KINGSTON, Jamaica - Another race, another victory, albeit this time the much-vaunted Diamond Mile, has become the regular lifestyle of She’s A Maneater.
In winning the 2019 Diamond Mile sponsored by the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission and Supreme Ventures Limited, She’s A Maneater obliged at odds of 3-5.
Below is an assessment of the Diamond Mile result - horse by horse.
FIRST: She’s A Maneater — Greatness is often defined as “consistent and record-breaking performances at the highest level of any endeavour” and as a racing thoroughbred, no horse in the annals of local horse racing has accomplished more than She’s A Maneater. Without a doubt this once in a lifetime five-year-old mare has gone beyond the boundaries of expectations and every time she conquers, even erudite writers and pundits are left awestruck by her natural and acquired brilliance. In winning her second Diamond Mile on Saturday, She’s A Maneater took a step closer to invincibility, and by the way, she is almost there. Her magical Diamond Mile run was She’s A Maneater’s 24th victory from 30 starts, as she became the first horse in Jamaica to earn over $40 million. Then when her Triple Crown victory in 2017, her three-consecutive wins in the Superstakes, the Gold Cup, her other Diamond Mile success in 2017, plus winning from five and a half furlongs to 12 furlongs, are placed together, even the most untrusting observers are forced to admit, that racing fans today are probably witnessing the greatest horse ever to race in Jamaica be it at Caymanas Park, Knutsford Park or Old Harbour. She’s A Maneater is the best female horse to race in Jamaica and when she races again, let’s remember that we are indeed lucky to be here to witness this great mare perform. Her winning time of 1:35.1 for a mile further underscores his ability. A win for the ages in the Diamond Mile by the Natural Selection — Ahwhofah bred She’s A Maneater. Well done, owner Ian Kong, breeder Winston Kong, groom Christo Anthony, jockey Omar Walker and trainer Wayne DaCosta for presenting and caring for this sparkling “diamond” for the benefit of all.
SECOND: Stranger Danger — The prevailing thought by many is that Stranger Danger was not at his very best in the Diamond Mile with the other angle being, he simply could not manage the onslaught of She’s A Maneater. Nevertheless, Stranger Danger was better than the rest and despite being challenged for third place by Toona Ciliata, he was pulling away in the end. This writer believes that Stranger Danger lost no merit in defeat and is still going to be one of the top performers in Grade One races next year. As a three-year-old, he can only get better once he stays healthy and with trainer Wayne DaCosta expected to limit the appearance of She’s A Maneater, Stranger Danger is the heir apparent to take over. Let’s wait and see.
THIRD: Toona Ciliata — Like in the recent Superstakes (10 furlongs), Toona Ciliata, despite the presence of his Triple Crown-winning stable companion Supreme Soul, proved once again that at present he is the best local three-year-old in training. Toona Ciliata was prominent throughout in the Diamond Mile while displaying his pace and still had enough in the final two furlongs to hold his gallop. This three-year-old chestnut gelding is “A” class material and the hope is that he will remain sound to campaign at the highest level, which at present is bereft of horses.
FOURTH: Sentient — Continues to show reasonable progress. Sentient was able to beat his Classic nemesis, Supreme Soul once again as he did in the Superstakes, which is a demonstration that he is improving. He was with the leaders from the off and stayed close by but was outdone by the pure class of the first three. Sentient now has to go through his various conditions and get himself ready to become a part of the highest grade.
FIFTH: Supreme Soul — With the visors on for the first time, Triple Crown hero, Supreme Soul feared a bit better than he did in the Superstakes. Yet, it can be said that better was expected from him, especially since the running of the Diamond Mile he has gone into quarantine as he prepares to run in the Caribbean Classic in early December in the United States. Supreme Soul was very early with the pacesetting group but when the big three accelerated leaving the three-furlong point, he simply had no answer. In the straight, Supreme Soul was one-paced and had to settle for fifth in the end.
SIXTH: Superluminal — Was with the early ones coming from the number 15 draw but Superluminal did not advance in the straight as he usually does. He earned enough to keep his connections happy.
SEVENTH: Dontae — Made it very late as a Diamond Mile participant following the withdrawal of Saratoga Sight. Dontae was never in the race and even in the straight, where he usually does his best work, could not cope.
EIGHTH: Uncle Frank — This tough campaigner was expected to run much better than he did, which was a disappointment. His name was only called in the race as one of the backmarkers.
NINTH: Summer Sun — Did not show for this race at any time. Summer Sun after his win to gain a Diamond Mile spot was maybe hampered by the number one draw but he was nowhere around from the start.
TENTH: Another Bullet — The Sprint Champion reared badly when the starter let them go almost dislodging his rider Trevor Simpson and as a result lost any chance of winning or even hitting the board in this rich event. The events leading up to Another Bullet jumping at the start are significant. Television replays are indicating that Another Bullet was being placed in his starting stall (number 11) with the blindfolds on and just at the moment when the attendant was throwing behind the blindfolds, the starter pressed the button and Another Bullet was affected by the action.
ELEVENTH: Fayrouz — Was missing in action throughout and will do way better in the class below.
TWELFTH: Bruce Wayne — Not even the batmobile could have helped. Simply put, Bruce Wayne never had a chance from the very beginning.
THIRTEENTH: Princess Annie — Probably should not have been in the race from the outset. Yet, she was there and was thoroughly outclassed.
FOURTEENTH: Houdini’s Magic — More and more it is becoming clear that Houdini’s Magic is coming close to the end of what has been a useful career. Did not show in this year’s Diamond Mile at any stage in the race.
FIFTEENTH: Uncle Vinnie — Apart from finishing second to last, Uncle Vinnie was with the early leaders. Then it was a case of steady reversal.
SIXTEENTH: Drummer Boy — Returned to racing after a break and did try to be with early pace. That was all apart from providing apprentice Abigail Able with her first ride in the Diamond Mile — to become the first female jockey to do so.
