KINGSTON, Jamaica – Yes, the 2021 Jamaica St Leger is done and dusted and with the crescendo of the victory by the Gary Subratie trained, Shane Ellis ridden Calculus there are more questions than answers.
The main question, however, is: why were some horses taken out and some allowed to stay in their starting positions when horse number one Prince Marshall hurled himself under his stall after all the horses had already loaded?
A clear and distinct protocol needs to be established by the powers that be when incidents like the one involving Prince Marshall come about not only in a Classic race like the St Leger but with any race.
If the incident is bad enough like what happened today (July 3) with Prince Marshall, an agreed and established protocol would then click into motion. If that protocol, for example, says that in such an instance, all of the other horses need to be taken out – then take all of them out, and if not, let all stay in their post-positions.
The strong belief is that an advantage is created for those horses taken out. The officials need to get this one right moving forward.
As to the race itself; 2000 Guineas winner Miniature Man reverted to his old sprinting self and lost all chances after six furlongs were completed.
She’s A Wonder, the 1000 Guineas heroine, was expected in her usual manner to lead but did not. Instead, she raced well behind the leaders, then made up ground but could not sustain the effort.
Further and Beyond, third in the 2000, was thereabouts throughout the race but when the winner Calculus came a calling, Further and Beyond could not respond.
Nuclear Noon, a fighting second in the 2000, was nowhere around.
There is nothing to mention of the rest.
Now, to the winner! Calculus recently changed stables moving to the shed-row of Gary Subratie. This is the second year in a row that Subratie was winning this Classic race and it is pertinent to mention that this is the second year in succession that the horses he used to win the St Leger came to his barn from other trainers relatively early in their three-year-old campaign.
In 2020, Subratie got Nipster, if The QUICK GALLOPER’S memory is correct, in late March or early April and Nipster went on to win the St Leger with Linton Steadman aboard.
This year, he took over conditioning duties for Calculus about a month ago, and lo and behold he has another St Leger winner.
Shane Ellis has further cemented his place as a Classic winning jockey par excellence. This was the first time Ellis was riding Calculus in a competitive race and he did so with aplomb and with the air of a true racing thoroughbred.
Ellis’ other St Leger winners were: 2012 – Typewriter; 2014 – Relampago; 2018 – Marquesas; and Supreme Soul in 2019.
So, after this win in the St Leger at two turns, Calculus is now the clear favourite for the 12-furlong Jamaica Derby.
While life among three-year-olds can be topsy turvy, with any number playing at any time, Calculus is in the catbird’s seat right now as those he raced against today (July 3) will have to deal with 12 furlongs in the Derby, which on the results of the St Leger is not likely to happen.
It is therefore left for a horse not in today’s St Leger to provide a suitable challenge in the Derby come August.
Let’s wait and see.
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Good analysis of the St. Leger. In most cases we assess the horses and their ability to handle 2 turns but we need also to assess jockeys and their capability to manage the 2 turns as well. Food for thought.
Indeed! You are right. Taking it one step further look how Anthony Thomas handled King Arthur in the eighth race. He blocked the inside rails because Nipster is known to love the inside. Very good ride in my opinion. Thanks for your comments.