Salute The Don poised for a winning run in Wayne daCosta Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes
...stablemates Tia Maria, Fernando are the main threats
The Wayne daCosta Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes takes centre stage at Caymanas Park today, with 12 talented juveniles going head to head in the Futurity event over one mile (1,600m) for a staggering $4-million purse.
The stakes are high, the competition is fierce, and the anticipation is building. Who will emerge victorious? The
Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide has got the inside scoop, taking a closer look at each runner’s chances of taking home the top prize.
1.
SALUTE THE DON: (2 ch c by Aveenu Malcainu – Abicadabby) – Looks the one to beat on paper. Salute The Don has won once and placed second behind the ultra-talented Sir Don from two starts this season. He has been training phenomenally well coming into this race. With nothing as strong as Sir Don in the field, Salute The Don is poised to take the top spot. His second-place finish came 13¾ lengths behind Sir Don over 7 furlongs (1,400m) on November 29, showcasing his class.
2.
MIDNIGHT TRAVELLER : (2 ch f by Aveenu Malcainu – Esperanza) – Not expected to make a mark in this race. Note: Tongue-tie on.
3.
LONDON SPIRIT : (2 b c by Bern Identity – Blufield) – Still looking for that first win; likely to exit a maiden. No wins from two starts this season.
4. WE JAMMIN: (2 ch c by Bern Identity – Jammin) – Fighting winner last time, but a repeat might be a stretch.
We Jammin is not expected to repeat his winning performance.
5.
TIA MARIA : (2 ch f by Bold Conquest – Zacapa) – Turning things around, Tia Maria got it right the fourth time of asking, winning over 6 furlongs (1,200m) in 1:16.2 and looks sharp at exercise as well. Perfect distance, big threat, Tia Maria could challenge for top honours here.
6.
GOD’S PLAN : (2 ch c by Aveenu Malcainu – Fearless Abi) – Finished fourth behind strong competition; tough to see a win here. With Salute The Don, Tia Maria, and Fernando present, God’s Plan chances are slim.
7.
FERNANDO : (2 ch c by Successful Native – Dancing Queen ) – Looks better than ever. Fernando finished third behind Sir Don and Salute The Don on November 29. He has been training well coming into this race and with Dane Nelson in the saddle, Fernando could win despite Salute The Don’s presence.
8.
SENOR BISCOTTI: (2 b c by Savoy The Stomp – Baby P) – No chance of winning. Note: Blinkers on.
9.
BIGGER BOSS : (2 b c by Bern Identity – Woman Is Boss) – Another one likely to exit winless. Note: First-time Lasix.
10.
PROSERITY SEN : (2 b c by Aveenu Malcainu – Sencity) – Not a factor in this race. Note: First-time Lasix.
11.
DARWIN : (2 b c by Casual Trick – Cape ) – Will struggle to keep up. Note: Tongue-tie on and first-time Lasix.
12.
FIDELITY : (2 b g by Bern Identity – Hush My Darling) – Capable runner with a record-breaking win over 4½ furlongs (900m) in 53.0 on October 25. Fidelity has worked well coming into this race and is expected to run well also. Note: Figure-8 on and first-time Lasix.

