Tia Maria states Jamaica Oaks credentials with $1.1-m Simply Magic Cup win
Tia Maria put herself right in the Jamaica Oaks picture with an impressive win in the $1.1-million Simply Magic Cup on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
The three-year-old chestnut filly came from off the pace to take the 9 furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) event by 4½ lengths in a smooth 1:56.2. The fractional times were 25.2 x 49.0 x 1:14.2 x 1:41.0.
The race was a Restricted Allowance II contest for native-bred three-year-olds (non-winners of two) and imported three-year-olds and upward (maidens).
With Tajay Suckoo riding for trainer Anthony Nunes, Tia Maria raced just off the pace in mid-pack as Minnehaha (Raddesh Roman) led For My Love (Joy Haynes) and Rockhampton (Omar Walker) into the clubhouse turn and onto the main track.
Tia Maria bided her time well down the backstretch before launching her bid approaching the half-mile (800m). Navigating the far turn, she slipped into second behind Minnehaha, then took over in deep stretch.
At the wire, Tia Maria was comfortable ahead of Minnehaha with Gulfstream Cat (Chalrick Budhai) third.
— Ruddy Allen
