Three-year-old chestnut filly Atomica has a score to settle in tomorrow’s (August 6) BetMakers-sponsored Jamaica Derby (2,400m) and trainer Gary Subratie believes his top class is in the right shape to prevail in the season’s ultimate test of speed and stamina.

Bred by Nuclear Wayne out of Honkeytonkville, Atomica was denied a sixth consecutive victory in the Jamaica St Leger when Blue Vinyl triumphed in convincing manner early last month. Blue Vinyl won the 10-furlong (2000m) event by 4 1/2 lengths in a time of 2:07.3 to continue his journey to Triple Crown glory.

Atomica is out to avenge not only the Jamaica St Leger defeat but also to reclaim the status of top three-year-old.

“Well, she got a rough passage for the first two furlongs in the St Leger. I am not going to say she would have won the Leger, but based on that, we have to give her a chance in the Jamaica Derby.

“You don’t breed or buy horses to run in the Oaks and so we have to go for the Derby,” Subratie told The Supreme Racing Guide.

Subtratie said that Atomica has been doing well at exercise and so he expects nothing less than first place in the Jamaica Derby Classic.

“Atomica has been doing well. I mean she has been training well for this race, with her final gallop of 1:25.3 over seven furlongs last Sunday morning was particularly pleasing. Atomica has no complains at the moment and with that in mind, I expect her to do well,” he said.

As to his other runner in the Derby, D Head Cornerstone, the trainer said he expects an improved effort coming after a tame last run.

“He (D Head Cornerstone) was not at his best when he raced on July 17, after coming out of the St Leger. He has been refreshed, and I expect him to give a much better account of himself in the Derby.

— Ruddy Allen