KINGSTON, JAMAICA - It was an afternoon of grace and excitement extraordinaire for owner and corporate executive Donald Wehby after his Classic bound three-year-old chestnut filly Atomica tore rivals into shreds with a startling record-breaking performance that reinforced her status as the leading contender for the 1000 Guineas Classic (one mile) in three weeks. Atomica in a devastating display of thoroughbred class won The Portmore, a Grade 11 event for three-year-old fillies at 7 ½ furlongs last Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Caymanas Park.
Atomica, winning for the fourth time from as many starts, took the event hands down as the 1-2 favourite by 12 ¼ lengths, ridden by jockey Dane Dawkins for trainer Gary Subratie, in stakes record time of 1:32.3 seconds while charting the course with dictating split fractions of 24.3, 47.2, 1:11.1 seconds. Our Angel, a 61/1 chance, partnered by jockey Robert Halledeen, was second followed by 9-1 shot Silent Mission, who filled the third slot.
THE RACE
Nothing much to report here. Atomica broke well, stalked the early leader Prncsshootingstar for a short while, and then set off on her own business. In the last two furlongs, Atomica significantly increased her tempo with Dawkins patting the filly’s ears with half a furlong left to go in the contest.
THE COMMENTS — TRAINER GARY SUBRATIE
“This filly continues to amaze, she packs class, is easy to train and she does what she feels like in her races. Today (Saturday, May 7), Atomica truly demonstrated what she is capable of, and she is still improving. I am a happy man.”
THE COMMENTS — JOCKEY DANE DAWKINS
“I just followed the instructions of the trainer and Atomica did the rest.”
THE COMMENTS — OWNER DONALD WEHBY
“It was an extremely impressive performance. The Portmore was always meant to be a preparation race for her, for the 1000 Guineas in June, but the manner with which she won this afternoon (Saturday), according to an impressed colleague, was the most impressive performance that has been seen at Caymanas Park in a long time. The record-breaking run was so accomplished from an unfussed gallop.
Atomica broke the stakes record which is an outstanding achievement and an attention-grabbing moment and we are profoundly grateful and extremely pleased. I must congratulate trainer Gary Subratie, jockey Dane Dawkins, breeder Karl Samuda, and my son Nicholas, who is part of the syndicate and an integral part of the preparation personnel of this horse.
“While I am extremely pleased and grateful for the achievement, I have come to understand over the years from my dad who has been involved in the sport since 1959 when occasions like this occur, in anticipation of further progress, take it one day at a time, as you can get disappointments as well.
So, while I am excited by this momentous occasion, I’m just keeping my fingers crossed and remain cautiously optimistic that Atomica stays sound for the 1000 Guineas and I think if she remains sound for the duration, she should be difficult to beat based on the display we have all seen this afternoon.”
THE ANALYSIS
Without a doubt, Atomica has emerged as the “The Queen” of local racing. Her every move is watched closely and this run in The Portmore was another example of the quality thoroughbred that she is at this time in her career. With this win, Atomica became the first of her grouping, fillies, colts, and geldings included to win four races. Many pundits are already comparing Atomica with two-time Horse of the Year, and Triple Crown winner, She’s A Maneater. While the comparison at this time might be premature, just the thought of a comparison with She’s A Maneater is enough to expound on the worth and class of Atomica.
THE POSITIVES
Apart from the performance of Atomica, racing fans saw the forward movement of Our Angel. Starting at long odds of 61-1, Our Angel (Robert Halledeen), trained by Robert Pearson, late effort in the final furlong and a half earned her the second position, defeating in the process some more acclaimed rivals. Third-placed Silent Mission (Omar Walker) was her usual consistent self without rattling any feathers.
THE NEGATIVES
Champion two-year-old of last year, Golden Wattle, disappointed. This filly as her trainer champion Anthony Nunes has said many times before is difficult to train and pin down to a specific training routine. For Golden Wattle, the struggle continues.
CONCLUSION
All things remaining equal, Atomica will be the prohibitive favourite for the 1000 Guineas with the others aiming for second money. Time alone will tell.
