KINGSTON, Jamaica –The Jamaica Cup is the major race on the Jamaica Day race card, scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023.
This Grade One call for three-year-olds and up spans nine and a half furlongs.
As we continue our focus on Jamaica Day, let's revisit the 2022 St Elizabeth Distaff and explore the progress of the six starters, listed in finishing order.
Race - The Jamaica Cup
Distance – 9 ½ furlongs
Winner – Atomica
Jockey – Dane Dawkins
Trainer – Gary Subratie
Time – 1:57.3
Splits – 24.2 x 48.1 x 1:12.2, 1:37.0
FIRST – Atomica: Atomica's victory in the 2022 Jamaica Cup marked the pinnacle of a racing year where she also won the 1000 Guineas and the Jamaica Derby, earning her the esteemed Horse of the Year title. This dominant win against older horses in the Jamaica Cup showcased Atomica's undeniable class. Despite starting off at four years old with a defeat, she silenced sceptics by securing four consecutive wins, making her the favourite for this year's Jamaica Cup.
SECOND – Crimson: Finishing 16 lengths behind stablemate Atomica in the 2022 Jamaica Cup, Crimson secured a one-two finish for trainer Gary Subratie. However, Crimson has since struggled to maintain form, with age impacting his ability to compete in even Overnight Allowance races.
THIRD – Miniature Man: Consistently performing well and earning his keep, Miniature Man moves between Open and Overnight Allowance events.
FOURTH – Hover Craft: After a stellar career, Hover Craft retired at age 13 following his efforts in the 2022 Jamaica Cup. A race has been named in his honour, with its first running taking place in mid-October.
FIFTH – Blue Vinyl: Following a slow return to form after the 2022 Jamaica Cup, Blue Vinyl changed stables from Patrick Lynch to Alford Brown. With some recent victories under his belt, he now appears to be a strong contender for the 2023 Jamaica Cup if he enters.
SIXTH – I Am Fred: Starting off this year strong before claiming four consecutive wins, I Am Fred later experienced a drop in form. He's currently working on regaining momentum and could potentially participate in both the Jamaica Cup and Mouttet Mile.
SEVENTH – Calculus: Sadly, this former Derby winner passed away earlier this year.
EIGHTH – Classical Orb: Despite not achieving much since the 2022 Jamaica Cup, Classical Orb continues racing.
NINTH – King Arthur: As a former Derby winner whose recent performance has been lacklustre, King Arthur is still active and aims to compete in the 2023 Jamaica Cup.
