ATOMICA, the Gary Subratie-conditioned five-year-old chestnut mare, kicked off her 2024 racing season with a spectacular victory in the fourth running of the $4-million Ian Levy Cup feature event at Caymanas Park on Monday.

Atomica, who dislodged her rider while navigating the half-mile (800m) turn in the Mouttet Mile on December 2, 2023, showed no signs of distress when winning the Graded Stakes contest for three-year-olds and upward over 8½ furlongs (1,700m) by 5¾ lengths.

The Nuclear Wayne offspring won in an impressive time of 1:43.4, just shades outside of the track record of 1:42.1 set by American-bred Smile ‘N’ Leave on June 14, 1997.

Atomica, ridden by Dane Dawkins, broke off well at the start and raced comfortably in second position behind Mamma Mia (Phillip Parchment). Atomica held her gallop well down the backstretch behind Mamma Mia until the five-furlong (1,000m) marker, when she pointed on last year’s double Classic-winning filly. Atomica carried the field into the half-mile (800m) turn, followed by Is That A Fact (Reyan Lewis) and Sistren Treasure (Javaniel Patterson), while Mamma Mia faded through the field before being pulled up.

Is That A Fact maintained his momentum in the straight and pointed on Atomica for the lead at the furlong and a half (300m) pole, from where it appeared to then be a duel to the line. But Atomica, showing her true fighting spirit, drew clear inside the final furlong (200m) to win handily at the wire.

Is That A Fact finished a length in front of Sistren Treasure for second place as Perfect Brew (Tevin Foster) completed the frame in the five-horse field. The splits for the event were 23.0 x 45.3 x 1:10.2 x 1:43.4.

Meanwhile, jockey Tevin Foster booted home three winners to share in the spotlight.

Foster’s winners included Eazy Peazy who won the $750,000 New Year’s Day Trophy over 6½ furlongs (1,300m). Trained by Phillip Lee, Eazy Peazy won the race by 2½ lengths ahead of Cookie Day N Night (Dane Dawkins) and Slam Dunk (Javaniel Patterson) in a time of 1:20.2.

Foster’s other winners were Basilicus for trainer Michael Spencer in the fourth race, and Volatility for trainer Anthony Nunes in the eighth race.

Nunes had early saddled Playfair (Raddesh Roman) for two winners to top the conditioners on the 10-race card.

Roman also ended the day with two winners as, in addition to Playfair, he won aboard Neo Star for trainer Peter-John Parsard in the $1.25-million Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) Fan Appreciation Day Trophy over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m).

Supreme Star, trained by Errol Burke and ridden by Shavon Townsend, won the $1-million McKay Security Limited Sprint Trophy over the five-straight course while the McKay Security Limited Trophy over sevn furlongs (1,400m) was won by Ali, trained by Downwell Dawes and ridden by Javaniel Patterson.

Racing continues on Saturday.