Ten chosen based on potential, improvement
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The ten horses listed below are those who this website believes will grow and develop during the course of the 2022 racing season. Horses who have already made their mark, like Calculus, Further and Beyond, and Golden Wattle and others are not included.
ATOMICA: (Nuclear Wayne – Honkeytonkville) – This chestnut filly trained by Gary Subratie raced once as a two-year-old, winning in quite dramatic fashion going five furlongs round. In her debut run, Atomica was slowly out of her starting stall, and entered the straight still way behind rivals. Then came the acceleration by this filly as she gobbled up the ground to win handily. Gives the distinct impression that she will thrive at a distance of ground. Watch Atomica carefully in 2022.
BIG JULE: (Tapizar – Blues In The Grass) - Imported in utero, this impressively conformed colt was expected to figure in the 2021 Futurities. Unfortunately, plans were derailed but he was thought to be ready enough to line up for the Jamaica Derby. However, from being a close second at the top of the home stretch he could only finish fourth by 10½ lengths. This big, strong dark-bay colt has scope for significant improvement and going forward has the potential to develop and compete successfully with the best.
BRINKS: (Bern Identity – Indian Bluff) - Won the Super Challenge over 1400 metres and was the long odds-on favourite to remain undefeated in the Jamaica Two- Year-Old Stakes with three wins from as many races. His effort from just off the pace to the top of the home straight failed to deliver a serious threat to the leaders in this premier event for juveniles. Finished three and a half lengths third, looked fatigued after this 1600-metre gallop, and was hosed down for nearly ten minutes in the Parade Ring. It was obvious that in the Two-Year- Old Stakes Brinks was not himself, as something must have gone wrong. He cannot be written off for that one underperformance, though, and looks likely to be a serious contender for honours in the 2022 Futurities.
I AM FRED(USA): (Golden Lad – Happy Hailey) - This strong three-year-old bay gelding did not race at two years. Showed progressive form with four wins from nine opportunities in 2021. Interestingly, three of those successes came over 1500 metres but he looks well capable of handling longer and must be respected when he lines up to compete for the major prizes in 2022. I Am Fred is versatile and tough.
OUTBIDDER: (Savoy Stomp – Rumble) – This pricey and well-grown filly raced in the same contest as Pip, finished fourth. Outbidder, in her only run at two years did, enough to signal that once she finds herself, she will prove to be a serious contender – especially in the Classic races designated for fillies only, namely the 1000 Guineas and the Jamaica Oaks. This well bred filly is to be watched closely among her sex.
PERFECT BREW: (Bern Identity – Moonlight Brew) - Trained by Richard Azan, this nicely conformed colt with more than a touch of stamina was second in the Pick 3 Only One for Me Trophy, did not get a satisfactory start in the Super Challenge, but stayed on well to be two lengths second in the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes. Likely to show improved form in his second season and this could ensure he ends up as one of the top stakes earners in the Futurities.
PIP: (Perfect Curlin – Noon It Is) – Ran his only race as a two-year-old on December 26, finishing third behind two foreigners Runaway Algo and Luksol. For this first effort, Pip demonstrated a hint of what can be expected as a three-year-old. He was prominent throughout the five-and-a-half furlong contest and galloped strong in the straight. Given normal expected development, Pip gives the impression that, at the very least, he will move through his conditions and possibly play a role in the major three-year-old races.
RUNAWAY ALGO (USA): (Algorithms – Misunify) – This foreign-bred chestnut colt raced twice as a two-year-old, finishing fifth on debut (November 8), and then winning on December 26. The victory by Runaway Algo got immediate notice as it was achieved with ease and in a respectable time of 1:06.2 for five and a half furlongs. Runaway Algo, trained by Dale Murphy, gives the early appearance of being versatile and will go through his conditions with ease and hopefully will play a significant part in Overnight Allowance and beyond.
SHE’S MY DESTINY: (Bern Identity – Woman Is Boss) - This talented filly was undefeated after her first two starts in 2021 but finished fourth in a useful field on her third attempt. Found lame prior to the start of her last intended appearance in July, conditioner Jason DaCosta solved the problem and presented her in immaculate condition for her next appearance on December 26. Won by 13½ lengths over the 1300-metre trip in an impressive clocking of 1:17.2 suggests that following her next appearance she will become eligible for Overnight Allowance competition. Then, it will be time to tackle the big ones.
SUPREME SONG: (Sensational Slam – Red Gold) – Apart from being well-bred and a half-brother to Toona Ciliata, this chestnut colt in his only run to date gave no real evidence of his worth. Supreme Song did not participate in any of the major juvenile races so his ability cannot be assessed with accuracy. Supreme Song is on this list of 10 horses to follow purely on his breeding and signs that he maybe a slow developer like his half-brother.
