KINGSTON, Jamaica - The 2025 edition of the 7 ½ furlong Grade One Chairman’s Trophy, held on February 22, 2025, served as yet another opportunity for the talented foreigner Barnaby to demonstrate his abilities, setting the stage for what lies ahead.
THE RACE
Under the guidance of trainer Anthony Nunes and ridden by Tevin Foster, Barnaby had a slow start, initially falling behind notable front-runners Mamma Mia, Atomica, and Pack Plays. The heavily weighted Atomica soon took control, establishing a lead as Foster began to close the gap with Barnaby. Approaching the three-furlong mark, Atomica maintained her lead, but Barnaby was gaining ground, ready to make a move. Commanding the inside rails, Atomica held her own, but as they reached the furlong pole, the long-striding Barnaby surged ahead, ultimately winning by 3 ½ lengths, finishing in a time of 1:31.2 on a demanding heavy track. California Crown came in third.
COMMENTS - THE OWNER - AJAX BJORN
“A good start in 2025 by Barnaby. For me, this is but a stage in his development with the main aim being the Mouttet Mile.”
COMMENTS - THE TRAINER - ANTHONY NUNES
“I am pleased with this effort by Barnaby. He was slowly out, but was able to move smoothly, then came on with gusto in the straight, defeating a top campaigner in Atomica. Having worked closely with Barnaby in the mornings, I really want him (Barnaby) to race over two turns. He wants to go long.”
THE OTHERS
At six years old, Atomica continues to deliver solid performances while conceding weight throughout. It will be intriguing to see how the handicappers assign weights when Barnaby and Atomica meet again. California Crown, finishing third, made his debut at this level, performing admirably enough to suggest he could secure a win or two, especially over distances of seven furlongs and less. Pack Plays, who took fourth place, showcased his typical speed, but it has become apparent that he's better suited for sprinting distances. Power From Above was a fill-in entry, and little was expected of her. Mamma Mia, once making headlines, has found herself struggling in this context and is better suited for Overnight races, where her chances improve.
CONCLUSION
Barnaby’s performance marked a significant milestone, boasting a local record of two wins from four starts. He has successfully acclimatized to life in Jamaica, proving to be a constant threat when racing over longer distances. However, the challenge for Barnaby and his team lies in the limited number of such races available. Atomica remains a formidable competitor at the top, as evidenced by her performance in the Chairman’s Trophy. She last won on November 9, 2024, having raced three times since with two disappointing outings.
