The seventh race on Saturday’s card pays tribute to Simply Magic, the first filly to capture the Triple Crown at Caymanas Park.
The trophy event is restricted to locally bred three-year-olds (non-winners of two) and imported three- and four-year-olds, contested over nine furlongs and 25 yards. Six locally bred runners have been declared. Below is the draw-by-draw assessment.
1 – MINNIEHAHA
- Pedigree: Three-year-old bay filly (Feb 23) by Savoy Stomp out of Red Gold
- Trainer: Robert Pearson
- Jockey: Raddesh Roman
Minniehaha has seven runs under her belt, with her longest effort coming in the 1000 Guineas (one mile) where she faded to seventh, well behind Dream Catcher. Her record shows repeated issues at the break and traffic problems mid-race. While she faces modest opposition here, she must raise her game considerably to be a genuine threat. Respect is due, but expectations are tempered.
2 – GULFSTREAM CAT
- Pedigree: Three-year-old bay filly (Apr 3) by Savoy Stomp out of Burning Clearance
- Trainer: Carl Anderson
- Jockey: Chalrick Budhai
Gulfstream Cat shed her maiden tag less than two weeks ago. That win was encouraging, but she is still learning her craft. This assignment may have come too soon, and she looks better suited to gain seasoning before tackling rivals of this calibre.
3 – TIA MARIA
- Pedigree: Three-year-old chestnut filly (Feb 2) by Bold Conquest out of Zacapa
- Trainer: Anthony Nunes
- Jockey: Tajay Suckoo
The most experienced of the sextet with eight starts, Tia Maria also contested the 1000 Guineas, though she finished far back in 13th. That effort is best ignored. What matters is her consistent tendency to stay on late, suggesting stamina reserves that could serve her well over two turns. On paper, she is the logical pick, and this race may double as her rehearsal for the upcoming Jamaica Oaks at 10 furlongs.
4 – D.O.K
- Pedigree: Three-year-old bay colt (May 2) by Spieth out of Regency
- Trainer: Anthony Nunes
- Jockey: Shane Richardson
Still a maiden, D.O.K finds himself among winners. The gap in class is too wide, and he can be safely dismissed from serious contention.
5 – FOR MY LOVE
- Pedigree: Three-year-old bay filly (Mar 21) by Sensational Slam out of For Trixie
- Trainer: Anthony Nunes
- Jockey: Joy Haynes
Another maiden pitched against winners. For My Love has shown little to suggest readiness for this level. She remains a long-term project rather than a present danger.
6 – ROCKHAMPTON
- Pedigree: Three-year-old bay colt (Apr 19) by Wow Wow out of Nuclear Flight
- Trainer: Anthony Nunes
- Jockey: Omar Walker
Rockhampton was nowhere in the 2000 Guineas, but that was against far stronger company. Dropping into this easier spot, he looks far more competitive. His sire Wow Wow passed on a running-on trait, and though most of his efforts have been at shorter trips, the extended distance could unlock improvement. He is given a solid chance to lift the Simply Magic Cup.
THE VERDICT
The race appears to revolve around Tia Maria and Rockhampton, with Minniehaha lurking as a possible spoiler if she finally gets a clean trip. Gulfstream Cat, D.O.K, and For My Love look set to play supporting roles rather than headline acts.
