For a trainer who posted his first winner only five weeks ago, Dalton Sirjue has found himself in the enviable position of saddling not one, but two horses in the 89th running of the Jamaica Derby, sponsored by the United Bookmakers Association, at Caymanas Park on Saturday.

The dream of having a horse in the Derby has taken on added significance for Sirjue, who conditions the recent Lotto Classic (Governor's Cup) runner-up, JAYLEN, and the promising chestnut colt, SPACE FURY, a runaway winner over 1820 metres on his recent debut in three-year-old maiden company. Both will run in the colours of different owners, with in-form jockey Richard Mitchell down to ride Jaylen and André Martin aboard SPACE FURY.

Wonderful feeling

"It's a wonderful feeling to have two horses in what is the biggest race in terms of prestige," said Sirjue, who is popularly called 'Mikey'.

"Some trainers see it as a privilege to have a runner in the Derby, and I'm truly blessed in having two," he was quick to add.

According to the trainer, who is the brother of jockey Ian Sirjue, JAYLEN is a legitimate contender for top honours following his brave effort behind HE'S REALLY OK in the May 23 Lotto Classic over 2000 metres, the major prep for the premier classic.

"Although he came up a bit short in the Governor's Cup, that was only his second race since making his debut on April 13 and his inexperience coming into an important race was evident.

"He not only missed the break but lost ground approaching the clubhouse turn, running down from post position 13 to the number-one draw against the rails.

"To come back and lose by only two lengths after that was a huge effort on his part," said Sirjue of JAYLEN.

"I, along with the owner, Fitzroy Glipsie, am of the opinion that with better luck in running that day, it could have been different.

"We are encouraged by his progress in preparation for the Derby. He will stay 12 furlongs and I would like to beat the two Guineas winners, Bruceontheloose and Saint Cecelia. They are the top two and whatever happens on Saturday, Jaylen will give it his best shot," promised the 50-year-old trainer, who is a past student of Jamaica College (1972 -79).

Significantly, since obtaining a trainer's licence in June of 2007, after successfully completing the Jamaica Racing Commission course for assistant trainers, Sirjue, a former assistant to trainer Gary Subratie, has saddled two winners in JAYLEN and SPACE FURY.

He had the misfortune of seeing his first winner, MELINDAGATA, suffering disqualification last September, and he had to wait eight agonising months for JAYLEN to break the ice.

Could JAYLEN come to his rescue again?