DECISION MADE – ATOMICA WILL RACE IN THE JAMAICA DERBY

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Official confirmation came yesterday from trainer Gary Subratie and owner Don Webhy that their top-notch filly Atomica, who finished second to Blue Vinyl in the 10-furlong Jamaica St Leger (July 2), will race in the Jamaica Derby and not the filly’s only Jamaica Oaks.

The Derby, which is the final leg of the Triple Crown series of races, is scheduled to be run on August 6, while the Oaks, also a Classic event but not part of the Triple Crown, is set for Sunday, August 7. At present, the Patrick Lynch-trained Blue Vinyl, following victories in the 2000 Guineas and the Jamaica St Leger, is the only horse left with the possibility of winning this year’s three-year-old Triple Crown.

“The aim of any owner is to win the Jamaica Derby. That is why the investment is made in purchasing and breeding horses, to grow and develop them with the aim of having an opportunity of winning Classic races with the Derby being the ultimate prize.

“Atomica is an outstanding filly, she had a rough passage in the St Leger, yet she has trained on and with all things being equal, Atomica will race in the Jamaica Derby,” Webhy said.

Trainer Subratie was firm on the choice of Atomica racing in the Derby.

“Yes, the choice has been made after consultation with the owner that Atomica will race in the Jamaica Derby on August 6.

“My consideration is that after coming out of the St Leger in good nick and having picked up on her preparations, we must go for the Derby, as this is the biggest and most prestigious race on the local calendar. It is a once in a lifetime race and Atomica has to be given a chance in this race known as the blue riband event. She will have no issues with the distance of 12 furlongs and with a smooth passage, Atomica will be as competitive as can be,” trainer Subratie said while adding that his charge has also been provisionally entered in the 10-furlong Jamaica Oaks.

The provisional entries for both the Derby and the Oaks were released yesterday by the promoting company. Seventeen horses have been provisionally entered in the Derby led by Blue Vinyl with Atomica being the only filly in the line-up. St Leger third place Brinks from the stables of Ian Parsard is present as well, and so too D Head Cornerstone, another Subratie trainee, who finished fourth in the St Leger.

In the Jamaica Oaks, 15 of the fairer sex have been provisionally entered led by Atomica.

The Derby provisional entrants are in order, Blue Vinyl, Atomica, Brinks, Berning Red, Nomoredeals, I Realise, Morimoto, Buzz City Light, D Head Cornerstone, Josh, Goliath The Great, The Citadel, Rainsville, Sonny T And Chippy, Salute The Deputy, and Monsieur Blue. Joe is listed as an also eligible as only 16 horses can race in any one race at Caymanas Park. In the Derby all colts and geldings carry 126 lb with fillies coming in with 121 lb.

The 15 provisional starters in the Oaks are in order, Atomica, Our Angel, Silent Mission, Sunset Silhoutte, She’s Fantastic, Outbidder, Fly Messenger Fly, Pelicula, Thirtyonekisses, Pretty Girl, Alexa’s Secret, Aava Jaelyn, She’s My Friend, Love Dub, and Ooh So Long. All fillies in the Oaks weight-in with 126 lb.