KINGSTON, Jamaica - The recent Thornbird Stakes, a seven-furlong race exclusively for three-year-old fillies, provided clarity on the capabilities and form of the participating horses.
Detailed below is an analysis of the race outcome, presented in the order of finish.
FIRST - BANADURA
Banadura distinguished herself by becoming the first from her age group, regardless of gender, to achieve three victories in 2024. Her transition to longer races has been successful, indicated by wins in the Hot Line Stakes at six furlongs and now the seven-furlong Thornbird Stakes. Under the guidance of trainer Jason DaCosta and jockey Robert Halledeen, she displayed not only speed but also resilience and tactical prowess. Notably patient early in the race, Banadura made her move on the turn and secured the lead entering the final stretch. Despite a challenge from her stablemate, Comehometome, she held firm and triumphed by one and a half lengths, clocking a time of 1:29.1. Banadura now sits atop the rankings for three-year-old fillies and is expected to be the favorite for the upcoming Portmore Stakes at seven and a half furlongs.
SECOND - COMEHOMETOME
After several lackluster performances, Comehometome delivered a commendable effort to place second. Despite prior setbacks, the filly, ridden by Jerome Innis, was competitive throughout and showed considerable improvement. Losing by one and a half lengths, Comehometome demonstrated potential as a middle-distance runner. While questions remain about her ability at longer distances, she merits consideration for future races such as the Portmore and the Jamaica Guineas.
THIRD - RUN JULIE RUN
Entering as the favored contender, Run Julie Run ultimately finished third. Positioned well behind the leaders for much of the race, she rallied late under jockey Omar Walker to end just a length behind the second-place finisher. Her strong finish suggests an aptitude for longer distances, which may bode well in future filly-exclusive races including the Portmore, the 1000 Guineas, and the Jamaica Oaks.
FOURTH - SHANY STAR
Shany Star managed a fourth-place finish, just over six lengths behind the winner. Despite racing within the leading group, she was unable to mount a serious challenge in the final stages. Her progress will continue to be monitored.
FIFTH - BLU SENSATION
Starting at long odds of 63 to 1, Blu Sensation exceeded expectations by finishing fifth and securing earnings for her connections. Her performance suggests potential for further progress.
SIXTH - O SO SMART
Following an impressive prior win, O So Smart's sixth-place result in the Thornbird was disappointing. Her finish was fortunate, and expectations for her future performances, particularly in the Portmore or the 1000 Guineas, are moderate.
SEVENTH - BATTLE ANGEL
With modest expectations, Battle Angel showed some promise. The outcome may still encourage her connections, particularly in sprints.
EIGHTH - MS CHERRY
Miss Cherry's performance was underwhelming. She entered the race with a favorable fitness report but failed to live up to that potential.
NINTH - FASTANDFURIOUSLINKS
Despite a jockey change to Paul Francis, Fast And Furious Links could not sustain her initial position among the top four and faded from contention.
TENTH - LADY LAUREN
Lady Lauren's effort was unremarkable.
ELEVENTH - MIDNIGHT FLIGHT
Midnight Flight maintained a front-running position for about half of the race before fading. She is evidently still developing her racing skills, and may be better off in sprint contest.
TWELFTH - LUCY IN THE SKY
The performance of Lucy In The Sky was as anticipated; uneventful.
THIRTEENTH - DON’T TELL LOU LOU
Minimal commentary is necessary regarding Don’t Tell Lou Lou's performance.
FOURTEENTH - BUTTERCUP
Buttercup encountered misfortune early in the race, making contact with the rails and causing the fall of jockey Shamaree Muir. Despite this unfortunate event, there is optimism for her recovery and future endeavors.
FIFTEENTH - AMMA
Amma was officially listed as not finishing the race. Her jockey, Raddesh Roman dismounted to lead her in. The hope is that Amma was not seriously hampered, and will return to show her true worth.
