Horse of the Year Atomica makes her seasonal debut on Saturday (April 8) when she lines up against 12 rivals in the $1.29 million Saint Cecelia Cup, an Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upwards going 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m).

Below is the analysis of the race, done in draw order.

1. ATOMICA: (4 ch f by Nuclear Wayne – Honkeytonkville) – Last raced on December 3, 2022, in the Mouttet Mile (invitational) over one mile (1,600m). Atomica entered the race as the 4-5 favouirte following her record-breaking run in the Jamaica Cup over 9 ½ furlongs (1,900m) on November 12 and finished down the track in ninth place. Atomica has been working quite well for her seasonal debut, and despite exiting from the number one draw, she has enough speed to get herself into a good position and could run these off their hooves.

2. NUCLEAR NOON: (5 b h by Nuclear Wayne – Noon It Is) – Finished second behind Emperorofthecats on March 25 over 5 furlongs (1,000m) round. With the distance increased, Nuclear Noon could put together another pleasing run, but winning will be a very difficult task.

3. YELLOWSTONE: (4 ch g by Sensational Slam – Awry) – Finished third in the race won by Emperorofthecats on March 25. Yellowstone did well to reach this level but will have to find more if he is to be competitive. Note: Yellowstone races with the visor and tongue-tie off.

4. MINIATURE MAN: (5 ch g by Northern Giant – Runaway Gal) – Capable sort, who will be well held in this one.

5. UNRULY BOSS: (5 ch h by Bern Identity – Force Factor) – An impressive winner in the class below on March 19. Unruly Boss is going to find the going tough now up in grade.

6. SHE’S MY DESTINY (5 ch m by Bern Identity – Woman Is Boss) – Beaten into third place by stablemate I Am Fred over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m) on March 4. She’s My Destiny, who won the Christopher Armond Sprint over 6 furlongs last December, is very comfortable in this spot and is expected to run well. She’s My Destiny has speed and will be with the leading pack, but it is best for her to set close to the leaders, before striking.

7. I AM FRED (USA): (5 b g by Golden Lad – Happy Hailey) – Versatile American-bred runner who came from off the pace to win over 5 ½ furlongs on March 4. I Am Fred is going to love this extended trip even more and with the expected explosion of speed, I Am Fred is the perfect candidate for victory as he can easily race off the pace, and then use his strong run on ability to gain another victory on local soil.

8. KING ARTHUR: (6 b g by Natural Selection – Geisha’s Art) – Hard-knocking runner who shows up every now and then with strong efforts. King Arthur is not expected to be among the leading contenders for this one.

9. EMPEROROFTHECATS: (4 b g by Emperor Hall – Laws of the Cats) – Comes into this race on the back end of two consecutive wins. Despite his good form, Emperorofthecats now faces the best around, and although he is going to win in this grade, will have to wait.

10. RUNAWAY ALGO (USA – 4 ch c by Algorithms – Misunify) – Won by a huge margin on February 26 travelling a mile. That win was at the lower Overnight Allowance level, but Runaway Algo has been competitive at this level before, and so a good run is expected from him, He is expected to prominent on the headlines, and has enough strength and stamina to hold his gallop in the latter part of this encounter.

11. SWEET MAJESTY: (5 b m by Soul Warrior – Bitter End) – Has no chance where winning is concerned.

12. LABAN: (6 b h by Sensational Slam – For Trixie) – Will be hard-pressed to even place.

13. PERFECT BREW: (4 b g by Bern Identity – Moonlight Brew) – Has some potential but will not figure in this contest.