A FURTHER ANALYSIS OF RACE DAY – SATURDAY JUNE 4, 2022

KINGSTON, Jamaica - The 47th renewal of the 1,600 metres Jamaica 1000 Guineas run as the ninth was anticlimactic as a race but raises the prospect of favourite and winner Atomica, trained by Gary Subratie, galloping her way to immortality in the Triple Crown series with today’s machine-like gallop which is clearly indicative of progressive form and a preview of coming attractions.

Undefeated in four prior career starts with victories averaging six lengths per race, the impressively conformed chestnut progeny of Nuclear Wayne, ridden by Dane Dawkins for the second of a double, was installed favourite at odds of 1-9. Atomica was only asked to come off the bridle 300 metres out and arrived at the winning post 20 lengths ahead of nearest rival in a Stakes record 1:37.0 clocking. Dawkins first win came earlier aboard Richard Azan’s Hidden Valley (6-5) in the seventh event run at 1,100 metres.

Breeder Karl Samuda and owner Don Wehby exulted over the ability of Atomica in post-race interviews as well as conditioner Subratie and pilot Dawkins who indicated it was even a lot easier than it looked. There can be no question Atomica is a thoroughbred of exceptional ability and given normal improvement and no unfortunate intervening circumstance further major successes is in her future.

Run over 1,400 metres, the opening event on the 11-race card was won by Olde Wharf (6-1) prepared by Renex Burrell and ridden by two-time champion apprentice Oshane Nugent for only his fifth winner from 76 opportunities this year.

Half an hour later Smoke Haze (2-1) trained by Donovan Plummer was hard held in the early fractions and saw out 1,600 metres of the gallop comfortably with Robert Halledeen riding his first of two winners on the card. Halledeen was able to confirm his double success aboard the Robert Pearson schooled maiden Alexa’s Secret (6-5) in the 1,100-metre eighth.

Race three over 1,100 metres was won by Ryan Derby’s hard-knocking maiden Fearless Vibe (4-5) with former six-time champion Omar Walker at the reins for the first of his triple success on the day. Conversely, Jockey Sadiki Blake enjoyed a very rare trip to the winners’ enclosure when the Wilfred Chin trained Willowdene (7-2) was in front by just over two lengths at the end of the fourth run over the 1,000-metre straight course.

Trained by Dennis Thwaites, for his first of a stable double on the day and well guided by Dick Cardenas, Maya (17/1) outstayed nine rivals over the 1,820 metres of the fifth event. Thwaites followed up immediately in the 1,600-metre sixth with Superluminal leading and holding a late challenge to justify odds of 8-5 and give Walker his second of three wins.

Races nine and ten became the preserve of leading conditioner Jason DaCosta with the improving US-bred four-year-old gelding I Am Fred bettering stablemate Billy Whizz over 1,820 metres followed by Sir John always galloping clear of rivals won by nearly five lengths over 1,400 metres to confirm the stable double and the three wins for Walker.