AFTER an 11-month hiatus, former Jamaica 2000 Guineas and St Leger winner Blue Vinyl makes his return to the track in today’s $1.25-million Nigel B Nunes Memorial Cup at Caymanas Park.

Facing 12 rivals in the Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over five furlongs (1,000m) straight, Blue Vinyl takes on younger, fitter opponents. However, his class and talent make him a formidable contender.

Blue Vinyl last took to the track on November 11, 2023, finishing a respectable second in the Jamaica Cup on November 11. The nine-and-a-half-furlong (1,900m) showdown saw him beaten by three and a half lengths by the exceptional Atomica, two-time Horse of the Year.

Now, Blue Vinyl returns in a lower-grade contest, poised to assert his dominance. Though he may need the run and prefers a longer distance, his exceptional class and talent make him a formidable contender.

Interestingly, Blue Vinyl has only raced once over the straight course in his 22-start career. That debut outing on February 6, 2022 saw him finish in fourthplace by three and a half lengths behind Brompton Alex, Prince Sanjay, and Asurety.

Despite potential rustiness and a less-than-ideal distance, Blue Vinyl’s exceptional talent and experience make him the one to beat.

The race is positioned as the ninth and final event on the card with a post time of 5:05 pm, but the first race is at noon.

As Blue Vinyl prepares for his return a talented quintet of challengers looks to spoil his comeback party. They are Freedom Street and Joy Is Golden (Patrick Lynch’s stable),
Press Conference (Ian Roberts), KP Choice (Damon Gayle), and A Gift From Ben (Victor Williams). These capable runners possess the skill and speed to push Blue Vinyl to his limits.

— Ruddy Allen

Ones to watch

Race 1)
Muzzo
/General Chief/Just Move In

Race 2)
Stanislaus/Noble Impulse/ZD Eye

Race 3)
Silver Fox/Dodge This Link/Pharoah It Is

Race 4)
Tiffany Blu/Chinita Estrella/Ruby’s Light

Race 5)
Immeasurable Joy/Francis/Battle Angel

Race 6)
Digital Light/Equinox/Uncle Nub

Race 7)
Allegiance/Riches To Rags/Ble Sensation

Race 8)
Glittering Magnum/Blitz Strike/Money Box

Race 9)
Blue Vinyl/Press Conference/KP Choice