It’s tempting to get caught up in the Atomica versus Runaway Algo argument as the third staging of the $6-million Jamaica Cup main race takes place today at Caymanas Park. Their portfolios have been exceptional this season, making it tough to select an overall victor.

Atomica, trained by Gary Subratie, made her seasonal debut on April 8 over a distance of six-and-a-half furlongs (1,300m), finishing in last position in a 13-horse field. 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, who is the current Horse of the Year, likes to run from in front and if she can get an unmolested lead, then she should register her fifth-consecutive win on the trot. This talented filly won this race last year in record time (1:57.3).

Runaway Algo is currently one of the top-rated horses in training right now. So far this season, the Dale Murphy trainee 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) in the None Such Sprint. Top weight of 57.0kg (126lb) has been asked of the Runaway Algo here, but he is skilled enough to win.

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 nine and a half furlongs (1,900m).

The Jamaica Cup, a three-year-old and upward Graded Stakes call, is positioned as the eighth event on the 10-race multi-trophy Jamaica Day programme with a post time of 3:50 pm. First race is at 11:30 am.

The disadvantage of betting on Runaway Algo to win the Jamaica Cup Classic is simple. In his 20-race career, he has only raced over two turns once, on October 8, 2022, in the Mark My Word Trophy over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m). Runaway Algo, an American-bred four-year-old chestnut colt, finished second by two and a half lengths behind Calculus.

Atomica, on the other hand, has won all four races she has raced over two turns in her 16-race career. So all eyes are on Atomica, the lone filly in the six-horse field, to lead home opponents here.

Further and Beyond, a former Jamaica Cup winner, and Blue Vinyl, last year’s 2000 Guineas and St Leger winner, also bring some spice to the event.

Further and Beyond, a former Horse of the Year, was the winner of this event in 2021. This seaso, he 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 but his name only should bring some attention.

Blue Vinyl 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 nine furlongs and 25 yards, 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.

Miniature Man and D Head Cornerstone are the other runners in the field.

Also on tap are the third running of the $2.5-million Port Royal Sprint and the third staging of the $1.5-million St Elizabeth Distaff.

The Port Royal Sprint is a Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward going six furlongs (1,200m), while the St Elizabeth Distaff is an Overnight Allowance race for three-year-old and upward fillies and mares going one mile (1,600m).

The well-decorated Mahogany headlines a strong field of 14 runners for the Port Royal Sprint, a race which is expected to blaze many fireworks from start to finish. Mahogany made amends for his Gold Cup loss with a spanking win going five furlongs round on October 28. Mahogany made one move to win in a smart 59.3. Mahogany has won over this distance four times in six outings and is expected to tick off another win here. He should get some competition from Is That A Fact, Perfect Brew, Ability, and I’ve Got Magic.

Meanwhile, the Elizabeth Distaff should be a straight fight between two foreigners, American Tap and Desert of Malibu.

American Tap, a Canadian-bred six-year-old bay mare, made a successful debut on local soil in the Nigel B Nunes Memorial Trophy over the five-furlong (1,000m) straight course on October 21. American Tap, who was brought in specifically for the Mouttet Mile, easily brushed aside rivals by 4 ¾ lengths in a time of 58.2 on a common canter. American Tap steps up in distance here but according to her connections, she should easily get the journey and so another victory is on the card.

Desert of Malibu is an American-bred four-year-old chestnut filly, who is unbeaten in three starts so far on local soil. Desert of Malibu has won twice going five furlongs straight and once over five-and-a-half furlongs (1,100m). Desert of Malibu won by 14 lengths over five-and-a-half furlongs in 1:05.2 on October 15, suggesting that she has talent. Whether or not Desert of Malibu can comfortably run a mile, she will make a telling bid here.