There are no certainties in the sport of horse racing. Living animals, changing track conditions, and unpredictable mid-race events create a high degree of chaos and chance. That is what makes this sport so beautiful, and brutal.

However, if there is anything closest to a surety in a game that is measured by speed, pace and endurance, it is The Prince’s Spur this afternoon in the $1.25-million Typewriter Trophy feature at Caymanas Park.

Trained by Rohan Crichton, the seven-year-old American-bred bay gelding made a bold statement on his local debut on September 5 in the Philip Feanny Gold Cup at seven furlongs (1,400m) and he made it against the very best.

Facing Jamaica’s reigning Horse of the Year, the mighty Rideallday, The Prince’s Spur did not come here to hide. He battled Pack Plays on the headline, went to the front navigating the half-mile, and had the entire racetrack buzzing. The Prince’s Spur opened up two and a half lengths entering the lane and only yielded late, fighting all the way to the wire to finish a gallant second by three parts of a length.

That was Graded Stakes company and today, he drops down from that Gold Cup level into Overnight Allowance class, this race on paper reads like a gift, a five-star banker.

The step up to seven and a half furlongs (1,500m) here presents zero issue for a horse of his calibre. He last won on January 15, at Gulfstream Park, taking a mile claiming race by five lengths in 1:38.2.

He has a cruising speed these can only dream about, and the extra half-furlong will only allow him to settle into that big, rhythmic stride. The Prince’s Spur does not need to be at his absolute peak to win this as these horses is not even close to half of his abilities.

Barring something completely chaotic happening in the stalls, expect the favourite to assume control early, get comfortable fractions on the front end, and from the half-mile pole, win as far as jockey Raddesh Roman cares to let him slide.

In a sport with no sure things, this is as close as it gets. The Prince’s Spur should win by a city block. Anything less will not be accepted. This will not be a race — it is going to be a coronation.

This contest is positioned as the eighth event on the nine-card with a post time of 4:50 pm. The first race is at 12:00 pm.

Behind the Prince, it’s a cavalry charge for the scraps. This year’s Jamaica Derby winner London Spirit, along with Unspun, Purosangue, Cookie Day N Night, and Mohanlal, should fight out the minor placings.

On form, none of them can live with The Prince’s Spur today, but the battle for second will be fierce, and for these connections, finishing second to a horse of that calibre will be a plus.

Whosoever gets up for second will have earned it.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Huntsman/Rani Bangala/Wayne’s Princess

Race 2) Solo Black/Himaya/Silent Cat

Race 3) Super David/Wall to Wall/Rockhampton

Race 4) Margarita/Never Despair/Prince Kazaire

Race 5) Starlight Princess/Hoofy Dee/GreyLighthing

Race 6) Everything Kris/Stina/Little Truthful

Race 7) Runaway Star/Secret Sensation/Baby Grey

Race 8) The Prince’s Star/Mohanlal/Purosangue

Race 9) Secret Mission/Never/Prince Daniel