A thrilling battle is set to unfold in the 105th Jamaica Derby, the final Classic race of the season, as top contenders Burning Hedge (1000 Guineas winner), I Dream Again (St Leger winner), and Sensational Soul (2000 Guineas winner) face off in a quest for glory, setting the stage for a titanic clash, with each horse seeking to add another prestigious title to their collection and claim the coveted $7.5-million purse.

The Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide takes a closer look at the contenders and their chances of winning this 12 furlongs (2,400m) Futurity event for native-bred three-year-olds.

1. BURNING HEDGE: (3 ch f by Hedge Fund – Burning Clearance) – This filly has proven herself to be a formidable contender in the Jamaica Derby. Her third-place finish in the Jamaica St Leger, two lengths behind the top two finishers, showcases her battling qualities and ability to stay with the leaders. Despite being outdone by I Dream Again and Hansa (now retired),
Burning Hedge demonstrated her determination and strong finish. With her staying ability and impressive performance in the St Leger, Burning Hedge is poised to deliver another impressive performance in the derby. Her chances of winning are strong, and she’ll be looking to capitalise on her momentum from the St Leger.

2. UNCLE HARRY: (3 b c by Bern Identity – Long Running Train) – Despite being bred for distance, Uncle Harry lacks the class and talent to compete with the top horses. He’s safely ignored in this race, as his pedigree and form don’t suggest he’ll be a factor in the contest.

3. SECRET SENSATION: (3 ch c by Sensational Slam – Secret Cat) – Still a maiden after 11 starts, Secret Sensation is best left alone. His lack of success makes him an unlikely contender, and it’s hard to see him suddenly turning his form around to challenge the top horses.

4. NUCLEAR JET: (3 ch c by Bern Identity – Nuclear Force) – This colt has drawn attention with his performances, including a notable 14¾-length win over 7 furlongs. He’s expected to run well, but it’s uncertain if he can win the derby.
Nuclear Jet’s speed and talent are undeniable, but he’ll need to show he can maintain his form over the longer distance.

5. PRINCE ROY: (3 b c by Here Comes Ben – Princess Shine) – Prince Roy’s ninth-place finish in the St Leger by over 16 lengths was a disappointment. His recent form suggests he’ll continue to struggle, making him a less likely contender. Unless Prince Roy can suddenly turn his form around, it’s unlikely he’ll be a factor in the Jamaica Derby.

6. STRONG MIND: (3 b c by Casual Trick – Charming Beauty) – Strong Mind shows flashes of good runs, but consistency is an issue. He’s not a reliable choice for a winning run, and his form has been inconsistent. Unless he can suddenly turn his form around, it’s unlikely he’ll be a factor in the Jamaica Derby.

7. BENEISON: (3 b c by Sensational Slam – Benediction) – Beneison’s 12th-place finish in the St Leger was a disappointing performance. Although he showed some improvement with a second-place finish behind Bob The Builder, he’s still not expected to make an impact in this race. His lack of class and speed might count against him in a strong field.

8. MARK MY IDENTITY: (3 ch c by Bern Identity – Sweet Like Sugar) – Mark My Identity is a staying type of horse who seems to lack the class of the top runners. His best hope is for a minor placing, but he might struggle to keep up with the pace. Unless he can find an incredible ride and everything falls into place, he’s unlikely to threaten the top contenders.

9.BOB THE BUILDER: (3 b c Hedge Fund – Sound of Miracle) – Bob The Builder beat Beneison by a neck in their last encounter, but this doesn’t necessarily bode well for his chances in the Jamaica Derby. The quality of the competition in the derby is much stronger, and Bob The Builder might struggle to keep up. His form suggests he’s not at the level of the top contenders.

10. PRETTY PERFECT: (3 b f by Sensational Slam – Black Bomshell) – Pretty Perfect finished third in the Jamaica Oaks on Saturday, but it might be wise for her connections to consider skipping the Jamaica Derby.

11. I DREAM AGAIN: (3 b c by Soul Warrior – Lady Najariya) – I Dream Again’s dominant 1¾-length win in the Jamaica St Leger over 10 furlongs (2,000m) was impressive. He showed excellent tactical sense, sitting in the pace and making his move at the right time. Given his St Leger win, I Dream Again should easily handle the derby distance and is a strong contender to lead the field home.

12. COP CAR: (3 b c by Aveenu Malcainu – Supreme Magic) – Cop Car doesn’t seem to have the credentials to compete at this level. It’s best for him to stay home and target more suitable opportunities.

13. BIG BUZZ: (3 b c by Buzz Nightmare – Lady Tarkari) – Big Buzz has no realistic chance of winning the Jamaica Derby. His form and pedigree don’t suggest he’ll be a factor in the contest.

14. ALCHEMY OF SOULS: (3 gr c by Spieth – Emerald Belle) – Alchemy of Souls appears to be out of his depth in the Jamaica Derby. His lack of class and speed might count against him in a strong field.

15. SENSATIONAL SOUL: (3 ch c by Soul Warrior – Red Gold) – Sensational Soul finished a disappointing fourth in the St Leger. However, since then he has been training well and is ready for revenge. He is bred to get the distance of ground and with the Jamaica Derby just perfect, he can rebound with a win here.

Champion Jockey Raddesh Roman, riding Burning Hedge, wins the Guineas 1000 at Caymanas Park in St Catherine on Saturday June 7,2025 (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Sensational Soul (right), ridden by jockey Shane Ellis, is driven to victory in the 2000 Guineas ahead of Bob The Builder (Raddesh Roman) at Caymanas Park in St Catherine on Sunday, June 8, 2025. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)