In 2025, trainer Gary Subratie raised eyebrows across the racing fraternity when he boldly campaigned his filly Pretty Perfect in back‑to‑back Classics. First, she lined up in the Jamaica Oaks, the fillies‑only 10‑furlong test, where she finished a commendable third.
Then, five days later, Subratie entered her in the 12‑furlong Jamaica Derby against colts and geldings.
The gamble paid off as Pretty Perfect again finished third, vindicating her trainer’s daring approach. Sadly, her story ended in tragedy when she sustained a career‑ending injury during morning exercise not long after. Before that tragedy, Pretty Perfect went on to win the Winston Griffiths Classic in early September 2025.
Fast forward to 2026, and a strikingly similar scenario is unfolding.
This time, it is champion trainer Jason DaCosta.
His 1000 Guineas heroine, Dream Catcher, has been entered for both the Jamaica Oaks on August 1 and the Jamaica Derby on August 6.
Dream Catcher delivered emphatically in the Oaks, winning in scintillating fashion, stopping the clock at a respectable 2:07.4. The victory was especially sweet given her earlier disappointment in the Jamaica St Leger, where she could do no better than fifth against the colts and geldings.
Now, the racing public waits anxiously to see if Dream Catcher will indeed take her place in the Derby line‑up.
Another major consideration is who will ride Dream Catcher in the Derby if she starts. Her regular rider, Tevin Foster, with a number one paper, is booked to partner London Spirit, while Dream Catcher is listed, based on the Overnight, with Robert Halledeen holding a number three paper.
The final programme will be published by the Racing Office on Monday, August 3, and whether or not Dream Catcher starts in the Derby, will depend a lot on how well she recovers from her Oaks exertions.
Should she proceed, Dream Catcher will attempt to emulate Pretty Perfect’s rare double‑classic feat.
