Our Angel, from the stables of Robert Pearson, headlines the 11 three-year-old fillies in what is expected to be a close battle in the 83rd staging of the Jamaica Oaks, the final Classic race for the season at Caymanas Park today.

On paper, Our Angel is the horse to beat in the Futurity event going 10 furlongs (2,000m). Our Angel finished second twice to Atomica in The Portmore (seven furlongs/1400m) and 1000 Guineas (one mile, 1,600m), respectively. With Atomica not present, choosing the Derby instead, Our Angel has an open opportunity of winning this Classic race.

Golden Wattle, trained by Anthony “Baba” Nunes; Pelicula, trained by Hall of Famer Richard Azan; and the Jason DaCosta’s strings of Sunset Silhoutte, Outbidder; Silent Mission and Fly Messenger Fly are all capable runners to fight for top honours here.

The Jamaica Oaks, which carries a purse of $3.75m, is positioned as the ninth and final event on the card with a post time of 5:25 pm. First race is at 12:30 pm.

Bred by Savoy Stomp out of Myangel, Our Angel’s last race coming into the Jamaica Oaks was on July 16 when she finished third by 2 lengths behind Morimoto and True Al Sky over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m). Since, she has progressed well at exercise with a 1:29.3 breeze over seven furlongs on August 1, demonstrating that Our Angel is in good nick at this time.

Golden Wattle, the champion two-year-old from last season, is without a win in her three-year-old career from four starts. Golden Wattle last raced on June 4 in the 1000 Guineas, placing sixth, 27 lengths behind Atomica, Our Angel and Silent Mission. Golden Wattle is going to enjoy this distance and given her back class, can win this Classic, plus her preparation has been geared for this event.

Pelicula was an impressive winner over this distance on July 17, making her the only contestant in this Classic to do so. Then Pelicula won by a length and three-quarters in a time of 2:13.2. With the Oaks being an open affair, the Richard Azan trainee could fight for top honours.

Sunset Silhoutte was winner two starts before this race when travelling nine furlongs and 25 yards on July 19, beating Unruly Dude and Pelicula in the process. Sunset Silhoutte won in a time of 1:57.3, the fastest among these at the distance, suggesting that 10 furlongs will not be an issue for her. Look for a good run from Sunset Silhoutte in the Jamaica Oaks.

Silent Mission finished behind Our Angel the last three times they met. She is another one who will relish this distance but with Our Angel present, Silent Mission is expected to play second fiddle once again.

— Ruddy Allen