Any number can play in wide open Jamaica Oaks
Eleven of the best native-bred three-year-old fillies will contest the 83rd staging of the Jamaica Oaks, the final Classic race for the season. The Futurity event will be run over 10 furlongs (2,000m) for a total purse of $3.75m.
Below is the analysis of the eleven in the Oaks.
1. AAVA JAELYN: (3 ch f by Tapilu – Boogywoogyprincess) – Finished 39 lengths in ninth place behind I Realise going nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) on June 19. Little or no improvement is expected from Aava Jaelyn.
2. LOVE DUB: (3 b f by Sensational Slam – Iamallaboutthebest) – Released the maiden tag in a 5½-furlong (1,100m) race on July 23. Love Dub has no realistic chance of winning this one.
3. PELICULA: (3 b f by Soul Warrior – Milestone) – Pelicula was an impressive winner over this distance on July 17, making her the only contestant in this Classic to do so. Then Pelicula won by a length and three-quarters in a time of 2:13.2. With the Oaks being an open affair, the Richard Azan trainee could fight for top honours.
4. SUNSET SILHOUTTE: (3 b f by Northern Giant – Ahwhofah) – A winner two starts before this race when travelling nine furlongs and 25 yards on July 19, beating Unruly Dad and Pelicula in the process. Sunset Silhoutte won in a time of 1:57.3, the fastest among these at the distance, suggesting that 10 furlongs will not be an issue for her. Look for a good run from Sunset Silhoutte in the Jamaica Oaks.
5. OUTBIDDER: (3 b f by Savoy Stomp – Rumble) – Well-bred filly who has not impressed. Based on current form, Outbidder should be left behind in this one but the presence of Shane Ellis in the saddle is an indication that a better effort is in store. Ellis is known for his Classic race ability, rarely rides for the Jason DaCosta stables. Note, Outbidder races with the blinkers off and the visor on.
6. GOLDEN WATTLE: (3 ch f by Lion Tamer – Golden Glory) – Champion two-year-old from last season who is without a win in her three-year-old career from four starts. Golden Wattle last raced on June 4 in the 1000 Guineas, placing sixth, 27 lengths behind Atomica. Golden Wattle is going to enjoy this distance and given her back class, can win this Classic, plus her preparation has been geared for this event.
7. OUR ANGEL: (3 b f by Savoy Stomp – Myangel) – On paper, Our Angel is the horse to beat. Our Angel finished second twice to Atomica in The Portmore and 1000 Guineas, respectively. With Atomica, not present, choosing the Derby instead, Our Angel now has an open opportunity of winning this Classic race. She has progressed well at exercise with a 1:29.3 breeze over seven furlongs on August 1, demonstrating that Our Angel is in good nick at this time.
8. RUNWAY ICON: (3 roan f by Deputy Glitters – Runaway Silver) – This filly will be trying her best but it won’t be enough against these.
9. OOH SO LONG: (3 b f by Force De Jour – Oolong) – Ooh So Long is the only maiden in the Oaks and that will not change after this race.
10. SILENT MISSION: (3 b f by Savoy Stomp – Lady Mandi) – Good sort who finished behind Our Angel the last three times they met. Silent Mission is another one who will relish this distance but with Our Angel present, is expected to play second fiddle once again will be in the frame.
11. FLY MESSENGER FLY: (3 ch f by Northern Giant – Preach Preacher) – Fly Messenger Fly is the most raced horse among the eleven in the Oaks having faced the starter on 20 occasions.
