Desert of Malibu (Raddesh Roman) races to victory in the $2.5-million Port Royal Sprint on Saturday, November 9, 2024. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
Racing action is back at Caymanas Park this Saturday, November 15, with the highlight being the Jamaica Cup Raceday on Sunday, November 16.
The Sunday card features three standout contests — The Jamaica Cup (Grade One, 9½ furlongs), The Port Royal Sprint (Grade One, 6 furlongs), and The St Elizabeth Distaff (Overnight Allowance, 1 mile, fillies and mares 3 years and older).
The Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide is looking back at the 2024 Port Royal Sprint, revisiting the seven runners, ranked by finishing order, and checking in on their fortunes since that thrilling race.
1 DESERT OF MALIBU – RADDESH ROMAN – GARY SUBRATIE
After a strong showing in last year’s Port Royal Sprint, Desert of Malibu has faced challenges maintaining her top form, plagued by health issues. However, she showed signs of a resurgence with a win in the Clovis Metcalfe Trophy on July 5, 2025. To secure a spot in the 2025 Mouttet Mile, the talented mare must reclaim her winning momentum in this year’s Port Royal Sprint.
2 WALL STREET TRADER – SHANE RICHARDSON – ROWAN MATHIE
Wall Street Trader, the runner-up in last year’s Port Royal Sprint, has continued to make his mark on the racing scene. With two more wins in seven starts, he’s pushed his career earnings past $5.5 million. However, injuries have hindered his consistency, and he’s been unable to showcase his full potential. The talented sprinter, who excels at middle distances, will tackle the 2025 Port Royal Sprint, his best shot at securing a spot in the Mouttet Mile.
3 IS THAT A FACT – REYAN LEWIS – JASON DACOSTA
Is That A Fact had a solid 2025 campaign, with nine starts and a win in an Overnight Allowance mile on October 18. While he hasn’t been among the top handicappers, he’s consistently finished in the frame. The talented horse won’t be competing in the Mouttet Mile this year; instead, he’ll face off in the Bruceontheloose Sprint (6 1⁄2 furlongs) on Mouttet Mile Day.
4 PACK PLAYS – DICK CARDENAS – RICARDO MATHIE
Pack Plays has solidified his reputation as a dependable competitor, bouncing back from his fourth-place finish in the Port Royal Sprint with impressive results. He’s won three of eight starts since then, showcasing his speed at 5½ and 6½ furlongs. This year, he’s maintained his winning streak, taking three wins from seven starts and never finishing lower than fourth. The American-bred colt’s consistency is undeniable, making him a force to be reckoned with in sprint circles.
5 PERFECT BREW – DANE DAWKINS – RICHARD AZAN
Perfect Brew’s promising career was cut short with his passing on October 11, 2025. After struggling to find the winner’s circle post-Port Royal Sprint, he finally broke through on September 20, 2025. Tragically, his life was lost in the I’m Satisfied Trophy, where he suffered a fatal injury. A talented horse with immense potential, his memory will live on in the hearts of racing fans.
6 MAJOR DANGER – SHANE ELLIS – PHILIP FEANNY
Major Danger’s 2025 campaign has been marked by consistency, but elusive wins. With seven starts, he’s yet to break through, struggling to keep pace with stronger opponents. Despite this, his resilience is undeniable, and he’ll continue to fight for that elusive victory.
7 SENSATIONAL MOVE – JAVANIEL PATTERSON – GARY SUBRATIE
Sensational Move’s promising career has been marred by persistent injuries, severely impacting his progress. Though still in training, his racing schedule has been inconsistent, preventing him from building momentum. The raw talent is still there, but until he can overcome his injury woes, his true potential remains unrealised.
Pack Plays (Ismael Velasquez) runs out an easy winner in the $2-million Eileen Cliggott Memorial Trophy feature race at Caymanas Park on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
