Dothraki set to face tough competition in $2.5-million Port Royal Sprint
The Port Royal Sprint, a Graded Stakes event for three-year-olds and upward, is set to take place on Sunday, featuring a competitive field of horses, including four-year-old American-bred bay colt Dothraki, who is making his second start on local soil.
The winner of this six-furlong (1,200m) event will take home a purse of $2.5-million and secure an automatic entry into December’s Mouttet Mile, as it is one of the ‘Win and You’re In’ races.
The Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide provides an in-depth analysis of each runner and their chances of winning.
1. RIDEALLDAY (USA): (3 gr/rn c by Vekoma – Song of Hours) — One of the most talked-about horses in training, Rideallday is looking to return to winning ways after his five-race winning streak was halted by Legacy Isle in the Gold Cup. The colt is comfortable at this distance and has the pedigree to succeed, making him a top contender.
2. PACK PLAYS (USA): (4 dk b/br c by Stay Thirsty —Standard Deal) — Pack Plays ran a brave race to finish third behind Legacy Isle and Rideallday in the Gold Cup, demonstrating its ability to compete with top-class horses. Although facing tough competition, Pack Plays can still put on a show and potentially challenge for a place.
3. UNRULY MO (USA): (3 b c by Outwork – Snakeinthegrass) – Unruly Mo is considered an outsider, only included to test the waters, and is unlikely to make a significant impact.
4. MONEY MARKET: (5 b h by Successful Native – Soca Dancer) – Money Market is a consistent performer, but the competition appears too strong, and he is likely to be left behind.
5. GET A PEPSI: (6 ch h by Blue Pepsi Lodge — getupstandup) – Get A Pepsi seems out of its depth in this field, making him a tough horse to back.
6. DESERT OF MALIBU (USA): (6 ch m by Malibu Moon — Lady Digger) – Desert of Malibu showed nothing in the Gold Cup but has worked well coming into this event, suggesting she could desert a rival or two and run an improved race.
7. CALIFORNIA CROWN: (4 ch c by Hedge Fund – Dream Big) — California Crown is not expected to make an impact in this event, making him a long shot.
8. IS THAT A FACT (USA): (5 b h by Palace Malice – Valid Code) — Is That A Fact is unlikely to challenge for top honours.
9. DOTHRAKI (USA): (4 b c by Into Mischief – Vanquished) – Dothraki is the horse to beat, having made an impressive debut win over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m) in 1:05.4. With continued improvement and excellent training, Dothraki is expected to continue on the winning path and is the top pick for the Port Royal Sprint.
Rideallday (Ian Spence) wins the $1.25-million Bigman In Town Trophy on Saturday, July 19, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Desert of Malibu (Raddesh Roman) races to victory in the $2.5-million Port Royal Sprint on Saturday, November 9, 2024. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
