The 7½-furlong Kingston Stakes on Saturday, May 9, 2026, produced a major upset when 13-1 outsider Stardom stormed late to take the win for trainer Gary Subratie and jockey Dane Dawkins.

Subratie stamped his authority on the pivotal prep for the upcoming three-year-old Classic season, sweeping the top three places as his runners finished 1-2-3.

The Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide reviews the outcome of The Kingston, presented in finishing order.

FIRST – STARDOM: A full brother to past derby winner Calculus, Stardom entered The Kingston off a modest sixth-place finish, 11 lengths adrift of We Jammin in the Prince Consort Stakes on April 11. Trainer Gary Subratie removed the tongue tie, and Dane Dawkins switched mounts from Salute The Don for the ride. Settled behind the leaders, Stardom hugged the rails before unleashing a late surge to edge Salute The Don by half a length. It was a career-defining breakthrough that revealed his pedigree potential. With only four starts under his belt, his scope for improvement is vast. His relish for longer trips makes him a prime contender for the one-mile 2000 Guineas, the 10-furlong St Leger, and the 12-furlong Jamaica Derby.

SECOND – SALUTE THE DON: This consistent chestnut colt has never finished worse than third in six career outings. Drawn widest in stall 10, he was expertly guided by Ian Spence to his preferred role at the front. Relaxed down the backstretch, he entered the straight still in command. Unlike previous efforts,
Salute The Don refused to fold, battling gamely until caught in the final strides. Though many analysts peg him as a sprinter, this performance suggests otherwise. Spence’s well-judged ride offers optimism ahead of the 2000 Guineas, where his resilience could prove decisive. A superb, hard-fought effort.

THIRD – GOD’S PLAN: The shock package of The Kingston. After lacklustre runs in the six-furlong Sir Howard Stakes, finishing sixth and beaten 13 lengths, and the seven-furlong Prince Consort Stakes, finishing eighth and beaten 12 lengths, God’s Plan produced probably a career-best to finish three lengths behind the winner. Prominent throughout, even disputing the lead with stablemate Salute The Don, he stayed on resolutely in the straight to secure third. If this is more than a one-off, God’s Plan could emerge as a genuine challenger in the 2000 Guineas.

FOURTH – SENOR BISCOTTI:
Senor Biscotti took a clear step forward in his ninth career start. After trailing by 12 lengths in the Prince Consort, he stayed on well in the final two furlongs here to finish five lengths behind Stardom. That level of improvement puts him firmly in the 2000 Guineas picture as a horse with both experience and upward momentum.

FIFTH – FERNANDO:
Fernando finished with purpose, making late headway through the straight to suggest the extra half-furlong of the 2000 Guineas will suit him better. He ended 7¼ lengths adrift of Stardom, but that gap isn’t beyond reach. With scope for further progress, it’s premature to write him off as a Classic contender.

SIXTH – WE JAMMIN: The We Jammin that turned up in The Kingston was a shadow of the colt who impressed in his four prior starts. He tracked the leaders early but offered none of his usual acceleration at the three-furlong pole. Empty in the straight, he faded tamely behind horses he’d previously beaten with ease. Whether this was just an off day or something deeper is unclear — more evidence is needed before any conclusions are drawn.

SEVENTH – THE MAESTRO: The Maestro ran to his current level and no more. He stayed in touch without ever threatening the principals, confirming that he remains outclassed against this grade for now.

EIGHTH – DASH ALL DAY: More was expected of this bay colt, but he failed to deliver on the day. Still, his overall ability suggests this eighth-place finish shouldn’t end his Classic hopes. With a better trip and sharper effort, he’s capable of bouncing back and making his presence felt next time.

NINTH – LONDON SPIRIT: Never showed up.

TENTH – BIGGER BOSS: Showed early speed but quickly folded, fading without resistance. A disappointing effort.

Trainer Gary Subratie with his charge Stardom (Dane Dawkins) after winning The Kingston on Saturday, May 9, 2026. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)