The excitement is building as the Jamaica Oaks Classic, one of the most prestigious racing events of the season, is set to take this afternoon at Caymanas Park. The $3.75-million stakes race will feature 11 talented fillies vying for the top spot in a thrilling 10-furlong (2,000m) contest.

Among the talented field, Linguist, trained by Anthony “Baba’” Nunes, stands out as the clear favourite. The Jamaica 1000 Guineas runner-up has been consistently impressive, and her recent performances have solidified her position as a top contender. With her class and progression, Linguist looks like a tough opponent to bet against.

With her impressive second-place finish behind Supernatural Power on July 5 over six furlongs, Linguist has proven she’s a force to be reckoned with. Now, with Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas returning to the saddle, she’s looking stronger than ever. A light gallop on July 26, where she worked 1:16.0 for six furlongs, only adds to her credentials. It seems like it’ll take a brave punter to bet against Linguist in the Jamaica Oaks Classic.

However, with 10 other fillies in the mix, the outcome is far from certain. Each of the competitors has shown promise and can impact on the outcome.

Will Linguist’s consistency and talent be enough to secure the win, or will one of the other fillies pull off an upset? That question will be answered after the running of the 10th race, which has a post time of 5:55 pm. First race is at noon.

While Linguist is the clear favourite to win the Jamaica Oaks Classic, several fillies are poised to challenge her dominance.

Among them is Mighty Gully, who showed promise with a third-place finish in the Jamaica 1000 Guineas. With her speed and agility, another strong run is definitely possible, and she could get into mix.

Danka, who finished seventh in the 1000 Guineas, also has the class and talent to compete in the Jamaica Oaks Classic. Although she didn’t shine in her last outing, improvement is expected from her, and she could be a force to be reckoned with.

Pretty Perfect, who finished sixth in the Jamaica St Leger over the same distance as today’s race, is another filly to watch. Back among fillies, she’s primed for a strong effort and could be a dark horse in the race.

Perhaps the biggest unknown is Woman In Love, who has come off two consecutive wins. While her class and talent are yet to be proven, she’s expected to perform well, and her lack of experience could make her a surprise package.

Ones to watch:

Race 1: Nuttin But Trouble/Heiroffire/Minidewak

Race 2: Maybelle/Fernando/Tia Maria

Race 3: Manny Slam/Princess Talise/Money Box

Race 4: Tigray Express/Wilson/Sensational Gold

Race 5: Dreamer’s Corner/All Correct/Brilliant Mind

Race 6: Golden Loyalty/Medal Award/The Real Indentity

Race 7: Dutchess/Perfect Affair/Khaleesi

Race 8: Oil Machine/Crown Chaser/Wicked Cassie

Race 9: Supernatural Power/Florindia/Commander Z

Race 10: Linguist/Pretty Perfect/Woman In Love