After Blue Vinyl’s disappointing effort in the recent Jamaica Cup over 9 ½ furlongs (1,900m) on November 12, 2022, trainer Patrick Lynch says that the double Classics-winning hero will be firing on all cylinders for the inaugural staging of the Mouttet Mile at Caymanas Park tomorrow, Saturday, December 3, 2022.

Blue Vinyl was seen as a top contender in the Jamaica Cup, but the winner of this year’s 2000 Guineas and St Leger finished fifth, 22 3/4 lengths behind Atomica, who won by 16 lengths in a new Track and Stakes record time of 1:57.3.

Lynch said that his charge needed a run to get in perfect shape for the Mouttet Mile, and so the effort n the Jamaica Cup was what the doctor ordered.

“The performance from Blue Vinyl in the Jamaica Cup was just average. I mean, the [Blue Vinyl] was not at his best for the race because he was on a layoff, and he came back and didn’t get much work [exercise] for the race. Blue Vinyl needed a run under his belt and the Jamaica Cup was used as that race,” Lynch stated.

With the run now under his belt and training well, Lynch said that Blue Vinyl will be in immaculate shape, and he expects nothing less than victory.

“Excellent. I mean Blue Vinyl has been training really well for this race. He has done everything that was asked of him in his preparation, and I am happy at the point where he is at. My expectations about his chances in the Mouttet Mile are great. Blue Vinyl is going to deliver on top of his game now. Well, if they beat him at the top of his game, then they will surely win,” said Lynch.

— Ruddy Allen