Fit to Fire, California Crown lock horns in Vassell ‘Jolly Man’ Najair Trophy
The $1.25-million Vassell “Jolly Man” Najair Memorial Trophy is the feature race on Sunday, October 18, 2026. The threeyear-old and upward Overnight Allowance contest over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m) has attracted a field of 12 runners.
The Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide
takes a close look at the runners and their chances of winning.
1. MOHANLAL: (3 b c by Casual Trick – Raise Your Voice) – A talented youngster, but this sharp sprint against seasoned campaigners may prove too much too soon. Likely to be outsped early and left with too much to do.
2. FIT TO FIRE (USA): (4 dk b/br g by Khazon – Pretty Miss Kitty) – One of the leading contenders. Was an excellent second behind Of A Revolution over 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m) on local debut September 26. Has trained well since that eye-catcher and with race fitness on his side now, he is expected to go very close. Big player.
3. WALL STREET TRADER (USA): (7 dk b/br g by Vancouver – Selva) – Mr Consistency at this level. Rarely runs a bad race and always seems to find a spot in the superfecta. Will be doing his best work late and should be in the mix for a share.
4. COMMANDER Z (USA): (5 ch h by Khazon – WonTwo) – Honest and tries hard, but finds winning difficult. Should run respectably without posing a serious threat to the principals.
5. CALIFORNIA CROWN: (5 ch h by Hedge Fund – Dream Big) – The one to beat. Drops in class after holding his own against tougher opposition. Has the tactical speed to lead or sit just off the pace and over this 5 ½ furlongs trip, he will take a lot of catching. Clear favourite.
6. SHE’S THAT GIRL: (5 ch m by Sensational Slam – Palace Gold) – The likely pacesetter. Blessed with raw speed and will ensure the fractions are honest. The concern is whether she can see it out to the wire, as she has tended to fade inside the final furlong.
7. COOLER KING (USA): (6 b h by Uncaptured – Copperelle) –Does not look ready to be competitive in a field of this depth.
8. UNSPUN (USA): (4 dk b/ br c by Spun to Run – U Needa Ride) – Form does not inspire confidence. Needs to show much more to be considered.
9. ABREATHOFFRESHAIR: (5 b h by Perfect Curlin – City Flight) – Up against it here. Has shown little in recent outings to suggest he can upset this field.
10. BULLETPROOFCOFFEE (USA): (6 b m by He Be Fire N Ice – Plan A Surprise) – Can be safely bypassed on current form.
11. DIESEL TRAIN (USA): (4 b g by Paynter – Mammee Bay) – Brings strong form lines. Was second behind record-holder Phenomenal Power over 7 ½ furlongs in a blistering time on July 4. The cutback to 5 ½ furlongs should not be an issue for this classy gelding and he must be respected.
12. DIVINE FORCE (USA): (6 b h by Alternation – Dance America) – Drawn wide and has been struggling to get competitive. Expected to be left behind.
Fit to Fire
