The Prince’s Spur to reign in Jamaica Cup
The Rohan Crichton-conditioned The Prince’s Spur (United States) sent a chilling warning to the entire compound on September 27, 2026, and on the strength of that performance, he is the one to beat in this afternoon’s $6-million Jamaica Cup over 9 and a half furlongs (1,900m).
Turning the Typewriter Trophy over 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m) into a one-horse exhibition, the seven-year-old dictated from the front and powered home by 14 ½ lengths in 1:30.1 — just a couple of ticks off the track record of 1:29.0.
If he reproduces that level of dominance over a trip that suits him even better, he will take all the beating. The Prince’s Spur is tipped to win.
His biggest threat is Anthony Nunes’ Barnaby, who was equally ruthless a day earlier in the Distinctly Irish Trophy on September 26. Over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) Barnaby brushed his rivals aside with disdain, drawing off to win by an ever-increasing 28 lengths in a slick 1:54.3. The further they go, the better he gets, and he must be respected as a major danger.
The contest is positioned as the ninth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 4:45 pm. First post is at 11:30 am.
The defending champion Mojito returns. The Richard Azan trainee was brilliant to win this race 12 months ago, beating Girvano. However, it is hard to see him repeating.
London Spirit, this year’s Jamaica Derby winner, is talented but faces a much stiffer assignment against seasoned older horses and may find it tough.
Former Horse of the Year Funccandun continues to hold his form well and has trained pleasingly, but toppling the leading contenders looks a tall order.
The remainder appear out of their depth. Purosangue faces a steep rise in class and holds no realistic winning chance, Teflon Don is out of his depth at this level, while Girvano is best watched for a minor share at most.
Meanwhile, the Adrian Prince’s Supernatural Power and Phenomenal Power are favoured to win the $1-million St Elizabeth Distaff and the $2.5-million Port Royal Sprint.
Ones to watch
Race 1) Indestructible/Rejected Raja/Generational
Race 2) Mr Lee/legal Fight/All Together
Race 3) Mack and Rome/Chocomo/Shooting Star
Race 4) Confidence Is High/Good Conscience/Lauren’s Secret
Race 5) Big Argument/Dodge This Link/Kissmet
Race 6) Hendrix/Chizzy D/Call Her Norray
Race 7) Supernatural Power/Dream Catcher/Linguist
Race 8) Phenomenal Power/Nautical Star/Of A Revolution
Race 9) The Prince’s Spur/Barnaby/Girvano
Race 10) Walk The Plank/God’s Plan/Rockhampton
