Trainer Anthony “Baba” Nunes hailed the decision to skip the Jamaica St Leger and target the Jamaica Oaks as a masterstroke after his charge Linguist dominated the $3.75-million Jamaica Oaks Classic at Caymanas Park on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

Linguist (Aveenu Malcainu – Bilingual), part-owned by Nunes along with Stephen Narinesingh, and Rajendra Poonai, ridden by Dick Cardenas, delivered an impressive performance, winning the 10-furlong contest for native-bred three-year-old fillies a length and three quarters. Linguist clocked 2:13.3 (25.0 x 51.0 x 1:16.2 x 1:44.0) for the distance while beating Woman In Love and Pretty Perfect.

The strategic decision to bypass the Jamaica St Leger proved fruitful.

“We took the decision to avoid the Jamaica St Leger and ran her in a six-furlong race and try and bring her as fresh as possible. She is not really a staying filly but we didn’t think it was good that we were going to go 20 furlongs in four weeks. We took that decision which was risky, it worked out well now and I can say we made the right decision but we are very proud of her,” Nunes said.

Nunes also reflected on Linguist’s lineage.

“Her mom [Bilingual] ran second in the 1000 Guineas to She’s A Maneater and ran second in the Jamaica Oaks to
Marlene My Love. I know that she is not the greatest of fillies, she’s not the best filly I ever trained but you know what, she is an Oaks winner,” Nunes said.

He praised Cardenas for his excellent ride.

“Dick Cardenas rode a very good race. I was a little worried at the six -furlong marker when she was a way back because they bounced her around in the early part of the race. Linguist made a tremendous move from the six furlong all the way to the three-eighths pole and I said this last furlong and half-furlong is going to be tricky but he [Cardenas] got the job done and so I really appreciated it and I thank him very much,” Nunes explained.

Nunes also discussed Linguist’s preparation for the Jamaica Oaks.

“Linguist preparation was good coming into the Jamaica Oaks. There was only one work which didn’t go as planned but she came back and showed in her last work that she was well within herself and happy,” he said.

Linguist’s journey to victory in the Jamaica Oaks Classic wasn’t without its challenges. The bay filly had a rough start, racing among the backmarkers in the early stages of the contest.

Riley J ridden by Wesley Henry, led the field ahead of Woman In Love, ridden by Raddesh Roman, around the clubhouse turn and onto the main track.

Dick Cardenas bided his time, waiting for the perfect moment to make his move. As they approached the six-furlong mark, Cardenas let loose, and Linguist quickly gained momentum on the leaders. The filly entered the half-mile turn in third position behind Woman In Love and Riley J but was full of running and ready to make her move.

As Linguist approached the distance, she surged to the front. The filly carried on to the wire, crossing the finish line with authority.

Cardenas reflected on his ride on Linguist in the Jamaica Oaks Classic, saying: “I didn’t get the best break as you could see I broke slow. I was crowded but I just sat and wait until the six-furlong marker.”

Cardenas admitted to moving a bit early, but ultimately, Linguist’s fitness and ability shone through.

“I moved a little too early, I think, but at the three furlongs I gave her another rest and waited a little longer and waited until the two furlongs I started back again. I moved too early, I made that mistake, but the filly ran a very good race. She is really a fit horse. I am happy with the performance,” Cardenas’ shared.

Linguist (Dick Cardenas) runs out an easy winner in the Jamaica Oaks on Saturday, August 2, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Trainer Anthony “Baba” Nunes (left) and jockey Dick Cardenas celebrate the win by Linguist in the Jamaica Oaks on Saturday, August 2, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)