Roman says Nautical Star still has more to offer after Labour Day Trophy victory

Raddesh “Sneaky Fox” Roman says Nautical Star has not yet shown his best, even after the jockey partnered the Anthony “Baba” Nunes-trained runner to a convincing 3 1/2-length success in the Labour Day Trophy on Monday, May 25, 2026.

“I was not impressed with the performance, as well as the trainer. We just have to maybe go back to the drawing board and try to get him to his peak,” Roman said following the race.

Nautical Star, a six-year-old dark bay horse by Dixie Chatter from the Evansville Slew mare Kiss Me Chocolate, rallied from behind rivals to capture the seven-furlong Overnight Allowance event. He completed the 1,400-metre trip in 1:25.1, with splits of 23.1, 46.2 and 1:11.3, before putting the contest beyond doubt in the closing stages.

Roman, however, felt the margin did not fully reflect what the horse is capable of producing. “This horse is a very talented horse. All I was trying to do was to get a clean break, position, him, and ask him to run the last three furlongs,” he said.

The jockey also made clear that he rates Nautical Star among the island’s leading performers. “I think he is one of the best horses in Jamaica and he would have put these away easily,” Roman said.

Nautical Star did not break with the greatest sharpness, but he settled in midfield along the backstretch while American Aviator, with Tevin Foster aboard, went forward. Unruly Mo, ridden by Emelio McLean, and Supremasi, under Omar Walker, raced close to the leader.

Approaching the half-mile marker, Roman allowed Nautical Star to improve his position, taking him up beside Unruly Mo and Supremasi as they chased the pace-setting American Aviator. After turning for home, Nautical Star drew level with American Aviator and soon powered clear to win with authority.

The result gave Nautical Star his second victory from three appearances in Jamaica. American Aviator held second, while Mark My Identity, ridden by Dane Dawkins, took third.