The pace of Mamma Mia was enough to win the Oaks
Mamma Mia demonstrated that not only staying power can win the longer races, but also a bit of speed can deliver as well when properly applied.
Trained by Jason DaCosta and ridden by Phillip Parchment, Mamma Mia destroyed rivals by 12 lengths in the Jamaica Oaks travelling 10 furlongs (2,000m) on Saturday, August 5, 2023 to reclaim her title as top three-year-old filly.
Mamma Mia, bred by Soul Warrior out of the Royal Minister mare Princess Geeta, won in a time of 2:10.1 (24.1 x 51.0 x 1:15.2 x 1:42.3).
The analysis of $3.75-million Jamaica Oaks run now follows:
FIRST – MAMMA MIA: After leading for the majority of the race, Mamma Mia finished fifth in the Jamaica St Leger over 10 furlongs. Mamma Mia was expected to give way here, but the chestnut filly made a devastating run to win the Jamaica Oaks by a city block. Mamma Mia was well-prepared and Parchment was at his best in the saddle. Mamma Mia took the lead, set the pace, and then went about her business, turning for home. The Mamma Mia‘s victory in the Jamaica Oaks was her second Classic victory of the season, following her success in the Jamaica 1000 Guineas in early June. It was also Parchment and groom Christo Anthony’s second Classic victory of the season, and it was owner Carlton Watson and DaCosta’s third Classic victory of the season. The 2023 Jamaica Oaks was simply a case of greater speed on the day, which Mamma Mia and her connections achieved flawlessly.
SECOND – POWER FROM ABOVE: Ran a surprisingly race to finish second. Power From Above lacked the winner’s class and talent, but she was compensated well for her connections, giving the impression that she will go through her age group conditions without any fuss. Looking forward, the Winston Griffiths Classic in early September might be the next objective for this Anthony Nunes trained filly.
THIRD – PRINCESS SHARON: A disappointing performance by Princess Sharon following her impressive run in the 10-furlong Jamaica St Leger to finish in third place, two spots ahead of Mamma Mia. Mamma Mia‘s pace proved too hot to handle on the day, with Princess Sharon unable to replicate her strong finish from the St Leger. Princess Sharon will go though her conditions, however going beyond the competitive Overnight Allowance grade will be difficult. Time will tell as to the progress of this filly.
FOURTH – BROWN SKIN GIRL: Despite finishing some 29 lengths behind the winner, Brown Skin Girl did well to be among the earners. Brown Skin Girl based on her performances to date will struggle to complete her conditions.
FIFTH – ALL FOR LOVE: Finished 30 ½ lengths behind the winner but it was an improvement from her 12th place finish by 60 lengths in the Jamaica St Leger.
SIXTH – LADY ABHIMALA: Was never a winning factor but earned a share of the purse.
SEVENTH – SAVVY GIRL: Hopefully will now focus at the non-winners of two level.
EIGHTH – BELLA BELLA: Made up numbers.
NINTH – MPRS LINKS: Finished some 58 ¾ lengths behind her stablemate Mamma Mia and nothing more than that.
TENTH – SHE’S MYHEDGEFUND – Out of her depth and she came home 107 ¾ lengths behind the winner and stablemate Mamma Mia.
ELEVENTH – ESSENTIAL QUALITY: Was seen among the mid-pack runners down the backstretch but offered nothing afterwards and came home some 109 ¼ lengths behind Mamma Mia.