Simpson... rides Rum Talk. - File

Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

In 21 years of riding experience at Caymanas Park, five-time champion jockey Trevor 'Slicer' Simpson has never won the Jamaica Derby.

Tomorrow he has a glorious chance of doing so aboard RUM TALK, the hot ante-post favourite for the 87th running of the premier classic which is being sponsored for the third straight year by Digicel.

The Derby in any jurisdiction is the race every jockey, owner, trainer, breeder and groom aspires to win more than any other, due to its time-honoured tradition and prestige.

Trained by 14-time champion Philip Feanny for owners Stephen and Valentine Chung and Clovis Metcalf, RUM TALK is a worthy favourite for the $4.5 million race, havingproduced a rare turn of foot in the closing stages to beat the top 3-y-o colts over 1600 metres in the Jamaica Licensed Bookmakers 2000 Guineas on April 7.

Dividends

But despite the colt's iron-clad claims, Simpson is mindful that the race is not won until dividends are declared.

"Anything can go wrong on the day", he cautioned. "But I really like this horse and I believe that over the years he represents my best chance of winning the Derby," added the 38-year-old jockey.

"I have ridden him twice to win two major races over a mile - the Supreme Ventures 2-Y-O Stakes last Boxing Day and the Guineas.

"On both occasions he came from way off the pace to catch the leader close home and I believe he will outstay them over the longer distance (2400 metres) on Saturday," said Simpson in a confident tone.

The jockey recalls that many years ago, in 1991 to be exact, he had a very good Derby ride in Restless Glen who he rode to victory in the 2000 Guineas and the Governor's Cup earlier in the season.

"He was made the odds-on favourite to win the Derby, but was not good enough on the day and was beaten into third place by the filly Poorlittlerichgirl and Orient Express.

"Three years ago I had another good Derby ride in the Governor's Cup winner Run Papa Run. But after leading for most of the way, he was beaten by Distinctly Irish, yet came back a month later to turn the stables on him in the St. Leger," he remembers.

"Rum Talk is in high spirits and will be a tough opponent... I'm overdue for a Derby win and this time I'll make no mistake", he said.

A bay colt by Royal Minister out of the Fountain of Gold mare Good As Gold, RUM TALK is an even-money favourite to give Feanny his 11th Derby winner.