As the June 14 date for the running of the 94th Jamaica Derby sponsored by McKay Security Limited gets closer, 14 three-year-old have been unofficially entered for the 12-furlong event. Official nominations close tomorrow morning after which the Overnight programme will be done and made public.

Leading the lot of 14 is 2,000 Guineas and Lotto Classic (Governor’s Cup) winner Talented Tony K who might benefit from the presence of top rated American based jockey Edgar Prado. In the Derby line-up are the other two Classic winners for this season – Queen Paula winner of the 1,000 Guineas trained by Lorenzo Robinson and Raeven Renae winner of the Jamaica Oaks trained by Fitzroy Glispie.

As expected well favoured horses including the Anthony Nunes trained Relampago, runner-up to Talented Tony K by a short head in the Lotto Classic, Black Torn trained by Patrick Chang and Rocketman from the stables of Philip Feanny are entered for the Blue Riband event. Notable entries are also Thornhill Lad trained by Eddie Hamilton who will be running in his first major race of the season and just for the record, the Wayne DaCosta trained Striking Distance who is the only maiden entered thus far. DaCosta won his fourth Derby (Thornbird -1984; War Zone – 1996; and Good Prospect – 1999) last year when Perfect Neighbour (Orlando Bocachica) prevailed.

Based on information coming from railbirds at the track, Relampago will be partnered by Shane Ellis who rode Talented Tony K to victory in the Lotto Classic, while Dick Cardenas is set to be aboard Raeven Renae.

Reigning champion jockey Dane Nelson will ride the Patrick Chang trained filly Black Thorn.

As is usually the case, colts and geldings will carry 57.0 kgs (126 lbs) and fillies 55.0 kgs (121 lbs). No claiming allowances will be allowed.

14 DERBY ENTRIES

(unofficial)

Bars of Gold

Black Thorn

Bold Aviator

Butler’s Cabin

Israelite

Mr Awesome

Queen Paula

Raeven Renae

Relampago

Rocketman

Striking Distance

Talented Tony K

The Chosen One

Thornhill Lad

PHOTO: TALENTED TONY K – GROOM ENTER – MAY 24

CAPTION – Talented Tony K

PHOTO: BLACK THORN – MAY 10 – 2

CAPTION – Black Thorn

PHOTO: THORNHILL LAD – MAY 31 -2014

CAPTION – Thornhill Lad

PHOTO: RELAMPAGO – FEB 8 – 2

CAPTION – Relampago

PHOTO: RAVEN RENAE APRIL 26

CAPTION – Raeven Renae