KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Quick Galloper presents a preview of the 2023 Jamaica Cup for our readers.
The race will take place on Jamaica Day, Saturday, November 11, 2023, covering nine and a half furlongs.
Here is an overview of the six entrants in the 9½ furlong contest, listed by their draw order:
1 – RUNAWAY ALGO: The sole foreign contender, Runaway Algo has secured several wins in 2023, including top-level races ranging from 6½ furlongs to a mile. This marks his first attempt at two turns in his last ten starts. A versatile campaigner, he prefers setting the pace but can adapt when necessary. Prepared to tackle the Jamaica Cup's distance, he is likely to prompt the pace from the one draw. His jockey must avoid any speed duels and exercise patience for success. Distance remains Runaway Algo's primary concern.
2 – BLUE VINYL: This contender found his rhythm mid-year; his last effort (October 14) was clocked at 1:54.2 over nine furlongs and 25 yards. Suited to the Jamaica Cup's distance, Blue Vinyl can prompt or maintain the pace until his move. Notably, he switched stables from Patrick Lynch to Al Brown's barn after his three-year-old career. Blue Vinyl actively prepared for this tough test.
3 – FURTHER AND BEYOND: Assessing this chestnut gelding's chances proves challenging. At his peak, which has been absent recently, he would stand a winning chance. Plagued by health issues throughout his career, he was declared a late non-starter due to lameness on September 16 and hasn't raced since June 25 (139 days ago). If fit and prepared on Jamaica Day, Further And Beyond is worth considering as an outsider. Note that he races with a visor.
4 – MINIATURE MAN: Consistently partaking in races of this calibre, Miniature Man earns his keep for his connections. However, against this competition, his primary strategy is to pick up whatever opportunities arise in the final stretch.
5 – ATOMICA: Entering the 2023 Jamaica Cup with four consecutive victories, Atomica has yet to face her main rivals Runaway Algo and Blue Vinyl in 2023. There is no doubt she represents the best of local racing and, thanks to her proven class and quality, is the pre-race favourite. Likely to enter the first turn behind the leader, Atomica must be strategically paced down the backstretch before making a decisive move towards victory, as she did last year in record time. Atomica enters in top form and will be difficult to beat.
6 – D HEAD CORNERSTONE: Primarily making way for renowned stablemate Atomica, D Head Cornerstone has the potential for a strong finish in the straight. If the race becomes too intense, he may secure a respectable share of the purse.
