief in the night,” Ellis said, grinning from ear to ear.

Ellis believes Sensational Soul is poised for success in the 2000 Guineas.

“If he beat them going 7 ½ furlongs, I know that he can stay more than them. With that said, they cannot beat him in the 2000 Guineas either,” the confidence in Ellis’ voice was palpable, and it was clear that he and Sensational Soul is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Guineas.