Derby and Guineas winners to clash again in St Leger

Jamaica Derby hero Drone Strike along with Guineas winners Commander Two and Disability Charm" are expected to headline the field for the 92nd running of the Sagicor Jamaica St Leger, the final leg of the local Triple Crown Series on July 28 at Caymanas Park. The official launch was held on the lawns at Caymanas Park on Thursday.

Apart from the Derby and Guineas winners, the field for the 10 furlong St Leger which carries a purse of $4 million, is also expected to feature Jamaica Oaks heroine Fayrouz and Lotto Classic winner Drummer Boy as well as other top classic contestants Marquesas and Royal Aviator.

Trainer Patrick ‘Wacky’ Lynch will have a strong hand with Drone Strike, Disability Charm and Contractor coming from his barn. Despite Disability Charm landing the 1000 Guineas and with Contractor among the outsiders, Lynch is pinning his main hopes on the Derby conquerer Drone Strike.

Marquesas who won the Jamaica 2 year Old  Stakes last December, has failed to land any of the classics or major prep races this year but his trainer Michael Marlowe is expecting another good run like what he produced in the Jamaica Derby where he got the runner-up spot.

Jamaica Oaks winner Fayrouz disappointed in the Derby, finishing third, just over 30 lengths adrift of the winner. Her trainer was baffled by that performance but is anticipating a return to the form which saw her to victory in the Oaks. There's no chance of a Triple Crown winner being crowned this year but Paul Roman, the assistant to the director of racing, says the St Leger should still turn out to be a thrilling contest.