THE stage is set for an unforgettable day of thoroughbred racing as the best of Jamaican talent gather for the Jamaica St Leger Classic on Sunday. With a lucrative purse of $4.5 million and a challenging distance of 10 furlongs (2,000 metres), this esteemed event promises to deliver drama, determination, and history in the making.

As the second jewel in Jamaica’s esteemed Triple Crown series the Jamaica St Leger attracts top talent — and this year’s field of 14 runners is no exception. Among the 14 talented runners, two standout contenders have emerged as the favourites to win. Burning Hedge, the 1000 Guineas heroine, is looking to continue her winning ways and make a strong bid for the Triple Crown. Her impressive performance in the 1000 Guineas has earned her a reputation as a force to be reckoned with, and she’s determined to prove herself once again.

Sensational Soul, the 2000 Guineas winner, is another top contender looking to claim the St Leger title. With his grit and determination he’s shown himself to be a formidable opponent, and his connections are confident he can rise to the challenge of the longer distance.

But they’re not the only ones with aspirations of victory. Lockdown, a dark horse with an impressive win over nine furlongs and 25 yards, could cause an upset if he repeats his form. I Dream Again, who finished third in the 2000 Guineas, is expected to put up another good effort, while Bob The Builder, who ran a brave race in the Guineas, could also be a contender in this event.

When the horses take to the track, the tension will build and the crowd will hold its collective breath. Who will emerge victorious and claim the coveted title? The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown, and only time will tell which horse will cross the finishing line first. One thing is certain, though – it will be a thrilling competition that will leave racing enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.

The Futurity contest for native-bred three-year-olds is positioned as the ninth and final race of the day with a post time of 5:45 pm. The first race is at 12:15 pm.

Burning Hedge — bred, owned, and trained by Carl Anderson — impressed everyone with her performance in the 1000 Guineas over one mile (1,600m) on June 7, winning by five and three quarter lengths in a smooth time of 1:41.3. Her speed and ability suggest she can handle the longer distance of the St Leger, and her final rattle in deep stretch could take her home. Champion jockey Raddesh Roman remains in the saddle at weight of 55.0kgs (121 lb).

Burning Hedge appears to be in top form heading into the St Leger, with a well-judged preparation. After a relaxed gallop of six furlongs (1,200m) in 1:18.0 on June 21, she stepped up her work a week later, impressively clocking five furlongs (1,000m) out of the straight in 1:00.0, with the last four furlongs (800m) completed in 47.1 seconds. This suggests she’s got the speed and endurance to tackle the 10-furlong distance, and she’s looking like a serious contender for the title.

The Gary Subratie-conditioned Sensational Soul (Sensational Slam – Red Gold) showed his grit and determination in the 2000 Guineas when winning the one-mile event by three quarters of a length ahead of Bob The Builder in 1:42.4 on June 8. His performance over longer distances suggests he could be a strong candidate for the Triple Crown.

Sensational Soul’s preparation for the St Leger looks solid, with two impressive gallops under his belt. He clocked 1:34.0 for seven furlongs on June 22, followed by a slightly faster effort a week later, galloping the same distance in 1:31.2. These times suggest he’s in good shape and has the fitness to tackle the 10-furlong distance of the St Leger.

In addition to Lockdown, I Dream Again, and Bob The Builder, the other horses in the race are Big Buzz, Beneison, Uncle Harry, Mighty Gully, Prince Roy, Strong Mind, Pretty Perfect, Cop Car, and Hansa.

Ones to watch:

Race 1)
Dreamer’s Corner/Dutchess/Good Conscience

Race 2)
Alkebulan/Noble Sovereign/Sensational Gift

Race 3)
Lady Katghara/Blinding Light/Badda Dan Covid

Race 4)
Jaguar/Basilicus/Bugatti

Race 5)
Shaomithebutcher/The Real Identity/Always Wright

Race 6)
Global Machine/Cherry Blossom/Never

Race 7)
Blue Vinyl/Atlantic Convoy/Rainsville

Race 8)
He’s Sensational/Star Quest/Mineola

Race 9)
Sensational Soul/Burning Hedge/Bob The Builder