Captain Sparrow to take flight
Paired with the ideal racing conditions and distance, three-year-old bay colt
Captain Sparrow is poised to make a statement in today’s fourth running of the $3.75-million Winston ‘’Fanna’’ Griffiths OD Classic feature event.
Despite falling short in the Classic races this season, a victory today would solidify his position among the top three-year-olds.
Trained by the esteemed Anthony “Baba” Nunes, Captain Sparrow boasts a pedigree that suggests he’s tailor-made for this contest. The nine and a half furlongs (1,900m) distance aligns perfectly with his running style, making him the standout choice for this race. Captain Sparrow is bred by Savoy Stomp out of the War Marshall mare
Rackam’s Mistress.
With the stars aligning in his favour, the Dee Syndicate-owned Captain Sparrow is ready to spread his wings and take flight. A win today would not only bring him accolades but also cement his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the longer distance races. The stage is set for Captain Sparrow to shine.
The Winston “Fanna” Griffiths OD Classic race will once again pay tribute to the renowned jockey who has achieved unparalleled success with 1,663 wins, including the most Classic winners at the prestigious track.
This coveted race, designed for native-bred three-year-olds non-winners of a Grade One race, is positioned as the ninth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 4:50 pm. First race is at 11:30 am.
Captain Sparrow’s close third-place finish in the Jamaica Derby (12 furlongs or 2,400m) behind winner Crown Chaser and Run Julie Run demonstrates his talent and ability to handle the distance. With his strong breeding and consistent training,
Captain Sparrow is poised for an easy win.
Captain Sparrow’s stablemate Allegiance and the Jason DaCosta-trained Provident could pick up the pieces if Captain Sparrow should falter when it matters the most.
Allegiance (Midnight Hawk – Princess Geeta) bypassed the Jamaica Derby Classic and instead competed in a seven-furlong (1,400m) race on August 16 where he finished second by 4 ¾ lengths behind Antarctica. To challenge Captain Sparrow, he will need to significantly improve his performance but he is also bred to get a distance of ground and that should give him a look-in here.
Provident’s fifth-place finish in the Jamaica Derby was disappointing, but he may step up a place or two here. His breeding suggests he can handle the distance, and he may surprise with a strong performance. He is bred by Sensational Slam out of the
Sweetsouthernsaint mare Dream Point. The visiting Arnaldo Bocachica will ride.
In the eight-horse field, Comehometome emerges as a potential wild card, capable of shaking things up in the Winston “Fanna” Griffiths OD Classic. Although she failed to live up to expectations in the Jamaica Oaks, finishing a disappointing fourth behind stablemate Banadura, her prior performance in the 1000 Guineas suggests she has hidden talent.
Comehometome’s impressive second-place finish in the 1000 Guineas hinted at a bright future but her subsequent letdown has raised questions about her consistency. Nevertheless, reports from training indicate she’s been showing promise, leaving room for optimism.
Ones to watch
Race 1)
Heezalion/Nina Dorada/Fiery Path
Race 2)
Tuts/Clowning Around/Money Must
Race 3)
Cherry Blossom/Princess Cataleya/Himaya
Race 4)
Muzzo/Aava Jaelyn/Sneaky Joe
Race 5)
Manny Slam/Miss Lynton/Skyrizi
Race 6)
Hit N Run/Queen of Soul/Battle Angel
Race 7) S
torm/Prince Marshall/Big Big Daddy
Race 8)
Sunshine Cat/Stickydon/Wright In Flight
Race 9)
Captain Sparrow/Allegiance/Provident
Race 10)
Spirit of Light/Sistren Treasure/Power From Above