Burning Hedge (Dick Cardenas) easily wins the $4-million Jamaica Two-year-Old Stakes on Thursday, December 26, 2024. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in The Portmore, the final stop on the “Road to the Triple Crown” for native-bred three-year-old fillies. On Sunday, May 4, 13 talented fillies will clash in a 7½-furlong (1,500m) contest, vying for a coveted share of the $4-million purse.
Among the contenders are three standout performers: Social Aviator, the Hotline Stakes winner; Hansa, the Thornbird Stakes champion; and Burning Hedge, last year’s Jamaica Two-Stakes winner. Each filly brings her unique strengths and determination to the table, making this race a must-watch event.
Below, the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide takes a closer look at each runner and their chances of winning.
1. SIMPLY ENCHANTING: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – My Elle Belle) — Nothing captivating about her. Leave her behind. No compelling reasons to consider her a top contender. Her pedigree and performance history don’t suggest she’ll stand out.
2. SOCIAL AVIATOR: (3 ch f by Bold Conquest – Classy Aviator) — Finished second to Hansa in the Thornbird Stakes over 7 furlongs (1,400m) on April 12. Trained well since, and this distance shouldn’t be a problem. She can potentially outshine the rest of the field. Her form and training suggest she’s a strong contender.
3. BURNING HEDGE: (3 ch f by Burning Hedge – Burning Clearance) — Expected to run better than her seventh-place finish in the recent Thornbird Stakes. Trained well, and if she reproduces her last December form in the 8-furlong (1,600m) Jamaica Two-Year Stakes, this race should be a stroll in the park for her. Her improvement in form could make her a threat.
4. MIGHTY GULLY: (3 b f by Buzz Nightmare – Lady Exotic) — Can safely be bypassed. No strong reasons to believe she’ll perform well. Her pedigree and performance history don’t indicate she’ll be competitive.
5. DANKA: (3 ch f by Aveenu Malcainu – Baby P) — Finished third behind Hansa and Social Aviator in the recent Thornbird Stakes. Despite the strong competition, Danka shouldn’t be denied a chance. She has potential and might just surprise.
6. PERFECT AFFAIR: (3 ch f by Perfect Curlin – Nuclear Affair) — Released maiden tag on March 22. Bred to get distance, which could give her an edge. Perfect Affair is the dark horse in this race, and her capabilities will be interesting to observe. If she can translate her breeding into performance, she might excel.
7. SUMMER PALACE: (3 b f by Bold Conquest – England’s Rose) — Wasn’t a winning factor in the recent Thornbird Stakes. Facing most of the same runners here, Summer Palace’s chances of winning are very slim. Her form hasn’t been impressive, making her an outsider.
8. PRETTY PERFECT: (3 b f by Sensational Slam – Black Bombshell) — The only perfect thing about her was her debut win.
9. KHALLESI: (3 gr f by Aveenu Malcainu – Cloudy Greyt) — Only in here to test the depth of the water. No serious expectations. She doesn’t seem to have the form or pedigree to make an impact.
10. LINGUIST: (3 b f by Aveenu Malcainu – Bilingual) — Was an impressive 6½-length winner, beating colts over 6½ furlongs (1,300m) on April 27. Given her performance against stronger competition, Linguist should run well here among fillies only. Her class and form suggest she’s a top contender.
11. COSALIVIN: (3 ch f by Bold Conquest – Sweetyourock) — It will be hard for her to earn a living here. No strong prospects. Her form and pedigree don’t indicate she’ll be competitive.
12. MISS MONEYPENNY: (3 ch f by Bern Identity – Pomeroy’s Secret) — At least this miss got some money before because she won’t earn any out of this race. Her chances are minimal. Her performance history doesn’t suggest she’ll make an impact.
13. RILEY J: (3 b f by Soul Warrior – Hail De Cat) — No chance whatsoever. Riley J doesn’t seem to have what it takes to compete at this level. Her form and pedigree indicate she’ll struggle.
