Subratie saddles top-rated Calculus, Atomica in Super Cup
If everything goes to plan, trainer Gary Subratie will be smiling at the end of the day as he saddles top runners Calculus and filly Atomica for the second running of the $6-million Jamaica Cup, which is set to highlight the multi-trophy Jamaica Day race programme at Caymanas Park today.
Calculus is the current top stayer in the land at present, and he comes into this race after reeling off three consecutive wins. All of Calculus‘ wins have come going two turns, making him the red-hot favourite going into the Jamaica Cup. Calculus should stay close to the leaders, and whenever he decides to move, it will take a brave run from his other rivals to deny him victory. Shane Ellis will ride at a top weight of 57.0kgs (126 lb).
Atomica, on the other hand, was disappointing in the recent Gold Cup run over seven furlongs (1,400m) on October 22. The talented filly was squeezed for space at the half-mile and never recovered, finishing in fifth place by over 8 lengths. Bred by Nuclear Wayne – Honkeytonkville, Atomica is gifted and should be a tougher opponent here. Being the lone filly in the line-up, Atomica will not go down without a fight. Dane Dawkins remains in the saddle.
Other runners such as the Jason DaCosta-trained I Am Fred and King Arthur, Anthony Nunes’ Oneofakind, and Blue Vinyl, trained by Patrick Lynch, should make the race very interesting as they are all capable enough runners to go home with the top prize.
The three-year-old and upwards Graded Stakes contest going 9 ½ furlongs (1,900m) is positioned as the ninth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 4:15 pm. First race is at 11:30 am.
Also on tap on the lucrative Jamaica Day are the $2.5-million Port Royal Sprint going six furlongs (1,200m) and the $1.5-million St Elizabeth Distaff going one mile (1,600m).
Eight horses representing most of the best sprinters in training will be locked in battle in the Port Royal Sprint, an Open Allowance/Graded Stakes, which Duke is in the line-up to defend his title. Madelyn’s Sunshine and I’ve Got Magic should be the main dangers for Duke.
In the Overnight Allowance St Elizabeth Distaff, DaCosta holds the key with his three top runners — defending champion Make Up Artist, Lure of Lucy and She’s My Destiny. Last year, Make Up Artist defeated Best Daughterer by 4 14 lengths in a stakes record time of 1:38.4. Although sparingly raced this season, Make Up Artist should report in good nick to defend her crown and is expected to go gate to wire. Seems to have been primed by her trainer for this race.