Intrestntimesahead shines in St Leger, sets sights on Jamaica Derby
Intrestntimesahead, in a performance which demonstrated class, talent, and the will to win, impressively won the 98th running of the Jamaica St Leger, the second jewel in the Triple Crown series of races, at Caymanas Park on Sunday, July 7, 2024.
Bred by Bold Conquest out of My Friend Lucy, Intrestntimesahead powered home effortlessly under Tevin Foster to win the 10-furlong Futurity contest for native-bred three-year-olds by 3 ½ lengths in a time of 2:09.1 (24.4 x 50.1 x 1:15.0 x 1:42.0).
Intrestntimesahead is bred and owned by Elizabeth DaCosta and trained by her son Jason.
The Jamaica Observer’s Supreme Racing Guide analyses the outcome of the Jamaica St Leger in finishing order.
FIRST — INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD: What a performance by this bay colt as he outstayed the best of native-bred three-year-old crop. Intrestntimesahead’s triumph was a sweet redemption after finishing a close second to his stablemate California Crown in the Jamaica 2000 Guineas on June 2. In the St Leger he left no doubts as he denied any possibility of a Triple Crown champion this year. California Crown and Run Julie Run were the two horses on course for Triple Crown glory. This victory marked a triumphant return to the top for Intrestntimesahead, cementing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with and favourite for the August 6 Jamaica Derby.
SECOND — CROWN CHASER: This bay colt exceeded expectations in the Jamaica St Leger after a lacklustre performance when finishing fifth in the Jamaica 2000 Guineas. Instead, he rediscovered his early promise, showcasing his stamina and determination. Given this run in the St Leger, and his style of coming from behind, Crown Chaser will be competitive in the August 6, Jamaica Derby.
THIRD — RUN JULIE RUN: The talented winner of the Jamaica 1000 Guineas could not handle ‘the boys’ in the St Leger. Run Julie Run made a well-timed move, swooping in on the leaders as they approached the distance to vie for the lead at the top of the homestretch. Although she was outdone by Intrestntimesahead’s late surge, Run Julie Run’s third-place finish demonstrated her battling qualities. She is poised to deliver another strong performance in the Jamaica Derby.
FOURTH — PROVIDENT: Delivered a commendable performance in the Jamaica St Leger, making a late charge to secure a notable finish. This ground-covering specialist is bred to excel over longer distances and is expected to be a formidable contender in the derby, where he is likely to make another top four finish.
FIFTH — CAPTAIN SPARROW: After winning by 3 1/2 lengths over 9 furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m), he entered the Jamaica St Leger as a serious contender but had his poorest race to date. Captain Sparrow broke among the backmarkers and took forever to get going but when he did the race was done and dusted. Captain Sparrow, with further to travel in the derby, might improve a place or two.
SIXTH — ALLEGIANCE: He wasn’t a factor in the St Leger, but he did walk away with some cash for his connections.
SEVENTH — CALIFORNIA CROWN: The winner of the 2000 Guineas whose stamina limitations were revealed. California Crown sat with the pace for the first half of the race before picking up the running going into the half-mile turn. When he was challenged by Intrestntimesahead and Run Julie Run going into the lane, California Crown had no response and faded through the field. This does not bode well for him in the 12-furlong derby.
EIGHT — BRENDA BOY: A complete no-show.
NINTH — MACK AND ROME: Showed up for a long way on the headline but had nothing left in the tank when the big guns started to roll.
TENTH — KING PIYE: Was never a winning factor.
ELEVENTH — SUPREMASI: He was anticipated to perform considerably better but found the going difficult and was unable to handle the proceedings.