KINGSTON, Jamaica - While it might have been historically fitting that Jason DaCosta won the She's A Maneater Trophy (Sat, July 27) given that his dad, Wayne, was responsible for the formidable career of probably the best filly ever to race at Caymanas Park, it was not lost on punters the effect weight allocation can have on the outcome of a race.
The 2024 She's A Maneater Trophy had six starters, including Atomica, who was allotted to carry the top weight allowed in any one race in Jamaica, 126 lbs. In toting that 126 lbs., Atomica allowed weight ranging from 14 lbs. to 22 lbs to her five rivals.
As the race, a Graded Stakes Open Allowance call at a mile, panned out, the known speedster Mamma Mia (Ramon Nepare) set a quick pace with Atomica (Omar Walker) trying to keep up during the first four furlongs of the event.
During this time, eventual winner Funcaandun (Jordan Barrett) easily raced six to eight lengths behind the two leaders.
It became obvious from four furlongs out that the weight toll was hurting Atomica, as she could not use her noted change of pace to get by Mamma Mia, the latter still galloping resolutely.
With three furlongs to go, Barrett made his move on Funcaandun, with the foreigner responding by accelerating impressively.
In the straight for the final two furlongs, Atomica under the weight disadvantage faltered as Funcaandun moved away to win by 7 ¾ lengths in a time of 1:39.0. Mamma Mia fought on gallantly to be second, three lengths ahead of Atomica. In his post-race interview, the trainer of Atomica, Gary Subratie, had little doubt about the performance of his charge.
"The handicaps of the race were against Atomica…allowing such a large chunk of weight to well-accomplished rivals proved to be her undoing. Yet, such is racing and for sure, we will come again, when hopefully she will race under better handicaps.
"You have to understand that there are not many races available for Atomica, so when one is available, we have to race," Subratie told this website.
When will Atomica race again?
A final decision has not yet been taken. Preliminary checks after she returned from the Saturday race indicate that she is ok. Still, until the final checks are made by the vet, and after consultation with the owner, her next race will be decided on," Subratie said.
