Princess Sharon hard to oppose in Jamaica Oaks Classic
The 84th staging of the Jamaica Oaks (Grade One) takes place tomorrow and 12 of the best native-bred three-year-old fillies will contest the 10-furlong (2,000m) Classic race.
The Futurity event will feature 1000 Guineas winner Mamma Mia and third-place finisher in the Jamaica St Leger, Princess Sharon, the two main contenders to take down the $3.75-million purse on offer.
Below is the analysis of the Jamaica Oaks Classic race.
1. MPRS LINKS: (3 b f by Admiral Alex – Brewedtoperfection) – Released the maiden tag on June 24 when beating Power From Above by a head over 7 furlongs (1,400m). MPRS Links completed the distance in a time of 1:30.3 which doesn’t say much against these. The Jason DaCosta trainee will find repeating an impossible task. Jerome Innis will ride.
2. ALL FOR LOVE: (3 ch f by Nuclear Wayne – Princess Sallema) – All For Love ran poorly in the Jamaica St Leger over 10 furlongs after coming third in the 1000 Guineas behind stablemates Mamma Mia and Thalita on June 3. All For Love is bred to cover a lot of ground and given that this is a filly’s lone race, she is predicted to run a much better race. Allen Maragh will be in the irons. Note: Visor on.
3. PRINCESS SHARON: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Princess Shine) – Ran an impressive race to finish third behind Thalita and stablemate Money Misery in the Jamaica St Leger over 10 furlongs (2,000m). It was Princess Sharon’s fourth career run in which she had made excellent progress against the finest in the St Leger and has done tremendously well. Princess Sharon would be the best finishing filly from the St Leger as Thalita chose the Jamaica Derby, making her the horse to defeat here. She is a versatile sort who can press the headline as well as coming off the pace and whatever she chooses, Princess Sharon is going to be difficult to beat. Tevin Foster replaces Youville Pinnock in the saddle.
4. MAMMA MIA: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Princess Greeta) – The most accomplished runner in the line-up with four career wins from nine starts and lifetime earnings of over $7.4 million. Mamma Mia, winner of the 1000 Guineas who placed fifth in the recent Jamaica St Leger after prompting the pace for most of the way. Mamma Mia should get this distance again and may put up a better fight because the race is limited to fillies only. Mamma Mia is expected to make a bold bid here. Phillip Parchment remains in the saddle.
5. POWEROFHERHIGHNESS: (3 b f by Key To Power – Herroyalhighness) – Released the maiden tag over one mile (1,600m) in 1:43.4 on July 22. This filly will try her best but it won’t be good enough among these. Bebeto Harvey replaces Anthony Thomas in the saddle.
6. BROWN SKIN GIRL: (3 ch f by Bold Quest – Girl Talk) – Looks the type of runner who is going to enjoy this trip. Brown Skin Girl should run an honest race here. Leading rider Reyan Lewis will do the honours.
7. POWER FROM ABOVE: (3 ch f by Key To Power – Blufield) – Found her groove on her third career start when beating rivals going 9 1/2 furlongs (1,900m) on July 8. Power From Above has the distinction of being the only filly in the line-up to win going two turns. Although she may have lacked the class of the top two runners in the field, Power From Above will surely make her presence felt throughout the race and may go home with a slice of the cake here. Champion jockey Dane Dawkins replaces Tevin Foster in the irons.
8. ESSENTIAL QUALITY: (3 ch f by Sensational Slam – Texas Missy) – Holding her in her races but against these she is going to be left behind. Javaniel Patterson will ride.