Jimmie, Star Racing Writer

PHILIP FEANNY's three-year-old first-timer, CAMPESINO, has been galloping head-to-head with United States-bred stablemate, REASONABLE PRESS, and should be closely watched in what should be a winning debut in tomorrow's 1100-metre fourth race.

With stamina seemingly lacking among this season's crop of three year olds, CAMPESINO could be the late-bloomer-in-waiting for the Jamaica Derby.

The bay colt has a $1.6m tag from the Yearling Sale, obviously an in utero animal as neither his sire nor dam raced locally.

Bred Compadre-Yaella, CAMPESINO has a strong Northern Dancer influence at both ends and appears to be the staying type, based on evidence at exercise.

CAMPESINO's sire, Compadre, now deceased, was a United States-bred stallion who stood in Canada. His race record shows seven wins, 12 places and 13 shows - 32 times on the board from 50 starts.

His dam, Canada-bred-and-raced Yaella, had two wins and two place outings from nine starts, not a bad record.

What has impressed most about CAMPESINO has been his consistency at exercise alongside REASONABLE PRESS, who lost in a driving finish to last year's derby winner, TYPEWRITER, on April 20.

Feanny hooked up the pair at exercise early March and, in four gallops, REASONABLE PRESS has yet to shake CAMPESINO from his girth strap.

It has been a while since 14-time champion trainer Feanny has had a derby aspirant, his last victory being DISTINCTLY IRISH in 2004.

CAMPESINO being prepared upside REASONABLE PRESS, possibly the best horse in Feanny's barn, suggests the three-year-old colt is being primed for an assault on the remaining classics.

He looked pretty ordinary as a two-year-old in training last year, went missing for four months, mid-September, but returned a different horse at exercise in March, minus the visor he previously wore.

For a debutant to be consistently keeping pace with REASONABLE PRESS, an open allowance runner, CAMPESINO must be followed.

Winston Griffiths is aboard for owner Howard Hamilton, another indication of classic ambitions from Feanny's camp.

Tomorrow's programme should be a form player's one with champion trainer Wayne DaCosta having a sure three-timer on the 10-race card - HUPOMONE in the second, PERFECT NEIGHBOUR in the third and BLAST THEM AWAY in the ninth.

MILITARY MOVE looks good in the fifth at a reduced distance after finding DEO VOLENTE a length and a quarter better at a mile on April 24.

TECHNOCAT has worked well enough to get off the mark the second time of asking in the sixth and down-in-class LESTERAE won't be caught in the seventh on a $250,000 tag.