KINGSTON, Jamaica – The 2022 The Portmore was contested on Saturday, May 7.
The Graded Stakes event for three-year-old fillies going 7 ½ furlong attracted nine starters.
The Quick Galloper turns back the hands of time to check on the progress or lack thereof of these nine fillies, done in finishing order.
FIRST: ATOMICA - won 2022 The Portmore by 12 ¼ lengths in a new Stakes Record time of 1:32.3, trained by Gary Subratie and ridden by Dane Dawkins. Atomica then found success in the 1000 Guineas, while finishing second in the Jamaica St Leger. Then came a command performance in the Jamaica Derby. Racing against older horses in the Jamaica Cup (November 2022), Atomica was imperious in victory. Her exploits as a three-year-old led to Atomica being crowned the 2022 Horse of the Year. At four, Atomica has raced once finishing at the back of the pack. Her progress at four will be closely watched.
SECOND: OUR ANGEL – also finished second in the 1000 Guineas again behind Atomica. With Atomica out of the way, Our Angel trained by Robert Pearson went on to reap Classic success in the 10-furlong fillies-only Jamaica Oaks. Following her Classic win, Our Angel has failed to live up to expectations.
THIRD: SILENT MISSION – Unfortunately, Silent Mission passed away.
FOURTH: NEFERTARI – Has had her problems, and is still trying to live up to expectations. .
FIFTH: GOLDEN WATTLE – The champion two-year-old of 2021, did not progress as expected at three. Her performances were lacklustre and was eventually sent to the breeding shed.
SIXTH: FLY MESSENGER FLY – One of the most active of her cohort. Fly Messenger Fly, of late, is showing a likeness for the longer distances registering her third career win on April 23, 2023, at a mile. Fly Messenger Fly will probably get through her conditions to reach Overnight Allowance but will not rattle any feathers in that grade.
SEVENTH: PRNCSSHOOTINGSTAR – simply did not click in her three-year-old season. Won early in 2023, and was eventually retired for breeding purposes.
EIGHTH: SUNSET SILHOUTTE – is still pinging around at four trying to get through her conditions.
NINTH: RUPUNZEL – did nothing since this last placed in The Portmore.
