Following the powerful win by his top campaigner Calculus in the $1.5 million, 10-furlong Menudo Trophy on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Caymanas Park, trainer Gary Subratie said that Calculus’ success in the $1.5-million call, the four-year-old bay colt will now be aimed towards the seven-furlong Gold Cup later in October.

“Preparation for Calculus coming into the race was good. He did a good work on Sunday morning [September 18, 2022], plus he got a run the other day, so he really came on well for this race. I wasn’t really worried as I knew Calculus would peg him [I Am Fred] as I saw what he was doing; he was gaining with every stride and so I knew we would get home.

“The time could have been a little bit better for this class, but we will take it. We are looking at the Gold Cup for his next race or we will go into another in November,” Subratie said.

The trainer then added: “There are a number of lucrative races coming up as the racing year draws to a close. These include the Gold Cup, the Jamaica Cup, the newly introduced Mouttet Mile, and the Ian Levy Trophy. Once Calculus remains fit and healthy, I am looking at placing him in these races. Winning the Menudo Trophy today (Saturday, September 24) is a step in the direction of those races. While this is the path we have planned for Calculus, the main consideration now is to keep him (Calculus) happy and as healthy as possible.”

The Gold Cup, always considered to be one of the top handicap races on the local calendar, is set for October 22 and will be run over 7 furlongs (1,400m). The Jamaica Cup (9 1/2 furlongs) is scheduled for the second week in November, the Mouttet Mile on December 3, and the Ian Levy at the end of December.

Ridden by regular partner Shane Ellis, Calculus came from off the pace to beat rivals going away by a length and three-quarters in the three-year-old and upwards Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest. I Am Fred finished second and Big Big Daddy third in a final time of 2:08.0.

Ellis held Calculus in fourth place, behind I Am Fred (Chris Mamdeen), Big Jule (Dane Dawkins) and stablemate Big Big Daddy (Javaniel Patterson), passing the stands for the first time and going around the clubhouse turn. While I Am Fred and Big Jule battled for the lead down the backstretch, Calculus improved to third place and looked threatening with every stride.

Hugging the inside rails and cutting the turn entering the straight, Calculus joined I Am Fred in deep stretch as both runners battled for supremacy. Ellis kept Calculus up to his work Calculus edged away for the win to confirm his status as the top stayer currently in training.

“We had a couple of speedsters in the race, so we decided to sit as close and come off the pace this time. I thought Eagle One would have gone in front to carry the pace with Big Jule, but when the gates opened it was a different scenario that unfolded and I had to change my plan.

“I had to sit a little closer to the pace than expected because I Am Fred was in the lead and he was going along easy with Big Jule, so I had to stay close to them until the two furlongs [400m] and whichever one folded, I’ll be picking up the pieces,” Ellis said in his post-race interview.

The Menudo Trophy was run in honour of the former many times champion stayer who has the distinction of winning three Superstakes.