KINGSTON, Jamaica - The second running of the three-year-old and upwards Graded Stakes Jamaica Cup is set to highlight the multi-trophy Jamaica Day race programme at Caymanas Park tomorrow (Saturday, November 12, 2022).
The $6-million purse event has attracted 10 runners, including three Jamaica Derby winners — Atomica, King Arthur, and Calculus, who will go up against I Am Fred, Oneofakind, and Blue Vinyl in what is expected to be a grand showdown going 9 ½ furlongs (1,900m).
Provided below is a closer look at each runner below and their chances of winning.
- I AM FRED (USA): (4 b g by Golden Lad – Happy Hailey) – Came from off the pace to finish 7 ¾ lengths behind Mahogany and Runaway Algo in the 7-furlong (1,400m) Gold Cup on October 22. I Am Fred will welcome the easier pace of this two-turn event, but has gone up significantly in the weights. Notwithstanding, if he stays close to the pace, he has the ability to come on in the lane.
- MINIATURE MAN: (4 ch g by Northern Giant – Runaway Gal) – A winner on last who is going to find repeating a very tall order.
- CRIMSON: (6 b g by Nuclear Wayne – Sarah Barracuda) – Has not done anything of worth in recent times. Will be hard-pressed to beat these.
- ONEOFAKIND: Late non-starter.
- CALCULUS: (4 b g by Sensational Slam – Trinket Box) – The current top stayer in the land. Calculus comes into this race after reeling off three consecutive wins. All of those wins have come going two turns, making him the red-hot favourite going into the Jamaica Cup. Calculus should stay close to the leaders, and whenever he decides to move, it will take a brave run from his other rivals to deny him victory.
- KING ARTHUR: (5 b g by Natural Selection – Geisha’s Art) – Former Derby winner who is not expected to be among the leading contenders for this trophy race but not the likely winner.
- CLASSICAL ORB (USA): (4 b g by Orb – Tiz a Masterpiece) – Has no chance of winning.
- ATOMICA: (3 ch f by Nuclear Wayne – Honkeytonkville) – Talented filly who was expected to figure in the recent Gold Cup (7 furlongs) but finished a disappointing fifth. A case can be made for Atomica, as she was squeezed for space at the half-mile and never recovered. Atomica is gifted and should be a tougher opponent here. Atomica will not go down without a fight as she fights against nine of the boys.
- HOVER CRAFT: (12 b g by He’stherealthing – Royal Pizzaz) – Old-timer who seems to have lost his shadow and so, cannot get any votes here.
- BLUE VINYL: (3 b g by Bern Identity – Blufield) – Talented three-year-old who should love this extended trip and run well. He has made some promising spins at exercise, is well rested and was given a prep run 14 days ago on his return from Classic duties. Blue Vinyl cannot be denied a shot at winning.
