WITH the 2024 Classic season set to run off this afternoon all eyes will be fixed on the impressive filly Run Julie Run as she takes on 11 rivals in the 1000 Guineas over eight furlongs at Caymanas Park.

Trained by Ian Parsard, Run Julie Run is the undisputed leader of the 2024 three-year-old female cohort. Her performance in the 7½-furlong The Portmore (May 4, 2024) was mind-blowing, winning by all of nine lengths in a time of 1:33.2 — which was just a fifth of a second slower than the time recorded for the same distance by three-year-old colt Intrestntimesahead who is the main contender for the 2000 Guineas on Sunday.

At this stage of the three-year-old campaign Run Julie Run is a cinch to win the 1000 Guineas. Plus, she has shown added progress in the mornings, making it extremely difficult to oppose her. Then again it is racing, and anything can happen.

Parsard, who is seeking his second success in the one-mile Classic event for three-year-old fillies, had previously won the 1000 Guineas in 2021 with his talented filly She’s A Wonder. According to Parsard, the ante-post favourite Run Julie Run is in good nick.

“The number seven draw is not an issue for us. Run Julie Run is in the middle of the 12 starters, which is ideal. I have no problems with her draw position,” added Parsard ahead of the one-mile event.

“She came out of The Portmore without any problems. She has since gone through her preparation routine without any fuss.

“Run Julie Run had her last gallop over last weekend, which went according to plan. At this stage Run Julie Run is fit and proper for the 1000 Guineas,” Parsard said.

The other main contenders for today’s 1000 Guineas race are Fastnfuriouslinks, Amma, Comehometome and Blu Sensation.

Fastnfuriouslinks has not not lived up to early expectations after finishing third in the 2023 Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes. She has raced three times in 2024 with her best effort being a second-place finish, nine lengths behind Run Julie Run in The Portmore. The probable outcome for Fastnfuriouslinks in the 1000 is a place on the board.

Amma, who is trained by Peter-John Parsard, is difficult to assess. From her four career starts Amma has won once and was a no-show in the Thornbird Stakes on April 13 when she was eased down with about a furlong left in the contest. Comehometome brings experience to the table having raced on 11 occasions. Based on her past performances Comehometome is better off at a distance below a mile, yet she is as consistent as they come and cannot be taken out of the fray.

Blu Sensation has been plugging along with her third-place finish behind Run Julie Run and Fastnfuriouslinks in The Portmore, signalling a welcome return to form. Blu Sensation will relish the Guineas distance of a mile, and with morning reports suggesting improvement she has to be seriously considered for at least an exacta placing.