KINGSTON, Jamaica – Nine members of the fairer sex line-up for the second running of THE PORTMORE – a race for three-year-old fillies going seven and a half furlongs. This is the final prep instalment for the ‘ladies’ before the start of the Classic races, which begins in approximately one month's time with the 1000 Guineas.
As is the usually the case, THE QUICK GALLOPER begins the race assessment by eliminating those horses with a minimal, if not non-existent chance of winning,
In this first defining category fall Fly Messenger Fly, Our Angel, and Rupunzel.
Next on the QUICK GALLOPER’S assessment agenda is the middle packers, and those are horses, who have a chance of pulling off an upset victory.
In THE PORTMORE, Nefertari, Sunset Silhoutte, and Prncsshootingstar, fit comfortably into this category. This then leaves the top three, Atomica, Golden Wattle, and Silent Mission.
Nefertari races with the visor on, probably in an attempt to curb her bad habit at the gate. Nefetari, truth be told, is only given a mention because of her underlying potential.
Sunset Silhoutte is well bred being a half sister to She’s A Maneater, but she is yet to emerge as one with exceptional quality. Yet, Sunset Silhoutte cannot be discarded, as like Nefertari, there is some potential.
Prncsshootingstar is the speed in this race. The lingering question, however, is whether Prncsshootingstar can effectively get the distance? In her last racing effort (7 furlongs), Princsshotingstar faltered in the final furlong, and now going longer, will have it all to do. Because of her speed, Prncsshoootingstar will lead, and rivals have to play catch up, and she has been busy at exercise.
Atomica is three from three, and is the only filly in this race with a perfect record. Atomica can lead, can come from behind, and has the quality of a quick over drive acceleration. She has already taken care of most of the others here present, and is poised to do so once again to maintain her unblemished record.
Golden Wattle, in her first run this season, after dominating the two-year-old rank, including fillies, colts and geldings, did well, finishing six lengths behind Atomica. Golden Wattle gets a longer distance which will be to her liking, yet it must be remembered that these are three-year-olds, who can improve in the blink of an eye.
Silent Mission is slowly building her tempo, and a brave effort is anticipated.
CONCLUSION – Atomica to win, with Silent Mission second and Golden Wattle third.
