KINGSTON, Jamaica – THE QUICK GALLOPER has done his assessment of the 2022 Jamaica Oaks, which is shared with readers below.
THE POSITIVES
It is good to see a filly from this year’s batch, outside of Atomica, stepping up to the plate and delivering in a Classic. Our Angel is a progressive filly at a stage of improvement. In winning the Jamaica Oaks, Our Angel looked very strong in her gallop as she made full use of the absence of Atomica. Our Angel is now in the Open Allowance grade where the going is tough.
The less said about the other nine starters in the Oaks, the better.
For trainer Robert Pearson it was his first Classic winner. Robert is following in the footsteps of his father, Anthony. Remember Cesario? Robert Pearson has developed into a conditioner of strong repute, with his handling of Will In Charge standing out. More Classic winners will come for this young man.
For winning jockey Reyan Lewis, it was his third Classic winner, having partnered with She’s A Wonder in the 2021, 1000 Guineas and Oaks. Lewis is a talented young reinsman, with his development resting solely on his shoulders. He has to ensure he puts in more of the hard work necessary for his progression.
THE NEGATIVES
Atomica and Our Angel are the top two fillies in training in the order given. The rest will struggle to go through their conditions pointing to the weakness of this three-year-old grouping.
The problems of the champion two-year-old of last year, Golden Wattle are continuing. She has raced five times at three and has not won a race. In the Oaks, Golden Wattle went to the lead but lost momentum in the straight.
