Stage set for nobility

PEOPLE?USUALLY gravitate toward fast horses. However when it comes to juveniles, racing enthusiasts are a bit sceptical to cast judgement so early despite earmarking one of two with potential to go on to achieve great things. 
Noble Intent, by virtue of dominating his peers, has ensured that tomorrow is the most important day in his life as well as that of his owner and trainer John D. Chandler.
That is when they will be looking to win the 75th edition of the Barbados Derby, now in its 30th year of sponsorship by Massy United Insurance Company Limited.
This relentless front runner, having made every yard in the first two Jewels of the Barbados Triple Crown – the Barbados Guineas over 1 570 metres and the Midsummer Creole Classic over 1 800 metres – is the overwhelming favourite to land the 2 000 metres race which carries a purse of $132 600 and a silver cup.
Further, a win would etch the colt’s name in the country’s history pages as the seventh horse to land the Triple Crown.
Noble Intent, the only horse entered for the Derby that has won more than two races, has enjoyed a very successful career so far.
In his very first start on September 14, 2013, he never found his footing or even saw the tail of winner Kariba Rose in the Sale Graduates Futurity Stakes  Condition race over 1 100 metres.
That result saw the son of Good Intent out of Pentellenoble finishing two places from last, beaten by 24 lengths in his only unplaced effort from his ten track appearances.
His next start, a month later and the second of four in 2013, was in total contrast to his first run and yielded the first of four second-placed finishes when he got tired and was caught by a fast-finishing Jasmine.
Noble Intent confirmed his ability by handing in his maiden certificate next outing, smartly taking a 1 100 metres event.
From there he stretched out to 1 570 metres and not only did he improve his career stats but also gleaned a second place to Corvette, rounding off that year on the soft conditions that prevailed.
Noble Intent gained another second place to get his 2014 campaign going, this time behind John Vere.
Now fully settled into the racing game, he sailed home by a commanding five lengths on Gold Cup day before thousands in attendance.
His next confrontation with the unbeaten Kariba Rose resulted in another second for Noble Intent. In between showing his customary steely resolve while taking the previously mentioned Jewels I and II of the Triple Crown, he suffered at the hands of Lavani with a below-par performance for third position.
But going into tomorrow’s Derby, his previous conquerors Jasmine, Corvette, John Vere and Lavani have all felt the full force of Noble Intent’s wrath without reply.