Commandant (Raddesh Roman) simply brushes apart rivals within the SVREL Fan Appreciation Day Trophy on January 1, 2025. (Photograph: Joseph Wellington)
With the Sir Howard and Hotline stakes races marking the start of the ‘Street to the Triple Crown’ for native-bred three-year-olds, consideration turns to the coveted $1.4-million Alexander Hamilton Memorial Trophy, with American-bred contender Commandant poised to make one other spectacular assertion on native soil.
Commandant, who made a notable impression in his island debut final December with a third-place end within the Mouttet Mile, has emerged as a one of many nation’s promising runners.
His spectacular seasonal debut on January 1 in a 9 furlongs and 25 years (1,820m) occasion, the place he led from begin to end, profitable by 6 ¾ lengths in a time of 1:54.3, underscored his potential. With distinctive morning exercises underneath his belt, Commandant appears poised to ship a standout efficiency.
The Rohan Crichton trainee labored 5 furlongs (1,000m) straight in 58.0 with 4 furlongs (800m) carried out in 45.1 on Saturday, March 1. He then galloped 5 and a half furlongs (1,100m) in 1:05.3 with the final 5 furlongs coming in 59.3 on Saturday, March 8. These gallops alone recommend that Commandant ought to have a simple win right here.
The Open Allowance occasion for three-year-olds and upward over seven furlongs (1,400m) is positioned because the ninth occasion on the 10-race card with a publish time of 5:00 pm. First race is at 11:50 am.
Among the many six rivals lining up in opposition to Commandant, Is That A Truth and Run Julie Run look like essentially the most credible threats, poised to present chase and probably problem the favorite’s dominance.
Though Is That A Truth has not secured a win not too long ago, he boasts distinctive expertise and has been coaching effectively. A robust effort is anticipated from him on this contest.
This stylish filly Run Julie Run enters the competition on the heels of two consecutive wins, together with the Chairman’s Plate and the Miracle Man Cup. Her sturdy coaching and spectacular kind make her an actual risk to Commandant.
In the meantime, a proficient subject of seven colts and geldings will conflict within the Sir Howard Stakes, whereas six fillies will vie for high honours within the Hotline Stakes. Each prestigious occasions carry a profitable purse of $1.2 million and will probably be contested over six furlongs (1,200m).
Coach Anthony “Baba” Nunes seems to carry a robust hand within the Sir Howard Stakes, boasting the highest two contenders within the proficient duo of Simple Cash and One other One.
Simple Cash’s profitable debut on February 15 over 5 furlongs (1,000m) spherical was undoubtedly spectacular. He demonstrated his prowess by defeating stablemate Brahma Bull by a size in 1:02.1. With a comparatively mild coaching routine main as much as this occasion,
Simple Cash is poised to contend for high honours.
Nonetheless, on paper, One other One seems to be the horse to beat. His scintillating debut efficiency, the place he triumphed by 8 lengths in a time of 59.0 on February 9, was really outstanding. One other One has continued to impress in his morning exercises, and it’s seemingly that he’ll keep his profitable streak.
The Hotline Stakes is extra an open race with greater than half of the runners in with possibilities of profitable.
Woman Babita’s spectacular victory within the Eighty Thirty Dash over 5 furlongs (1,000m) straight on February 1 showcases her distinctive class and expertise. She is a robust contender for high honours on this occasion.
Regardless of a disappointing fifth-place end within the Jamaica Two-12 months-Previous Stakes final December, Danka has skilled exceptionally effectively for her seasonal debut. Her preparations recommend that she is poised to ship a formidable efficiency.
Social Aviator’s outstanding debut win, the place she got here from far behind to overcome 5 furlongs spherical on December 24, 2024, demonstrates her distinctive potential. The prolonged journey on this occasion is prone to go well with her, and she or he might emerge victorious as soon as once more.
Enthusiasm’s profitable debut over 4 furlongs (800m), the place she edged out Honour Prince by ½ size in 47.2, highlights her notable expertise. She is unlikely to come across any difficulties at this journey and should safe one other win.
