Atomica, Outbidder ready to strike
KINGSTON, Jamaica – THE QUICK GALLOPER assesses the eight starters in the 2022 edition of the fillies only Thornbird Stakes, long regarded as one of the primary preparation events for the Classics. The Thornbird is contested over seven furlongs.
Of the eight runners in the Thornbird, THE QUICK GALLOPER has eliminated from contention Rupunzel and Fly Messenger Fly based on past racing efforts.
Following the elimination of the above two horses, A Gift From Ben, the last (March 12) of the starting eight to release the maiden tag, is given little chance of being successful.
With three horses eliminated from the reckoning, five are left for further scrutiny, Golden Wattle, Prncsshootingstar, Silent Mission, Atomica, and Outbidder.
Prncsshootingstar is the main speed in the Thornbird, and for sure, if left alone to set the splits, she will be hard to catch. Prncsshootingstar started her career with positive signs that she was much more than ordinary. Then she fell short twice, at six and seven furlongs, giving the distinct impression, she was nothing more than a good sprinter. After a long break, Prncsshootingstar returned on March 12, winning going six furlongs, but with a difference. Prncsshotingstar was still galloping strongly in the final furlong when challenged consistently by Silent Mission, an indication of the progress made during her break. Seven furlongs might well be the limit for Prncsshootingstar.
Silent Mission as aforementioned finished second behind Prncsshootingstar on March 12. This filly made her attempt for victory but could not get by the winner. Silent Mission has made strides at exercise, with many believing that there is still hope.
Outbidder has impressed in her two victories, demonstrating talent and more than enough for further successes. Outbidder’s clocking of 1:28.3 for seven furlongs was slow even with consideration given to the slow nature of the track in recent times. Since her second win on February 26, Outbidder has been progressing at exercise, and is fit and proper to give her best but might have to wait until the distances get longer.
The big talk around going into the Thornbird is centred on the Gary Subratie conditioned Atomica. With two impressive victories from two starts, the last on January 15, Atomica has left tongues wagging at morning exercise. On Saturday, March 19, Atomica easily galloped six furlongs in 1:18.1, then eight days later, she galloped 1:07.0 for 5 ½ furlongs. Atomica can be with the pace as in her last race and she can come from behind, evidenced by her first outing.
Golden Wattle is the reigning two-year-old champion, who is running for the first occasion as a three-year-old. Her trainer knows what this is all about as he has been here many times in his career. Based on that latter fact, punters can expect Golden Wattle to be well primed, like Further and Beyond, when he faced similar circumstances one year ago in the Prince Consort Stakes.
THE QUICK GALLOPER’S CONCLUSION – Prncsshootingstar will more than likely lead with Atomica and Outbidder close by. Golden Wattle does not possess enough speed to be with the pacesetters, and the one draw is of no assistance. By the time the horses turn for home, Atomica and Outbidder will both pounce on Prncsshootingstar, with the former taking control. Then it is going to be a tussle involving Golden Wattle and Atomica. Golden Wattle having already beaten all the fillies and the colts is given the nod.
