It's a Big Man Derby

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The 2000 Guineas hero, BIG MAN BOYU, takes a giant step towards Triple Crown glory at Caymanas Park today when he takes on 15 native-bred three-year-olds in the 91st running of the Cal's Jamaica Derby over 2400 metres.

At stake is the $4.8 million share of the whopping $9 million purse and a lien on the Sir John Mordecai Trophy.

Owned by the Trinidadian Baskaran Bassawh and trained by Gary Subratie, who is enjoying a marvellous season, BIG MAN BOYU is down to be ridden for the first time by Trinidadian big-race jockey Nobel Abrego, who flew in specifically for the ride.

favourite

Based on his impressive Guineas performance in which he led home JUSTIN ON FIRE and subsequent Lotto Classic (Governor's Cup) winner ERASMO, BIG MAN BOYU has established himself as a firm favourite for this, the premier classic.

It is significant to note that the son of War Marshall-Lady Chachi bypassed the May 21 Lotto Classic over 2000 as his Derby prep in preference to a circular nine race for open allowance horses a week earlier.

Despite having to carry topweight of 57.0kg in that race, 'BIG MAN' caught the eye in finishing 5³/⁴ lengths third to the noted imported horses RAISE A RUCKUS and the runner-up LITTLE WASP, both of whom were in receipt of 4.0kg.

Based on that run, Subratie is pretty confident that his BIG MAN can deliver in a big way today. The second-generation trainer said:

"Originally, UNCLE KEN was my Derby horse, but he has been sidelined by a leg injury and is out of training. BIG MAN BOYU, on the other hand, has come on by leaps and bounds since he was fitted with the tongue tie for the 2000 Guineas and is now the big man in town.

"I was pleased with his performance in that open allowance race

and that was indeed the right prep for the Derby. He has impressed me in his preparation, and having beaten the best three-year-old colts in the Guineas, I expect him to take it a step further."

I agree with the sentiments expressed by Subratie re the chances of BIG MAN BOYU, who must be the obvious choice based on his last two performances, not to mention his timely preparation. Still, ERASMO from the stables of big-race trainer Richard Azan, who saddled last year's Triple Crown winner MARK MY WORD for the same owners (Elite Bloodstock), will have lots of supporters, and if the favourite puts a foot wrong, will be right there to capitalise.

In ERASMO, four-time champion jockey Omar Walker has a real opportunity to at last ride his first classic winner. The chestnut colt by Sir Cherokee out of You Can't Hide ran on strongly to win the Lotto Classic by three lengths from the improving COLD GROUND and will truly enjoy the additional 400 metres of the Derby.

The Patrick Lynch-trained COLD GROUND ran on well to finish second in the Lotto Classic, is fast improving and, along with beaten Lotto Classic favourite HERMOSO AMIGO, should jostle for the minor placings which offer good money in a race of this nature.

In addition to HERMOSO AMIGO, veteran trainer Noel Ennevor saddles another contender in RIGHT MARKER, and this improving filly should round off the top five. But as I said earlier, BIG MAN BOYU looks the right choice.

Other firm fancies on the card are GO GO YVONNE in the 1st race, CANTARE in the Cal's Spring Water Juvenile Sprint, the classy American colt MISMYRTLEBOYRICHIE in the Real Vibes Party Wine Sprint (grade one) race over 1300m, MINISTEROFJUSTICE in the 4th, MOLTEN KING in the 7th and BULLET LINE in the 9th.

There will also be a Derby Day after-party at Caymanas Park, featuring top dancehall star Kiprich, veteran singer George Nooks, Chuck Fenda, Jodian Pantry and One Third, with Jenny Jenny as MC.