The connections of leading three-year-old filly Atomica have not yet made a final decision on where she will next race. This after Atomica finished four lengths behind Blue Vinyl, her first defeat in six attempts in the 10-furlong Jamaica St Leger on Saturday last (July 2) at Caymanas Park.

The choice facing the connections is whether to nominate Atomica in the 12-furlong Jamaica Derby on Saturday, August 6 or the fillies only 10-furlong Jamaica Oaks the day after.

Owner of Atomica, Oakridge Farms, led by Don Wehby, is of the view that his filly should race in the Derby. In an interview with this publication, Wehby made it clear that, while racing Atomica in the Derby would be his preference, the final decision on the matter would be left to the trainer of the filly, Gary Subratie.

“I am proud of Atomica‘s performance in the St Leger. Despite a rough passage, especially during the first 2 ½ furlongs of the race, she demonstrated her grit and determination by finishing second behind Blue Vinyl. I would like to congratulate the connections of Blue Vinyl, owner Michael Gayle [M&M Stables], trainer Patrick Lynch, who also trains for Oakridge Farms, and jockey Raddesh Roman.

“As to where Atomica will run next, the Derby or the Oaks, my personal view is for her to start in the Derby. Why? Both the Oaks and the Derby are Classic races. As an owner of racehorses for several years, I know how difficult it is to own a horse that can race competitively in the Derby, which is the longest race on the present racing calendar. Plus, the Derby is by far the more prestigious of the two races, and it was always my dream to have a competitive horse run in this blue riband event.

“Naturally, I will have a discussion with the trainer to find out what are his thoughts on where the filly should run next, and the trainer’s decision will be the final one for Atomica as he knows the filly best,” Wehby said.

For his part, Subratie said that he still needs time to make his decision on where Atomica will race next.

“The racetrack is closed for two days to accommodate resanding, which gives me time to reflect on the St Leger by viewing the replay of the race quietly to find out what went wrong for Atomica, and more importantly, what can be done to improve her performance going forward.

“She, [Atomica], lost about four to five lengths at the start of the race going into the clubhouse turn, rallied down the backstretch to finish just over four lengths behind the winner Blue Vinyl, who ran a great race. Congratulations are in order for “Wacky” [Patrick Lynch], the owner, and jockey Raddesh Roman for a job well done in the St Leger.

“During the course of this week I will be giving Atomica a break, probably returning to the track on either Wednesday (June 6) or Thursday (June 7). I have to make sure to see what kind of condition she is in coming out of the St Leger before wrapping my head around her situation, that is, Derby or Oaks, and then I will share thoughts with the owner for a final decision to be made. What I can definitively say at this time is that any decision made will always be in the best interest of the horse.

“Atomica ran a brave race in the St Leger, she encountered new situations for the first time, which hampered her, but she gave it her all and that is all I can ask of her. Atomica is an outstanding racehorse and I am proud to have her in my barn,” Subratie said.