Lady Abijita guided expertly by the underappreciated Paul Francis and trained by Richard Azan who can now be aptly described at the Classic trainer came with a telling run in the last furlong of the race to win the grand prize by a length and a quarter over ranked outsider Zacapa, with another outsider Rhea’s A Superstar third. None of the more fancied runners Selectabook, Perfect Day nor Argentina played any distinguishing roles in the outcome of this race.

The following is an analysis of the Jamaica Oaks with some pre-race assessments in bold.

1. ZACAPA — The tongue tie is off for this race but should make no difference to her chances. That was the original assessment of the chances of Zacapa. This filly trained by Gary Subratie ran the race of her life to lead the pack with only a half a furlong to be run only to lose close home. Zacapa was known to have had multiple medical problems before the race and probably just needed an extra week or two to be at her very best. She comes from the famous Is In Time line and is sure, given normal progress, to develop into a very capable racer. Definitely one to follow.

2. FIERCEANDFABULOUS — was never a winning factor.

3. FANTABULOUS — ran well to finish fifth.

4. LADY ABIJITA– There is a noticeable change in rider from apprentice O Foster to the much more accomplished Paul Francis and also a change of equipment with the Figure Eight now on. She gives the impression that the extra two furlongs of Oaks will suit her. She is going to run well. Lady Abijita was expected to run well to win the Oaks and that she did with great aplomb. Proved that she is the best stayer of the lot and the difference in riders was a classic move by Azan. Azan must be complimented for patience and astuteness in getting this one ‘to the wicket’ in prime condition.

5. PRINCESS SASSY — was featured but not good enough for these.

6. RHEA’S A SUPERSTAR — Ran exceptionally well in the 1,000 Guineas when she led for a long way and fought stoutly to finish fourth. With the Oaks a longer race, she will ‘cry wolf’ from the front without making a significant impact in the straight. And so it was. Rhea’s A Superstar led quite easily for nine of the ten furlongs and kept on strongly to finish third. Trainer Ryan Darby best known for his exploits as a ‘claiming’ trainer is now winning his spurs in the classic races showing that he growing as a conditioner. Well run by Rhea’s A Superstar and well ridden by Dane Nelson.

7. SHAMROCK — Not even the Leprechauns could have assisted.

8. SELECTABOOK — Her only problem is going to be the distance. Two extra furlongs may not be to her liking and might find that last furlong and a half hard to deal with. The distance did have an effect on the favourite, but Selectabook suffered interference twice during the race. She was not at her best in the Oaks. Selectabook will return.

9. LADY SHARVANI — firmly put in her place.

10. GO GO TRAIN — could not reproduce her form from the Guineas.

11. ARGENTINA — something is obviously wrong with this one. Needs to be given time to get back to her best.

12. PERFECT DAY — simply did not turn up for this assignment. Trainer Subratie must now re-assess this one and guide her back on the path of development. Her rider four time champion jockey Omar Walker is yet to ride a Classic winner.

13. I BELIEVE N MIRACL — keep on believing.