Champion jockey Shane Ellis has secured the opportunity to ride another Classic race winner.

Ellis is slated to partner recent Post To Post 1,000 Guineas winner Nuclear Affair in the 10-furlong, fillies only, Jamaica Oaks scheduled to be run at Caymanas Park on Saturday April 30. The champion jockey replaces Dane Nelson who has returned to Canada for his second riding stint.

Confirmation of the change of riders on the talented Nuclear Affair came from trainer Gary Subratie.

“Unfortunately, Dane Nelson has gone to Canada to ride again, so he will not be able to partner Nuclear Affair in the Jamaica Oaks. He will be replaced by Shane Ellis.

“While it is not the desired path as Nelson has partnered Nuclear Affair for her three wins this season, … Ellis is a very experienced rider and was the obvious replacement,” Subratie told the Complete Racing Guide.

Subratie said based on his charge’s commanding nine and a half-length victory in the 1,000 Guineas in 1:39:2 minutes, Nuclear Affair will be hard to oppose in the Oaks.

“Her performance in the Guineas was excellent. She has done everything that was asked of her. Nuclear Affair has been improving each time she has raced and will continue to improve a lot from here on.

“Based on that run, she will be very hard to beat in the Oaks. As long as she remains sound and healthy, she will do well, “ said the trainer.

In Subratie’s view, the distance of the Oaks will not be a problem for Nuclear Affair.

“The journey is no issue. She is bred to get a distance of ground, so she will be comfortable going 10 furlongs,” he declared.