Mark My Word a hot favourite for LIME Jamaica Derby

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Having won the 2000 Guineas in fine style over 1600 metres on April 5, MARK MY WORD is a hot ante-post favourite for the 90th running of the LIME-sponsored Jamaica Derby at Caymanas Park on Saturday.

The colt's trainer, Richard Azan, will also saddle the Lotto Classic (Governor's Cup) fifth-place finisher, KRYPTOGRAM and the very fit ROLEX in the prestigious mile and a half race, which offers a record purse of $9 million - up from $5 million last year.

ROLEX caught the eye when losing narrowly to the American filly BELOW THE WAIST over 1400 metres last Saturday and the chestnut colt, who has proven a bit difficult to train, has apparently settled down at the right time.

Both ROLEX and MARK MY WORD will race in the orange and green silks of Elite Bloodstock Limited, but Azan's main hope lies with the classy MARK MY WORD, a winner of two races from four starts and over $2.48 million so far this season.

When contacted yesterday, Azan said he will not make any predictions. But the trainer, who saddled DORVAL to win the 1995 Derby with Neville Anderson aboard, confessed that he is optimistic about his chances, especially with MARK MY WORD, based on his Guineas performance.

Apprentices

"The horse is in high spirits and working well for the Derby and I am expecting him to run a big race," said Azan, who further disclosed that Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas, who rode him on the last four occasions, has retained the ride.

"I am preparing my horses to run to the best of their abilities on Saturday and I'm hoping to be successful," added the trainer.

He said top apprentices Doushane Gordon and Aaron Chatrie will ride KRYPTOGRAM and ROLEX, respectively.

Following his 4¹/²-length win over subsequent Lotto Classic (Governor's Cup) ) winner LIFEISJUSFORLIVING in the 2000 Guineas, MARK MY WORD established himself a firm Derby favourite with a sizzling run in defeat against open allowance horses at 1820 metres on May 22.

Electing to bypass the Lotto Classic to take on older horses, MARK MY WORD acquitted himself really well in a tough field, losing in a three-way photo to the 2009 Superstakes winner, HOMBRE, and the vastly-improved grey colt, THE GUV, in a fast 1:55.1.

Mark my word, he is a worthy favourite.