Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer 
MIRACLE MAN (left) getting the better of AD INFINITUM (right) to win the Derby (left) and ROYAL COMMAND (right)
THE SEASON'S final classic, the $2.5 million Jamaica St. Leger over 2000 metres, is the stellar attraction at Caymanas Park today.
The race has attracted the first three past the post in the June 4 Digicel Jamaica Derby.
Derby and Lotto Classic winner MIRACLE MAN goes for his third consecutive victory when he takes on six opponents in the fifth and final classic.
Among his rivals are the much improved AD INFINITUM and ROYAL COMMAND, both of whom went down fighting in the Derby over 2400 metres.
A notable absentee is the 2000 Guineas winner COLTRANE, who has bypassed the race in favour of the CTL three-year-old Stakes over 1300 metres.
BANKING ON ROYAL COMMAND
Instead, trainer Richard Azan will pin his hopes on ROYAL COMMAND, to again be ridden by champion jockey Trevor Simpson who had the leg over him in the Derby.
Florida-based Jamaican jockey Allen Maragh also renews his association with the Allan 'Billy' Williams-trained MIRACLE MAN, with in-form Trinidadian jockey Brian Harding down to ride AD INFINITUM for trainer Anthony 'Baba' Nunes once again.
It should be an interesting contest among these three based on their running in the Derby, a race in which all three were virtually heads on a furlong out.
In the end, MIRACLE MAN quickened between horses in
the last furlong to win by 1-1/4 lengths from AD INFINITUM, with ROYAL COMMAND a farther head away third.
It should be recalled that MIRACLE MAN beat AD INFINITUM by four lengths into second place in the May 14 Lotto Classic for the Governor's Cup over today's distance, but this was significantly reduced to just over a length in the Derby.
ROYAL COMMAND, on the other hand, finished nine lengths third in the Governor's Cup, but this margin was also drastically reduced in the Derby.
So today's rematch promises to be an intriguing contest.
Still, while AD INFINITUM and ROYAL COMMAND seem to be catching up with MIRACLE MAN, I believe the latter has a bit more class than either and this should carry him through today.
AD INFINITUM has been burning up the track at exercise in preparation for today's encounter, galloping 5-1/2 furlongs in a pretty fast 1:05.4 last Sunday morning, the last five in 59.3.
With this kind of preparation, AD INFINITUM, who should be in front from early in a race devoid of genuine early pace, is sure to make a telling bid.
The same is true of ROYAL COMMAND who, for a stride or two leaving the furlong pole in the Derby, looked likely to upstage the two principals, but failed to carry through the effort at a crucial stage. Still, he lost few marks in defeat.
NO PUSHOVERS
While AD INFINITUM and ROYAL COMMAND will be no pushovers, MIRACLE MAN has been stepped up at exercise and indications are he will report sharper than he was in the Derby.
Being a late foal, the massive chestnut colt by Law Of The Sea out of Hya making him a full brother to the 2003 St. Leger winner HERECOMESFUDGIE has tremendous scope and I am expecting him to race in close touch before making his winning move leaving the half-mile.
In the end, MIRACLE MAN should bring that in-built class to the forefront and outfinish AD INFINITUM and ROYAL COMMAND.
Other firm fancies on the 10-race are BADBOYBIN in the 3rd race, COLTRANE in the 4th race, INSATIABLE to catch CRUCIAL POINT in the 7th, WICKY WACKY to romp the 8th and fleet-footed KINKOTSU LIU LIU to stave off THE SEA PRINCESS and HIGH TOWER in the closing straight five race.
