The season’s first Classic race, the 48th running of the Jamaica 1000 Guineas takes place tomorrow (Saturday, June 4) at Caymanas Park. The native-bred three-year-old event for fillies only is to be be contested over one mile (1,600m), with a total purse of $3.75 million.

The race will see the return of the unbeaten Atomica from the stables of Gary Subratie. Her main rival is Golden Wattle, trained by champion Anthony Nunes.

Below is the analysis of the runners.

1. NEFERTARI: (3 b f by Savoy Stomp – Princess Geeta) – Flopped on April 17, when finishing in ninth place by 28 lengths over 7 ½ furlongs on April 17 behind Power and Gilbert but rebounded well with a fourth-place finish in The Portmore behind Atomica on May 7. Nefertari comes up against the three horses who defeated her, making a winning effort in this Classic event a difficult task. However, with half-furlong more to travel, Nefertari could get significantly closer without rattling the more fancied starters. Nefertari is a fractious sort at the gates with a tendency of breaking slow. That situation has to be remedied for Nefetari to have even a glimpse of a chance of hitting the board. Note, Nefertari races with the visor off and the blinkers on.

2. SUNSET SILHOUTTE: (3 b f by Northern Giant – Ahwhofah) – Based on her eighth-place finish in The Portmore, Sunset Silhoutte should once again be left behind, yet may play a role on the headlines.

3. SILENT MISSION: (3 b f by Savoy Stomp – Lady Mandi) – This filly has proven to be consistent in her four efforts this season. Silent Mission is making progress at the right time and will hit the board. Look out for another good run from Silent Mission.

4. ATOMICA: (3 b f by Nuclear Wayne – Honkeytonkville) – Atomica is unbeaten in four career starts to date, with victories coming in the Thornbird Stakes on April 2 and The Portmore on May 7. Atomica again races against almost all of her recent rivals with the exception of Pelicula. She’s the lone speed in the 1000, and once on the headlines from the get-go, it is going to be difficult for the others to get by. Racegoers will mostly be watching the clock for the final time posted by this classy filly. Atomica is the overwhelming choice to win the 1000 Guineas, but as they always say in racing, “The race has to be run.”

5. OUR ANGEL: (3 b f by Savoy Stomp – My Angel) – Ran a surprising second behind Atomica in the recent The Portmore over 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m). Our Angel will enjoy the extra half-furlong provided by the 1000 Guineas with another second-place result available.

6. PELICULA: (3 b f by Soul Warrior – Milestone) – Pelicula is a surprise entry in this Classic event. Truth be told, Pelicula has no serious chance of winning.

7. FLY MESSENGER FLY: (3 ch f by Northern Giant – Preach Preacher) – Has raced 17 times in her career with only one tick in her win column. Fly Messenger Fly faces the best of the fillies and will hardly pose a threat.

8. GOLDEN WATTLE: (3 ch f by Lion Tamer – Golden Glory) – Champion two-year-old of last season who is yet to show her true worth after lacklustre runs this season. Golden Wattle finished second to Atomica in the Thornbird Stakes, then a disappointing fifth in The Portmore. Golden Wattle then placed third behind Madelyn’s Sunshine and Berning Red over 6 ½ furlongs on May 21. She should have benefited from those runs, and now, over a more suitable trip, can regain some respect by putting in a serious challenge against Atomica. She is the logical horse for the exacta wager.