Trainer Gary Subratie expressed optimism regarding Atomica’s prospects in the upcoming US$250,000 Mouttet Mile, buoyed by her decisive victory in the $6-million Jamaica Cup on November 9, 2024.

Atomica’s impressive performance secured her third-consecutive Jamaica Cup title.

Atomica produced a gate-to-wire performance to beat rivals by three parts of a length in the 9 ½-furlong (1,900m) Graded Stakes contest for three-year-olds and upward. Atomica’s triumphant victory, timed at 2:00.1 (24.3 x 48.3 x 1:13.4 x 1:40.3), secured her automatic qualification for the Mouttet Mile next month.

Despite past disappointments, Subratie believes Atomica is poised for breakthrough in the December 7, Mouttet Mile.

“She [Atomica] is in a different frame of mind right now,” Subratie said. “We have spaced her out this season; we didn’t over race her and I think going into the Mouttet Mile, hopefully the right keys are turn and she is good to go.”

Atomica, the reigning two-time Horse of the Year, seized the lead immediately after the starting gates opened and then dictated the pace at will. She led Neo Star (Oneil Mullings); Funcaandun (Robert Halledeen); and Run Julie Run, piloted by Raddesh Roman, around the clubhouse turn and onto the main track.

Down the backstretch, Atomica maintained her gallop well until going into the half-mile (800m) turn when she began to draw away from the field. Entering the final stretch, Atomica was still going strong and although she was shortening inside the final stages of the race, Atomica crossed the finishing line three parts of a length ahead of the fast-finishing Run Julie Run. Funcaandun was third.

Subratie attributed Atomica’s success to meticulous preparation and strategic racing tactics.

“Her preparation was excellent. I skipped the Gold Cup coming into this race. I know she loves the two turns and I know once she was not treated unfairly with the handicaps, she would give them a run for their money,” Subratie said.

“I know they were going to pressure her, but they don’t know her. The more she gets the pressure, that’s the time when she starts to get going. You have to really come at her at the end, and if you can’t stay you are not going to get there.

“I was fairly comfortable at the two-furlong marker because I noticed Dane [Dawkins] didn’t ask her anything. I think he only started to ride her maybe a furlong and a half out and that’s what she likes. She is going to give you something even if it looks like she is tiring, and I think that was what got her to the line,” Subratie added.

Trianer Gary Subratie with his charge Atomica (Dane Dawkins) after the mare won the $6-million Jamaica Cup for the third consecutive time on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Photos: Garfield Robinson