Trainer Howard Jaghai believes racing fans have yet to see the best of his promising colt, Lockdown, who announced himself as a serious classic contender with a convincing win in the Mr Lover Lover Trophy at Caymanas Park on Saturday.

The three-year-old, who only began his racing career this year, delivered a powerful performance to take the nine furlongs and 25-yard contest under the guidance of former champion jockey Wesley Henry.

“I think it was a good performance from him,” said Jaghai. “But I don’t think the world has really seen how good he is yet. He’s been sparingly raced because he only started this year; his knees didn’t close properly as a two-year-old, so we had to give him time. We’re not where we want to be yet, in terms of experience, but he’s a very good horse.”

Lockdown is now being prepared for his biggest test yet — the prestigious St Leger in just under two weeks.

“He will be a classic contender and that is the goal,” Jaghai confirmed.

Jockey Wesley Henry, who reunited with Lockdown for Saturday’s feature event, echoed Jaghai’s confidence and praised the colt’s ability.

“Lockdown is a very nice horse,” said Henry. “The first time I rode him was in a four-furlong straight race. He actually finished first, but I lost it in the steward’s room because another horse came across and hit him out. But I knew from that performance that he had something special.”

Henry missed the ride in the 2000 Guineas due to another commitment, but made sure to get the leg-up for the Mr Lover Lover.

“I told the trainer to get me back on him for this race because I knew he was going to do good. He’s a very good horse; he can sprint, and he can stay. If you ask him to go, he’ll go. You just have to ride him patiently going two turns, and he’ll give you everything,” he said.

Henry is confident that Lockdown has the potential to shake up the remainder of the classic season.

“He’s big, he’s got stamina, and he can stay the journey. I believe he can be a very dangerous horse going forward,” he said.