KINGSTON, Jamaica – The 2023 Jamaica Derby, a twelve-furlong Classic for three-year-olds only, takes place on Monday, August 7, 2023. Fourteen horses are set to compete in this year's event.
In anticipation of the race, The Quick Galloper revisits the performances of the ten starters in last year's Jamaica Derby, which also took place in August. This report is organized by finishing order.
FIRST: ATOMICA – Delivered a dazzling effort to win the Derby for her connections. After her triumph, Atomica showcased her class with an impressive victory in the Grade One Jamaica Cup. Since then, health issues have hampered the progress of this Gary Subratie-trained filly during her four-year-old season. Despite losing her first race at four, she bounced back in her second outing. Without question, Atomica retains the necessary skill to challenge the best competitors around. She is slated to race on Derby Day 2023 in the Legal Light Trophy.
SECOND: BRINKS – Brinks delivered an impressive performance, securing second place in the premier Classic for three-year-olds. Following this achievement, Brinks claimed victory in the Winston Griffiths Classic, another event exclusive to three-year-olds. However, at four years old, Brinks has not developed as much as initially anticipated. Though he has advanced to the Overnight Allowance level, he has yet to secure a first-place finish.
THIRD: BLUE VINYL – After triumphing in the 2000 Guineas and the St. Leger, Blue Vinyl delivered his most disappointing performance in the Classics. Hindered by injuries, he has since found success in Overnight and now competes in Open Allowance.
FOURTH: D HEAD CORNERSTONE – Continued his trend of performing well in the Classics. D Head Cornerstone has shown steady progress, securing a recent victory in Overnight. As a result, he is now an Open Allowance campaigner.
FIFTH: MORIMOTO - Hindered by injuries, Morimoto has been away from racing for an extended period. Recently, he resumed training, signaling a possible return in the near future.
SIXTH: PRINCE SANJAY - Has shown no signs of significant improvement.
SEVENTH: RAINSVILLE - Continues to persevere in his current conditions.
EIGHTH: RUM PUNCHER - Little has occurred since his Derby showing.
NINTH: SONNY T AND CHIPPY - Infrequently competing, it is likely that Sonny T and Chippy will win in their current conditions and advance to Overnight Allowance. However, not much is anticipated beyond that point.
TENTH: MONSIEUR BLUE - Consistently racing without notable success.
