Caymanas Park will be abuzz with excitement and anticipation as 11 talented native-bred three-year-olds prepare to face-off in the prestigious 98th running of the Jamaica St Leger Classic on Sunday’s 10-race card.

This highly anticipated event marks the second jewel in the coveted Triple Crown series of races, and the competition is expected to be fierce.

Run Julie Run, the impressive winner of the 1000 Guineas, and California Crown, the winner of 2000 Guineas, will be meeting for the very first time, setting the stage for a scintillating showdown.

The two champions will be joined by a talented field of runners including last year’s champion two-year-old Intrestntimesahead, each eager to claim the coveted title and the $4.5-million purse.

Below, the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide takes a close look at each runner nominated in the 10-furlong (2,000m) contest and their chances of claiming Classic victory.

1. MACK AND ROME: (3 b c by Bold Conquest – Gold Miner) — Released the maiden tag over 9 furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) on June 2.
Mack and Rome will find repeating not on the table here.

2. ALLEGIANCE : (3 ch c by Midnight Hawk – Princess Geeta) — Sir Howard Stakes winner who finished fourth in the 2000 Guineas by 5¾ lengths. Allegiance is going to love the distance but is not expected to trouble the main principals here.

3. SUPREMASI : (3 b c by Savoy Stomp – Beware Baby) — Was beaten by stablemate Captain Sparrow in the Mr Lover Lover Trophy over 9 furlongs and 25 yards on June 15.
Supremasi led for most of the way before he was caught deep stretch. This does not bode well for the chances of Supremasi here but he was bred to go long. The only hope for
Supremasi here is a minor share.

4. CAPTAIN SPARROW: (3 b c by Savoy Stomp – Rackam’s Mistress) — After missing the 2000 Guineas due to injury setbacks, Captain Sparrow returned on June 15 to win the Mr Lover Lover Trophy over 9 furlongs and 25 yards by 4 ¾ lengths in a smooth 1:59.4.
Captain Sparrow should be fighting in deep stretch here.

5. RUN JULIE RUN : (3 gr f by Successful Native – Runaway Julie) — Will be a force to be reckoned with in the Jamaica St Leger.
Run Julie Run dazzled in the 1000 Guineas, leaving rivals in her dust with a convincing 4¾ length victory over one mile on June 2. Her final time of 1:42.1 bettered
California Crown’s mark of 1:42.3 done in the 2000 Guineas, showcasing her exceptional speed and talent. With her stellar form and effortless stride,
Run Julie Run is poised to dominate the St Leger distance. Expect her to set the pace and challenge the rest to keep up. This filly is a class act, and her rivals will need to bring their A-game to outrun her.

6. INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD: (3 b c by Bold Conquest – My Friend Lucy) — Was the odds-on favourite to win the 2000 Guineas on June over one mile, but it didn’t materialise. Intrestntimesahead finished a close second to stablemate
California Crown, ending his four-race winning streak. Despite the loss, Intrestntimesahead showed tremendous heart and determination, battling from start to finish. With a smooth training regimen under his belt and a distance of 10 furlongs well within his grasp, Intrestntimesahead is poised to exact revenge on
California Crown and dominate the rest of the field. The stage is set for a thrilling comeback.

7. CALIFORNIA CROWN: (3 ch c by Hedge Fund – Dream Big) — Has made a remarkable transformation in just three short months. From breaking his maiden on April 27 to winning the 2000 Guineas on June 2,
California Crown has proven his mettle by staying undefeated in just three starts. His impressive win in the 2000 Guineas showcased his exceptional talent, outshining the best colts and geldings in the field by a length and three quarters in a time of 1:42.3 for one mile. With his impressive stride and endurance,
California Crown is expected to tackle the St Leger distance with ease, paving the way for a potential Triple Crown sweep.

8. BRENDA BOY : (3 b c by Savoy Stomp – Delightful Brenda) — Has no realistic chance of winning.

9. KING PIYE: (3 ch c by Admiral Alex – Jamaican Pharoah) — Doesn’t have the class of these, therefore can be safely ruled out of contention.

10. PROVIDENT: (3 ch c by Sensational Slam – Dream Point) — Has already shown promise with a third-placed finish in the 2000 Guineas on June 2. Although he was 5 lengths behind winner and stablemate California Crown, don’t count him out just yet.
Provident is expected to thrive at this distance, and while he may not be the main contender, he could still pull off a surprise. Keep an eye on this dark horse!

11. CROWN CHASER: (3 b c by Bern Identity – Salty Talk) — Came into the 2000 Guineas with high hopes but finished in fifth place, 7½ lengths behind the winner.
Crown Chaser’s best result in the St Leger is a placing position for which he has to fight hard.