A humbling defeat in the Mouttet Mile still fresh in her connections’ minds, Atomica gets a chance to restore her reputation and reaffirm her status as one of the island’s top thoroughbreds when she lines up against four rivals in this afternoon’s $2-million Eileen Cliggott Memorial Trophy feature at Caymanas Park.

The Gary Subratie-conditioned mare was heavily backed to be a major force in the Mouttet Mile on December 7, 2024, but instead finished a disappointing 10th. Many thought that would be her swan song, and she’d be headed to the breeding shed. But the six-year-old Atomica has other plans.

Making her seasonal debut, the two-time Horse of the Year will face just four rivals in the Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds over six and a half furlongs (1,300m). This is her chance to prove she’s still a force to be reckoned with.

Atomica (Nuclear Wayne – Honkeytonkville) should appreciate the smaller field, and may attempt to take the lead and dictate the pace. With her impressive track record and class, Atomica is a strong contender for the top spot.

The contest is positioned as the seventh event on the nine-race card with a post time of 4:05 pm. First race is at 12:00 pm.

As Atomica seeks to reclaim her glory in the Eileen Cliggott Memorial Trophy, she’ll face a formidable challenge from two talented foreigners: Pack Plays and Is That A Fact. Both horses have been training impressively for this trophy race, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.

Pack Plays, who finished sixth in the Mouttet Mile, has been gaining momentum since his return to the races on December 24, 2024. His third-place finish over five and a half furlongs (1,100m) behind Bootylicious and Desert of Malibu was a promising sign, and his recent workout suggests he’s ready to take on the best.

On Sunday, January 19, Pack Plays clocked an impressive 1:01.2 for five furlongs, indicating he’s fit, healthy, and poised to contend for top honours.

Is That A Fact is quietly building momentum and could potentially spoil the party. This talented import was disappointing in the Mouttet Mile, finishing 13th by 15 ¾ lengths, but his morning training sessions suggest he’s ready to bounce back.

Last season, Is That A Fact was in fine form, winning four races, finishing second five times, and third twice from 12 starts, earning over a whopping $6.8 million in Stakes. With a reduced field size in the Eileen Cliggott Memorial Trophy, he may finally get the chance to showcase his skills.

Is That A Fact’s recent workouts have been eye-catching, to say the least. On Sunday, January 12, he clocked an impressive 1:05.2 for five and a half furlongs, with the last five furlongs coming in a blistering 59.3. A week later, he galloped over the same distance, posting times of 1:06.4 x 1:00.3. Those numbers suggest he’s ready to take on the best.

Wall Street Trader and Money Market are the other two runners in the field.

— Ruddy Allen

Ones to watch

Race 1) Storm Valley/Mr Lyndhurst/Print Quality

Race 2) Tigeramedat/Sweet Victory/Superio

Race 3) Lady Sarsutta/Valley of Love/Miss Coupersland

Race 4) Shooting Star/Lucy In The Sky/The General

Race 5) Electrode/Charming Sound/Glittering Star

Race 6) KP Choice/Power Ranking/Posing Already

Race 7) Atomica/Is That A Fact/Pack Plays

Race 8) Unruly Mo/Fearless Mission/Nephew

Race 9) Unruly Dude/Tekapunt/Big Jule