ST LEGER SHOWDOWN
Burning Hedge, Sensational Soul lead strong field of 14 in Jamaica’s second Triple Crown jewel
The 2025 Jamaica St Leger, set to take place on Sunday, July 6, promises to be an exhilarating event in local horse racing. With a purse of $4.5 million and a challenging distance of 10 furlongs (2,000 metres), this prestigious race is expected to showcase the best of Jamaican thoroughbred racing.
As the second jewel in Jamaica’s esteemed Triple Crown series, the St Leger attracts top talent, and this year’s field of 14 runners is no exception. Leading the pack are two standout contenders: Burning Hedge, the 1000 Guineas heroine, and Sensational Soul, the 2000 Guineas winner. Both horses are gunning for Triple Crown glory and will face stiff competition from other talented runners.
The stage is set for a thrilling competition, with drama, determination, and history in the making. Who will cross the finish line first and claim the coveted title? The Jamaica St Leger is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience for racing enthusiasts.
The Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide takes a close look at each runner and their chances of winning.
1. BIG BUZZ: (3 b c by Buzz Nightmare – Lady Karkari) – Big Buzz doesn’t seem to have the necessary form or momentum to make a significant impact in this race. He’s not expected to feature prominently.
2. BENEISON: (3 b c by Sensational Slam – Benediction) – Beneison should be able to handle the distance of 10 furlongs, but he lacks the necessary spark to challenge the top contenders. He’s not expected to be a major threat.
3. BURNING HEDGE: (3 ch f by Hedge Fund – Burning Clearance) – Burning Hedge is a strong contender for the Jamaica St Leger. She impressed everyone with her performance in the 1000 Guineas, winning by 5 lengths. Her speed and ability suggest she can handle the longer distance and could be a force to be reckoned with.
4. SENSATIONAL SOUL: (3 ch c by Sensational Slam – Red Gold) – Sensational Soul is another top contender for the Jamaica St Leger. He showed his grit and determination in the 2000 Guineas, and his performance over longer distances suggests he could be a strong candidate for the Triple Crown.
5. LOCKDOWN: (3 ch c by Strikewhileitshot – Aria) – Lockdown is a dark horse in this race. He won easily over 9 furlongs and 25 yards, and if he can repeat his form, he could be a threat to the top contenders.
6. UNCLE HARRY: (3 b c by Bern Identity – Long Running Train) – Uncle Harry doesn’t seem to be ready to test the waters yet.
7. MIGHTY GULLY: (3 b f by Buzz Nightmare – Lady Exotic) – Mighty Gully finished 11 lengths third in the 1000 Guineas, and it’s unlikely she will improve significantly in this race.
8. PRINCE ROY: (3 b c by Here Comes Ben – Princess Shine) – Prince Roy finished 8th in the 2000 Guineas, but he has the ability to run an improved race. If he can tap into his potential, he could be a threat to the top contenders.
9. BOB THE BUILDER: (3 b c by Hedge Fund – Sound of Miracle) – Bob The Builder ran a brave race in the 2000 Guineas, and he could be a contender in this race. Expect another exciting run from him.
10. STRONG MIND: (3 b c by Casual Trick – Charming Beauty) – Strong Mind has some form and ability, but he lacks consistency. He could go home with a slice of the cake if he can put together a good performance.
11. I DREAM AGAIN: (3 b c by Soul Warrior – Lady Najarya) – I Dream Again finished third in the 2000 Guineas, and another good effort is expected.
12. PRETTY PERFECT: (3 b f by Sensational Slam – Black Bombshell) – Pretty Perfect is expected to be left behind in this race.
13. COP CAR: (3 b c by Aveenu Malcainu – Supreme Magic) – Cop Car has no realistic chance of winning this race. He lacks the necessary form and ability to compete with the top contenders.
14. HANSA: (3 b f by Successful Native – Cape) – Hansa is hard to recommend in this race. She lacks the necessary form and momentum to make a significant impact.