Last season’s Jamaica 1000 Guineas and Jamaica Oaks winner Mamma Mia headlines a fairly competitive field of nine runners for the $1.25-million Allan E “Billy” Williams Memorial Trophy, the main attraction on today’s 11-race card.

Bred by Soul Warrior out of the Royal Minister mare Princess Geeta, Mamma Mia takes on Canadian-bred Atlantic Convoy, the consistent D Head Cornerstone, the capable Money Monster, former Horse of the Year Further and Beyond, and the promising Captain Calico in what should be a very interesting clash going seven furlongs (1,400m).

In the Ian Levy Cup at 8 ½ furlongs (1,700m), Mamma Mia was hauled up lame and did not finish, resulting in a poor start to her season. This came after she finished third behind Rough Entry and Ability in the Moutett Mile on December 2.

Jason DaCosta’s four-year-old chestnut filly Mamma Mia has been working fairly well leading up to this race, and if she stays focused on the task at hand, she should be unsaddled in the winners’ enclosure when the race is done. Jockey Robert Halledeen rides
Mamma Mia, owned by Carlton Watson.

The Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward is positioned as the ninth race on the card with a post time of 4:10 pm, with the first race at 11:15 am.

Atlantic Convoy finished sixth in the Fan’s Appreciation Day Trophy on December 2, trailing Rainsville by 8 ¾ lengths. This was his first race at the Overnight Allowance level. Prior to that bad performance, Atlantic Convoy had never finished worse than fourth in his prior seven career races, winning three, finishing second thrice, and fourth once. He has done an excellent job preparing for this event and is coming hands down.
Atlantic Convoy races with the tongue-tie removed and the figure-8 on.

D Head Cornerstone has raced two times this year so far, finishing third and second, respectively. D Head Cornerstone was just beaten by a length by Divine Force over one mile on February 10. Despite cutting back a furlong (200m) for this race, the Gary Subratie trainee should run well.

On February 14, Money Monster returned after a seven-month layoff to finish fifth behind Green Gold Rush in a six and a half-furlong (1,300m) race. With the run under his belt, Money Monster should really shine here.

Former Horse of the Year Further and Beyond has yet to kindle a spark since returning from a one-year hiatus on June 10, 2023. He had raced five times, winning once, finishing second once, and coming in third once.
Further and Beyond can break out with a solid run at any time, and the connections are hoping that today is his day.

Captain Calico has raced six times in his career, winning four and finishing third twice. The four-year-old chestnut colt appears to enjoy winning races, and today is no exception for Captain Calico, as the Anthony Nunes training is well prepared for this race. On Sunday, February 18, Captain Calico ran four furlongs in 48.1 seconds, indicating that he is in top form.

ONES TO WATCH:

Race 1)
Hit N Run/Kencia/Sippin on Sunshine

Race 2)
Heart Of A Lion/Smarty Tradition/Undecided

Race 3)
Mister Mandate/Rum With Me/Lord of Ajahlon

Race 4)
Great Trick/Jupiter Man/Premier Identity

Race 5)
Whisky/Sugar Daddy/Talona

Race 6)
Sir Wong Don/Glittering Magnum

Race 7)
Shany Star/Queen Vauna/Brownine Brown

Race 8)
Huntsman/Royal Ash/Cappuccino

Race 9)
Mamma Mia/Captain Calico/Atlantic Convoy

Race 10)
Funcaandun/Fred The Great/Geolithic

Race 11)
Military Grade/MPRS Links/The Love Of God