Thalita gets the nod for Derby

THALITA's searing run in the Jamaica St Leger, stalking the pace set by stablemate MAMMA MIA and PRINCESS SHARON, before getting first run on the leaders, ahead of MONEY MISER, makes the Soul Warrior-Luminous Trieste filly a tough act to follow in Monday's Jamaica Derby at 12 furlongs.

Reporting with her fanny pack five pounds lighter due to her sex allowance, THALITA's turn of foot in the St Leger stretch run, which she also showed in the Portmore Stakes at seven and a half furlongs, makes her stamina unquestionable, having put away a half of her rivals at 10 furlongs.

Whereas THALITA is obviously a champion among the girls, having turned the tables on stablemate MAMMA MIA, who had staged a rally on the lead to beat her in the 1000 Guineas at a mile, question signs hover above the well-being of last year's champion two-year-old, MOJITO, whose bid to win a sixth straight race came to a screeching halt in the St Leger.

Since finishing last in the St Leger as the 1-5 favourite, MOJITO has not had a speed gallop, instead trotting in the mornings while being ponied, not exactly the ideal preparation for a mile-and-a-half race requiring speed and stamina.

MOJITO's bizarre run in the St Leger, finding nil a half-mile out after being hemmed in passing the stands and on the far side, coupled with reports of him having to be doused with water after what appeared to have been an easy 2000 Guineas victory, now not raising a hair at exercise in the mornings, make him too suspect to back with any degree of confidence.

MONEY MISER, who finished five lengths behind THALITA in the St Leger, could very well be the colt who has trained on best. After THALITA made her move a half-mile out, going in chase of MAMMA MIA and PRINCESS SHARON, MONEY MISER quickened to split MOJITO and HUNTSMAN, leaving the three-furlong pole.

Straightening almost on THALITA's flan in fourth, MONEY MISER momentarily appeared a crucial threat. However, THALITA quickly changed gears to dash past PRINCESS SHARON, responding briskly to two sharp whip strikes to run away from rivals.

HUNTSMAN, ABILITY, STRIKE SMART, and possibly MOJITO will try setting a colts' pace. However, THALITA's St Leger run proved that no pace can leave her too far behind to outstay the field.