KINGSTON, Jamaica - The first Open Allowance call of the 2025 racing season is scheduled as the ninth race on New Year’s Day, featuring the Miracle Man Cup, which will be run over seven furlongs.
Ten horses have been entered, and The Quick Galloper offers the following analysis for readers on this website. The analysis is provided in draw order.
1 - RUN JULIE RUN opted out of the Mouttet Mile to compete in the Chairman’s Trophy (nine furlongs and 25), where she achieved an impressive victory. She was undoubtedly the top locally bred three-year-old in 2024, but now she faces her toughest challenge stepping up to Open Allowance. The seven-furlong distance poses no issues for her, and while she will give her all, being nine pounds below a formidable foreign opponent will be challenging.
2 - PERFECT BREW has transformed into a come-from-behind sprinter, thriving on a robust early pace expected in this trophy event. However, being just four pounds below Legacy Isle will hinder Perfect Brew’s chances.
3 - SISTREN TREASURE had a disappointing performance in the Mouttet Mile. Expect no improvements in this outing.
4 - BARNABY was hard-pressed in the Mouttet Mile, finishing seventh, although only six lengths behind the winner. With a smaller field and having acclimatized better to local conditions, Barnaby could deliver an improved performance and deserves consideration.
5 - FEARLESS SOUL faces significant obstacles in this race. Situated just two pounds below Legacy Isle while giving weight to Barnaby raises questions about fairness, emphasizing the urgent need for proper handicapping in races at this level.
6 - POWER FROM ABOVE has no realistic chance of victory given the assigned weights.
7 - RAINSVILLE lacks a viable opportunity to succeed here, even with the apprentice's weight allowance.
8 - PRESS CONFERENCE serves as mere filler in this line-up.
9 - ATLANTIC CONVOY enters after a victory on December 7 in the Bruceontheloose Sprint, yet despite this achievement, he can only realistically aim for a minor placing.
10 - LEGACY ISLE finished a close second in the Mouttet Mile. Despite facing challenges at the quarantine station and an accident during transit, he performed commendably with limited local preparation. Now, settled into his environment and with a favourable weight situation, Legacy Isle is well-positioned to secure his first victory in Jamaica.
