KINGSTON, Jamaica - Runaway Algo powdered an industrious and seasoned field of three-year-old campaigners in winning the Bridge 99 FM Cup (seven and a half furlongs) to emphatically state his readiness for his Gold Cup, Jamaica Cup, Mouttet Mile, and Ian Levy Cup participation with an eye-catching victory at Caymanas Park on Sunday, September 25, 2022.
The three-year-old and upwards event for Overnight Allowance campaigners attracted a field of 11 runners with many seeking to attain the qualifying standards for the upcoming top money-earning aforementioned races.
This win by Runaway Algo with Christopher Mamdeen in the saddle took away the concerns of many that this three-year-old foreign-bred chestnut colt would have difficulties racing effectively against the top campaigners going longer than seven furlongs. On a sloppy track, the Dale Murphy trainee clocked a fast final time of 1:30.4 seconds, as the leader throughout, while establishing quick splits of 23.4 x 46.3 x 1:10.3. The track record done in 1983 by Sky Train stands at 1:29.2. Then Sky Train carried 98 lb, while Runaway Algo had an impost of 126 lb.
Oneofakind (Reyan Lewis), returning from a long injury break with possible participation in the upcoming big money races in mind, finished 2 3/4 lengths behind an eased down Runaway Algo with oldster Ras Emanuel (Shane Richardson) third.
“Things have changed of late. I can now concentrate on my horse (Runaway Algo) training duties, paying much closer attention each morning at exercise.
As it relates to Runaway Algo’s preparation, it is now directed toward the longer races geared towards qualifying for participation in the Gold Cup and the upcoming Mouttet Mile in December.
“In his preparatory run today, I am particularly pleased and liked how he accelerated in the straight as this does augur well for the longer trips to come. As I see it, his preparation is on cue for what lies ahead,” trainer Murphy outlined.
He then added: “The task at hand is to keep Runaway Algo happy and healthy. He is a three-year-old with much scope for improvement but we have to take care of him, and work him properly so that he can give his efforts on race days, and as many are well aware, races are not run in the mornings.”
When the gates opened Mamdeen was quick in pushing Runaway Algo to the lead. Galloping comfortably without showing any difficulties with the sloppy underfoot condition, Runaway Algo dictated the fractions, with his rider looking back to see if rivals were gaining. Mamdeen then noticeably eased down on Runaway Algo with half-a-fulong to go to complete a fine win.
“Runaway Algo is definitely a good horse. He is finding himself more and more, and I expect him to be around to compete effectively in the big races to come. This was another good effort from Runaway Algo and I am expecting better things to come,” Mamdeen said.
The connections of the runner-up, Oneofakind must have been pleased with the second placed effort by this five-year-old horse. Oneofakind having already proved his mettle against the best was returning from injury, a break of over 120 days, and did well. He is also trying to get ready for the big money races.
