Crown Chaser, trained by Anthony Nunes, looks set to bounce back from a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Jamaica Cup with a win in today’s $1.25-million Will In Charge Trophy feature at Caymanas Park.

The 2024 Jamaica Derby winner, Crown Chaser, has been working impressively in recent workouts, galloping five and a half furlongs (1,100m) in 1:09.4, with five furlongs (1,000m) done in 1:03.0 on Sunday, December 14 alongside stablemate Captain Sparrow (1:09.1 x 1:02.2).

After two consecutive wins leading up to the Jamaica Cup, Crown Chaser was expected to challenge over nine and a half furlongs (1,900m) but faltered, finishing 15 lengths behind the winner. However, a drop in class and a return to a more suitable distance could be just what the doctor ordered for Nunes’ charge.

Riding high on his strong preparation, Crown Chaser will be banking on jockey Dane “Warrior Chief” Nelson to guide him to victory. Nelson, known for his tactical prowess, will look to use his experience to get the best out of the Bern Identity– Salty Talk offspring, Crown Chaser.

The Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over one mile (1,600m) is positioned as the ninth and final event on the card, with a post time of 5:05 pm, with the first race at 12 noon.

Mark My Identity and Intrestntimesahead are poised to give Crown Chaser a run for his money. Mark My Identity, one of the top three-year-olds of the season, has been on a roll, winning three consecutive races after a slow start to the season. Despite moving up in class, his consistent performances and proven track record make him a formidable contender.

Intrestntimesahead, on the other hand, is looking to recapture his form after a relatively quiet season. The 2024 Jamaica St Leger winner has struggled to replicate his success, winning just once from eight starts this season, but a drop in class and a return to a more suitable distance could be the catalyst for a resurgence. His speed and talent make him a dark horse in this contest.

Rainsville, Brenda Boy, and Provident are also expected to play prominent roles, adding to the intrigue.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) The Real Identity/I Realise/Brinks

Race 2) Rock-Ola/Chesney/Successful Man

Race 3) You’re My Sweetie/Life is Light/Fortunate Blessing

Race 4) Wicked Cassie/Unruly Don/Oro Oro

Race 5) Undisclosdloctaion/Restoration/Heiroffire

Race 6) Miss Hylton/Sine For Me/Stein

Race 7) Taylor Made/Giving Thanks/My Friend Micki

Race 8) Brahma Bull/Slam Sharp/Cut Out

Race 9) Crown Chaser/Mark My Identity/Intrestntimesahead