Champion trainer Jason DaCosta believes his charge Pepper Stepper has the raw tools to become an A1 sprinter once the American-bred three-year-old bay colt gains more experience.

DaCosta’s confidence got a major boost on Saturday, September 5, 2026 when Pepper Stepper made it look easy in the $1.19-million Restricted Stakes at Caymanas Park.

Ridden by Robert Halledeen, the colt made one telling move to win the contest for imported three-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three), native-bred three-year-olds, and native-bred four-year-olds (non-winners of four) over 5 furlongs (1,000m) on the round course by 3¼ lengths.

McMullen (Reyan Lewis) was second, with Midnight Traveller (Garvin Harris) third. The winning time for the race was a smooth 59.2, with splits of 23.3 x 46.4. It was Pepper Stepper’s third win from just six career starts on local soil.

DaCosta was full of praise after the race.

“I felt good about the win. This horse has tons of scope,” DaCosta told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

Trainer Jason DaCosta (left) and jockey Robert Halledeen watch the replay of Pepper Stepper winning on Saturday, September 5, 2026. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

“I think when he actually figures it out, he’s probably going to be an A1 sprinter. So far, he’s given us our indication that he’s a sprinter, but as I say, I have high hopes for him, and I think he’ll reach the top grade with time,” he further said.

DaCosta said the improvement is already showing.

“He’s run six times now, and this is his third win. He’s improving, and you know he has so much talent. He has raw talent. I think it’s just a matter of him figuring it out, and he’ll be a dangerous horse,” DaCosta stated.

Pepper Stepper was hustled to the front from the break and never looked back. He led McMullen (Reyan Lewis), The Leviticus (Demar Williams), and Taylor Made (Abigail Able) into the half-mile (800m) turn.

As the field approached the distance, Halledeen let Pepper Stepper roll. He upped the tempo, turned for home with a comfortable lead, and kept to his task in deep stretch to win pretty much easy in the end.