After finishing fifth by six lengths to Sorrentino’s Star in the Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) Pick3 Super Challenge Trophy last month, the Richard Azan-trained Jamai Raja returned last Saturday to destroy rivals in a maiden special weight event by eight-and-a-half lengths over 1,300 metres.

Ridden by claiming apprentice Bebeto Harvey,Jamai Raja, broke well and, within a couple of strides, assumed pole position heading towards the 1,000-metre marker.

Cruising nicely on the lead without any real challenge entering the straight, the chestnut colt byMarket Rally –Angel’s Favourite then powered home comfortably in a decent 1:19.4 minutes after setting splits of 23.2, 47.0, and 1:12.2 minutes.

Cruising Motion under Linton Steadman, who was prominent throughout the race, held on by a neck for second place ahead of the fast-finishingMontegonian under champion Dane Nelson, whileCounter Attack, the mount of Shane Ellis, completed the frame in the 13-horse field.

Wilbert Bagwandeen, part-owner along with Richard Azan, Milade Azan and Graham Brown, said that he was pleased withJamai Raja‘s effort.

“It was definitely a good performance byJamai Raja today (Saturday). He got a little setback after his last race in the SVL Pick3 Super Challenge Trophy, and we put him down and reprogrammed him for this race, and he won well and I am happy for him,” Bagwandeen told theComplete Racing Guide.

Bagwandeen said that he might run in the SVL Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes on December 26 (Boxing Day), the third and final leg in the SVL ‘Triple Crown’ series over a mile.

“He should be better for the next race coming, and hopefully we get to run him in the SVL Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes on Boxing Day. If he comes out of this race well, I think that he will run in the third leg of the series, and he will run well as 1,600 metres will suit him good,” he explained.