California Crown favoured to repel rivals in ‘Slicer’ Simpson feature race

CALIFORNIA Crown, recent from a stunning seasonal debut within the current St Catherine Cup, is poised to ship one other tour-de-force efficiency within the $1.25-million Trevor “Slicer” Simpson OD Trophy function on Saturday’s nine-race card.

The Carlton Watson-owned and Jason DaCosta-trained California made a triumphant return to the monitor on January 4, annihilating his rivals by 7¾ lengths in a five-and-half-furlong (1,100m) contest. His scintillating time of 1:05.4 left onlookers in awe, and he’s anticipated to construct on that momentum.

California Crown’s spectacular seasonal debut was a welcome return to kind for the four-year-old chestnut colt who had confronted setbacks within the Jamaica St Leger (July 7) and Jamaica Derby (August 6), after profitable the Jamaica 2000 Guineas on June 2, 2024. Nonetheless, his dominant efficiency from his five-month break recommended he’s put these disappointments behind him.

In preparation for this afternoon’s function California Crown has continued to impress in coaching. On January 18 he clocked a blistering 47.4 seconds for 4 furlongs (800m) and on January 25 he galloped 5 and a half furlongs in 1:05.2, with the final 5 furlongs (1,000m) coming in a scorching 59.2.

These exercises counsel California Crown will report an excellent fitter animal this time round, making him the clear favorite to safe his second-consecutive victory. With main rider Robert Halledeen within the saddle, California Crown might be powerful to beat.

As the sector of 13 runners takes to the monitor, California Crown’s foremost rivals might want to produce one thing particular to disclaim him his second-consecutive win. Nonetheless, based mostly on his current kind and spectacular coaching it’s possible California Crown will reign supreme as soon as once more.

The In a single day Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over 5 furlongs on the spherical course is positioned as the ultimate occasion with a submit time of 5:25 pm. First race is at excessive midday.

The battle for second place is anticipated to be an exciting affair, with 4 gifted runners vying for the exacta spot. Freedom Road, Pleasure Is Golden, Mudshaft, and Sensational Transfer are all in with an opportunity, making for a captivating contest that might go right down to the wire for that exacta cash.

Freedom Street and Pleasure Is Golden, each owned by Pleasure-Us Racing and skilled by Patrick Lynch, might be tough to separate. Whereas Freedom Road’s fluctuating kind makes him a dangerous guess, he’s nonetheless able to operating effectively sufficient to hit the board. His previous performances have been marred by inconsistency, however on his day he generally is a pressure to be reckoned with. Panamanian Dick Cardenas might be aboard Freedom Road.

Pleasure Is Golden, however, has been a constant performer and completed a detailed second to Laban over the straight on January 4. Her current kind has been spectacular, and he or she’s prone to be within the combine for the exacta spot. With Panamanian jockey Ismael Velasquez within the saddle Pleasure Is Golden might be trying to construct on her current success.

Mudshaft, a six-year-old American-bred bay mare, has proven important enchancment in her gallops on native soil and will doubtlessly fill the exacta spot. Skilled by Matthew Williams, Mudshaft completed second to Benson on January 18 and might be ridden by Tevin Foster. Her enchancment has been noticeable, and he or she’s prone to be a serious participant within the battle for second.

Sensational Transfer, skilled by Gary Subratie, was spectacular in his final outing, profitable by 5¼ lengths in 1:06.3. Nonetheless, that victory got here towards excessive claimers, and he’ll must step up his recreation to take care of the likes of Freedom Road, Pleasure Is Golden, and Mudshaft. Nonetheless, he’s succesful sufficient to get into the second spot, and his current kind suggests he’s on the up. Dane Dawkins will journey.

— Ruddy Allen

Ones to look at

Race 1)
March and Shoot/Inexperienced Gold Rush/Sir John

Race 2)
Princess Amahle/Immeasurable Pleasure/Queen of Soul