FOLLOWING Calculus’s romp of the $1.29-million Mark My Word Trophy feature on Saturday, October 8, trainer Gary Subratie says he is left with the decision on whether to enter his four-year-old bay colt in the 7-furlong (1,400m) Gold Cup or the 9½-furlong (1,900m) Jamaica Cup.

“Not sure as yet where Calculus goes from here as I am thinking about the Gold Cup; but if not, we are going into the Jamaica Cup. The Jamaica Cup is more favourable to the running style of Calculus as he is a lover of two-turns and the longer distances. Then there is another major consideration, the Mouttet Mile. This is the richest race at present in Jamaica, and for sure, we want to be there in December when this event will unfold. Discussions will be had with the owner, and we will make the decisions regarding Calculus‘s racing plan then.

“That said Calculus is in his ‘ackee’, with distance at this time the least of his concerns. Wherever he is placed, he will always be there and in winning contention. Right now, Calculus is in imperious form and condition,” Subratie told The Supreme Racing Guide.

Ridden by Shane Ellis, Calculus, who continued to prove he is the top stayer in the land, came from behind to beat rivals by 3 lengths going away in the three-year-old and upwards Open Allowance contest travelling 9 furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m). Calculus (Sensational Slam – Trinket Box) won in a time of 1:54.2.

“There was a lot of speed in the race and so I wasn’t worried about Runaway Algo, and the race worked out well for us. The time of 1:54.2 is fast for this class and the signs for the future are good.

“A furlong and a half out I saw Runaway Algo giving in and knew that the race was over from there on. Plus, Shane [Ellis] knows Calculus like a book…the jockey knows what to do, and more importantly when to do it. The two, Ellis and Calculus have developed a lethal winning combination, and for that, I could not be happier,” trainer Subratie said.

Ellis was in no rush as he held Calculus in fifth position in the six-horse field behind Make Up Artist (Anthony Thomas), She’s A Wonder (Reyan Lewis) and Runaway Algo (Chris Mamdeen) going around the clubhouse turn and onto the main track.

Down the backstretch Calculus improved one place to fourth as he went by Big Jule (Dane Dawkins) before giving serious chase navigating the half-mile turn in a striking third place.

Coming off the final turn and going four wide in deep stretch, Ellis produced his mount and Calculus responded in his usual authoritative manner well in the final furlong of the race to register his third-consecutive victory.

“I wasn’t worried at all during the race. My horse was very comfortable throughout and I never started to get after him until the half-mile, and when I got after him, he started to move.

“In deep stretch, every time I go after him, he responds quickly and with a blast, to win the race comfortably in the end. I was also satisfied with the time; prior [to now] he ran 1:55 and change and now he clocked 1:54 and change. This was a good pipe opener for Calculus for either the Gold Cup or the Jamaica Cup,” Ellis told this publication.