The analysis of the Jamaica St Leger
THALITA, owned by Carlton Watson, trained by Jason DaCosta, and ridden by Reyan Lewis, won the 97th running of the Jamaica St Leger, the second jewel in the Triple Crown series of races, at Caymanas Park on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
Thalita stayed behind the pace for most of the 10-furlong (2,000m) battle before leaping to the top, entering the drive, and winning by a comfortable six lengths in a time of 2:11.0 (24.1 x 51.1 x 1:15.4 x 1:41.4).
Thalita is a three-year-old chestnut filly bred by Soul Warrior out of mare Luminous Trieste.
Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide analyses the outcome of the Jamaica St Leger in finishing order.
FIRST — THALITA: What a performance by this filly. Thalita comfortably out performed the top native-bred three-year-olds on the market (both fillies and colts). After finishing second to stablemate Mamma Mia in the 1000 Guineas it was believed that Thalita would struggle to win this race, especially with Mojito in the field. Thalita, on the other hand, delivered an unexpectedly devastating performance. Lewis waited, and when he made his way into the half-mile (800m) turn Thalita attacked and raced to her first Classic victory of the season. Thalita will be more at ease in the 12 furlong (2,400m) and, based on her performance in the St Leger, she will deliver if she stays healthy.
SECOND — MONEY MISER: His endeavour served as a reminder of his talent. Money Miser made the perfect move, came into the lane challenging for the lead but was caught off guard when Thalita accelerated in the final stages of the race, forcing him to settle for second place. Money Miser is likely to run another good race in the Jamaica Derby.
THIRD — PRINCESS SHARON: This bay filly was a pleasant surprise in the Jamaica St Leger. Princess Sharon set the pace for the most of the way before sprinting to the front of the pack as she approached the distance. Princess Sharon then gave way to the top two finishers in the final stretch but managed to finish third, demonstrating her talent. A serious contender for the fillies only Jamaica Oaks (ten furlongs).
FOURTH — RHYTHM BUZZ: Performed admirably in this race. Rhythm Buzz came charging through the finish line to get a piece of the pie. Rhythm Buzz, bred to cover ground, is scheduled to compete in the Jamaica Derby and do well.
FIFTH — MAMMA MIA: The winner of the 1,000 Guineas whose stamina limitations were revealed. Mamma Mia led the field throughout before tiring entering the lane, which does not bode well for her in the Jamaica Derby that will be raced over 12 furlongs (2,400m).
SIXTH — LIFE IS LIFE: He wasn’t a factor in the Jamaica St Leger, but he did walk away with some cash for his connections.
SEVENTH — HUNTSMAN: After winning by 16 lengths over 9 furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m), he entered the Jamaica St Leger as a serious contender but had his poorest race to date. Huntsman was close to the leading pack race and came with a challenge at the half-mile mark, but when the pressure was applied he had nothing to offer.
EIGHTH — MOJITO: With a five-race winning streak, he entered this event as the top three-year-old. Mojito was expected to be the next Triple Crown champion, but this never materialised. Mojito was in a striking position down the backstretch but as the half-mile mark approached he was left battling — and that was the end for him. He did not deserve to be ranked eighth. Despite his bad performance, he should not be disregarded in the future.
NINTH — KAI ON THE GO: Was outclassed.
TENTH — FROM SHEER TO BEN: Was never a winning factor.
ELEVENTH — SENSATIONAL MOVE: He was anticipated to perform considerably better but found the going difficult and was unable to handle the proceedings.
TWELFTH — ALL FOR LOVE: Not in this league.