KINGSTON, Jamaica - The time is nigh. The historic 100th Jamaica Derby is just a day away and all the necessary preparations are over and done with and it is now time for the race to begin and for other names to be added to the scroll of honour that befits all Derby winners.
Twelve furlongs, which is the distance of the Derby, is the longest race on the local racing calendar.
Stamina and class are the pervasive factors in winning a Derby and so will it be tomorrow (Saturday, October 31, 2020) at Caymanas Park.
Eleven horses are nominated to participate in the blue riband event. Quickgallop.com analyses the chances of all the entrants.
1 – MONEY MONSTER: 3 b g (by Casual Trick – She’s Traditional) - Has been besotted by injuries during his nine-race career but even at his best Money Monster’s best hope is to hit the board and even that is quite a task.
2 – SHEPANZA: 3 g f (by American Dance – Beware Baby) – Has raced only five times in her career but has been burning at exercise as Shepanza got ready for the big day. Shepanza was expected to do much better in the Oaks than the seventh by 37 lengths run she delivered on the day. Refreshed, Shepanza returned on September 27 over 7 ½ furlongs and gave her best performance to date. That run demonstrated the progress Shepanza has made but even that won’t see her having a winning chance.
3 – DOUBLE CROWN: 3 ch g (by Bellamy Road – Salty Talk) – Finished fourth in the St Leger (Sept 26) only three lengths behind the winner Nipster. Much has been expected of Double Crown but to date he has not shown much to talk about. Derby Day with Double Crown’s seeming likeness for a distance of ground might be the day he chooses to shine.
4 – ANOTHER AFFAIR: 3 ch f (by Nuclear Wayne – Commandra Affair) – Ran a blinder in 10-furlong Jamaica Oaks while in the St Leger, Another Affair was employed as a speed rabbit for her more illustrious stable colleagues, Nipster and Wow Wow. Another Affair has the natural tendency to go in front and if settled well can lead for a long part of the Derby before giving way in the straight when the big boys come a calling.
5 – NIPSTER: 3 b c (by Casual Trick – Nippit) – Brilliant and gutsy winner of the St Leger beating his celebrated stablemate Wow Wow and Oneofakind. Nipster enjoyed the mud and muck of the track in the St Leger coming from well off the pace while showing a distinct love for the longer trip. In the Derby travelling two extra furlongs, Nipster will be in his element and with the experience of 14 races, is well poised to land the mother of all races. Nipster is strong, Nipster is a fighter, Nipster is going to enjoy 12 furlongs and Nipster has been well prepared. When all these attributes are put together, Nipster is on the cusp of adding another Classic to his name.
6 – ONEOFAKIND: 3 ch c (by Fearless Vision – The Golden One) – Was a close third in the St Leger behind Nipster and Wow Wow. Oneofakind has raced only six times in his career and each time he has shown improvement. Oneofakind was running on strongly in the St Leger giving the impression that he will relish the extra two furlongs which the Derby offers. Has never had the better of either Wow Wow and Nipster before but now the stakes are different, the distance is different and Oneofakind has been primed to the moment for this Derby occasion. He has been working very well at exercise and is ready. Oneofakind has an outstanding chance of winning the 100th Jamaica Derby to give his jockey Dane Nelson his first win the prestigious race.
7– WOW WOW: 3 b c (by Casual Trick – Sarah Barracuda) – Wow Wow represents the true class in the race. Gave a brave effort in the St Leger to finish second by a length behind Nipster. The St Leger was over 10 furlongs and the Derby is 12 furlongs leading many pundits to rightfully as ask whether or not Wow Wow will genuinely get this distance of ground?
Seems to be have been shortening a bit in the final furlong of the St Leger but his breeding suggests that Wow Wow should be ok going long. Wow Wow has a career record of 11 wins from 14 starters and against peers for probably the last time can easily use his obvious class and experience to win this historic Derby.
8 – MAHOGANY: 3 ch g (by Sensational Slam – Mete-Orite) – Mahogany is packed with class but faltered in the St Leger which was the first time he was experiencing two turns. Mahogany based on his style of running from his nine career starts is an out and out leader. To be effective over any journey, Mahogany has to lead and going 12 furlongs, his jockey has to rate him properly for effectiveness. This is Mahogany’s sternest test but he is a gifted race horse whose only issue is whether or not he is efficient at 12 furlongs. Watch Mahogany closely.
9 – KING ARTHUR: 3 b g (by Natural Selection – Geisha’s Art) – Was prominent in the first part of the 10-furlong St Leger but King Arthur’s effort petered out in the straight. That a possible indication that King Arthur might not be at home going longer. Time will tell. NOTE THE TONGUE TIE HAS BEEN TAKEN OFF.
10 – GREEN GOLD RUSH: 3 b g (by Adore The Gold – Princess Lorna) – Simply put Green Gold Rush cannot manage these at this time.
11 – FEARLESS CHAMPION: 3 rn c (by Fearless Vision – Granville Greta) – Will relish 12 furlongs but against these Fearless Champion chances of winning are grim.
