KINGSTON, Jamaica – THE QUICK GALLOPER turns back the pages of recent racing history to assess the progress or non-development of the eleven starters in the 2021 Classic Jamaica St Leger.
This assessment is done in order of finish.
FIRST – Calculus: Signalled his meteoric rise with a supreme effort in the 10-furlong St Leger, winning by 6 ½ lengths under skillful guidance by jockey Shane Ellis for trainer Gary Subratie. Calculus then forwarded to capture the biggest prize of all, the Jamaica Derby. Calculus has moved on since the St Leger to become one of the top horses in training.
SECOND – Further and Beyond: Tried his best, finding Calculus too much to deal with in this Classic offering. Further and Beyond met the same fate in the Derby, then developed in the latter part of the year to become the highest-rated horse in the country, and was voted as the Horse of the Year 2021. He is still campaigning in Grade One with aplomb.
THIRD – She’s A Wonder: After the St Leger, this filly bypassed the Derby choosing instead to race in the fillies-only Jamaica Oaks, winning with little fuss. Since then went on a long break, returning to compete about three weeks ago in Overnight Allowance. She’s A Wonder is yet to win a race this season.
FOURTH – Santorini: Slowly went through his conditions, unfortunately, he died recently.
FIFTH – Secret Identity: This filly has progressed to the Open Allowance level, but is yet to win in that grouping. Secret Identity does not compete regularly as she seems to have injury issues.
SIXTH – Miniature Man: Following the St Leger, Miniature Man went on a long rest to recuperate from injuries. He returned to racing about six weeks ago, struggling to win in Overnight Allowance.
SEVENTH – Amy The Butcher: The career of his filly has been hampered by injuries. Changed stables earlier this year winning two in a row to reach Overnight Allowance.
EIGHTH – T Brady: Has taken his time to slowly go through his conditions. Still, actively competing.
NINTH – Nuclear Noon: Easily went through the grades and has proven to be competitive in Open Allowance. Nuclear Noon recently had surgery and will not race for about six months or so.
TENTH – Bern Notice: Has taken his time to reach the Overnight Allowance grade.
ELEVENTH – Simba The Lion: Has rarely raced since the St Leger.
