The 3rd staging of the Jamaica Cup, a three-year-old and upward Graded Stakes call, is set to highlight tomorrow’s multi-trophy Jamaica Day race programme.

Six runners, including two past Jamaica Cup winners, Further and Beyond and Atomica, have entered the $6-million purse race. They will face off against two exceptional horses — American-bred horses Runaway Algo and Blue Vinyl, last year’s 2000 Guineas and St Leger winner.

Based on their present performances so far this season, Atomica and Runaway Algo should decide the outcome of the race in what is expected to be a grand showdown going 9 ½ furlongs (1,900m).

The Supreme Racing Guide of the Jamaica Observer takes a closer look at each runner below and their chances of winning.

1. RUNAWAY ALGO (USA): (4 ch c by Algorithms – Misunify) – Currently one of the top-rated horses in training right now. So far this season, Runaway Algo has participated in eight races, winning five of them and placing second twice. On September 9, Runaway Algo‘s winning streak of three races came to an end when She’s My Destiny defeated him at six furlongs (1,200 metres). The top weight of 57. kg (126lb) has been asked of the Dale Murphy trainee here, but he is skilled enough to lead his rivals.

2. BLUE VINYL: (4 ch c by Bern Identity – Blufield) – Has six races under his belt so far this season, recording four victories and a second-place result. In the Mark My Word Trophy on October 14 over a distance of 9 furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m), Blue Vinyl won by 21 lengths in a time of 1:54.2 . Although he didn’t beat much in D Head Cornerstone and Miniature Man, the way he won speaks volumes about his talent and class. Blue Vinyl will be ready to strike if Runaway Algo and Atomica decide to go to war right away and falter in deep stretch. There’s no denying Blue Vinyl a chance to prevail.

3. FURTHER AND BEYOND: (5 ch h by Blue Pepsi Lodge – Rumble) – Former Horse of the Year who was the winner of this event in 2021. This season, Further and Beyond has participated in just two races at the Overnight Allowance level. In terms of winning, Further and Beyond is unable to receive any votes here.

4. MINIATURE MAN: (5 ch g by Northern Giant – Runaway Gal) – Will be outclassed here.

5. ATOMICA: (4 ch f by Nuclear Wayne – Honkeytonkville) – Talented filly who won this race last year in record time (1:57.3). Atomica made her seasonal debut on April 8 over a distance of 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m), finishing down the track. Since then, she has gone on the rampage, winning her following four races with remarkable performances. Her last two victories have come going over two-turns which make her the favourite here to defend her title. Atomica likes to run from in front and if she can get an unmolested lead, then the current Horse of the Year should register her fifth-consecutive win on the trot.

6. D HEAD CORNERSTONE: (4 b c by Bern Identity – Soul of The Heart) – Has no chance of winning here and should be left behind.