IT was widely expected to be a close clash between the two leading native-bred three year olds, Blue Vinyl and Atomica, in the Jamaica St Leger Classic, sponsored by BetMakers Technology Group, on Saturday, July 2.

That predicted scenario did not materialise in the 10-furlong Futurity event as Blue Vinyl, in a command performance defeated Atomica by 4¼ lengths in a time of 2:07.3. Splits were 23.4 x 49.2 x 1:13.4 x 1:39.4.

Blue Vinyl is bred by Ian Parsard, owned by MNM Racing Stables, trained by Patrick Lynch, and ridden by Raddesh Roman.

THE RACE

Passing the stands for the first time and going into the clubhouse turn, Brinks (Reyan Lewis) — on the inside rails — showed the way ahead of Blue Vinyl and Atomica, under Dane Dawkins. Entering the main track Roman took Blue Vinyl off the pace a bit allowing Atomica to challenge Brinks for the lead down the backstretch. Blue Vinyl then made his move at the half-mile to test Atomica on the headline, and the two were then locked in a stirring duel approaching the distance. Under strong handling from Roman in deep stretch, Blue Vinyl gained momentum and edged away for a comfortable win, his third on the trot. Brinks held on well for third place as D Head Cornerstone (Andre’ Martin) finished in fourth place.

OWNER’S COMMENT — MICHAEL GAYLE

“This is more than overwhelming as this victory is sweeter than when we won the 2000 Guineas! Leading up to the race [Jamaica St Leger] there [was] many words spoken that I can’t beat the filly as she is an exceptional horse. But I know Blue Vinyl, and my trainer has this horse is in immaculate condition — and he delivered.”

TRAINER’S COMMENT — PATRICK LYNCH

“This achievement is great. When you have a small man like me who came through the ranks and do something this like, I have to feel good about it. Blue Vinyl ran a very good race; the instructions to the jockey were the same as the 2000 Guineas, the training was the same, and I am happy with the win. The plan now moves towards the Jamaica Derby.”

JOCKEY’S COMMENT — RADDESH ROMAN

“The plan from the start was to get a clean break, pick my position as early as possible, and get him (Blue Vinyl) relaxed. During the race, I didn’t have to use up too much energy as I was rather trying to slow him down as he was pulling me, and when I asked him to go leaving the half-mile he just kicked and went on to win. I must thank Almighty God — along with the trainer, owner, and other connections of this horse — for the support.”

THE POSITIVES

Blue Vinyl proved beyond doubt that he is currently the best three-year-old in training and also the best stayer among his peers. The St Leger win now places Blue Vinyl as the only Triple Crown contender with the 12-furlong Jamaica Derby, the final hurdle to clear. Atomica lost no marks in defeat, as after a rough passage, the filly rallied down the backstretch, and gave it her all to finish second. The surprise performances in the St Leger came from Brinks and D Head Cornerstone. Brinks, the top two-year-old male of last season, has had an underwhelming three-year-old run. He is without a win, yet was able to conjure what was probably a defining run, with the promise of a better second half of the season. D Head Cornerstone, a non-winner of two races, although far behind the winner beat more acclaimed rivals. Expect vast improvement from D Head Cornerstone.

THE NEGATIVES

The final result of the St Leger leaves little doubt that separate Separate from Blue Vinyl and Atomica, the cupboard of the local three-year-old cohort is bare. There are one and two foreigners like, for example, Runaway Algo, helping to prop up the ranks, yet there is no doubt that most of the three-year-old lot will struggle to go through their conditions.