Derby hopefuls have final prep in Lotto Classic

Native bred 3 year olds will have their final major prep for next month's Jamaica Derby when they contest the Lotto Classic for the Governor's Cup over 10 furlongs at Caymanas Park on Saturday.

Heading the 13-horse field is 2000 Guineas winner Fearless Samurai from the barn of 16-time champion trainer Wayne DaCosta;  Richard Azan's 2000 Guineas runner-up Market Force and third place finisher and 2016 champion 2 year old Sotomayor from the stables of Anthony ‘Baba’ Nunes. Fearless Samurai with his favourite rider Omar Walker will carry top weight of 57 kilos or 126 pounds.

The 3 year old chestnut gelding has been working moderately coming into this race but trainer DaCosta has one plan. “It’s just a metter now whether he stays or he doesn’t because he has the stamina and the speed,” said DaCosta.

2000 Guineas runner-up Market Force was nominated with 50 kilos or 110 pounds, but trainer Richard Azan has requested the services of former champion jockey Shane Ellis, so the bay colt  will now carry 53.5 kilos or 118 pounds. However, Ellis who is known as the ‘Big Race Daddy’, is planning to turn the table on Fearless Samurai.

“I think we have a live shot based on the weight because they sat level in the Guineas and now he’s allowing me 3.5 kilo,” noted Ellis.     

2000 Guineas third place finisher Sotomayor will be receiving four pounds from Fearless Samurai and despite not running since the Guineas on April 8, trainer Nunes has had the grey colt doing a lot of sprint work on the exercise track.

“The distance is certainly up his stream but the handicaps are not but we know that going in. It’s a prep for the Derby and that’s what is most important,” said Nunes.

Former champion jockey Dick Cardenas who is now based in Kentucky, is back in the island for Saturday's programme and will be aboard the Ian Parsard colt Henry The Second.

Meanwhile, Caribbean sprint champion Campesino with Robert Halledeen will clash with former sprint champion Poker Star and Omar Walker in the Lotto Sprint Trophy over 5-and-a-half furlongs. First post for the 11 race card is  12:05 pm and TVJ SN and Hitz 92 FM will have live coverage of all races.