Calculus delivers Jamaica Derby
Published:Sunday | August 8, 2021 | 12:12 AMAinsley Walters/Sunday Gleaner Writer -
CALCULUS handed trainer Gary Subratie his first Jamaica Derby victory in dramatic fashion yesterday, rallying between BILLY WHIZZ and FURTHER AND BEYOND midway the last half-furlong to win the 12-furlong event by a neck.
CALCULUS’ derby victory crowned a significant training feat for Subratie under whose care the Sensational Slam-Trinket Box colt’s fortunes took an about-turn three weeks after changing stables, acquired privately, from champion trainer Anthony Nunes.
New management
After finishing seventh in June’s 2000 Guineas, CALCULUS, under new management, upstaged none other than Nunes’ FURTHER AND BEYOND a month later in the St Leger.
Rubbing salt into Nunes’ wounds, CALCULUS’ derby victory propelled Subratie past his rival to the helm of the trainers’ championship, a stakes lead of approximately $2 million.
Similar to his St Leger victory, CALCULUS first stalked early leader IANNAI LINKS from his inside draw entering the backstretch where FURTHER AND BEYOND pounced to lead six furlongs out.
Relegated to fourth by BIG JULE and BILLY WHIZZ entering the straight as FURTHER AND BEYOND tried to steal the race from the home turn, CALCULUS changed gears in the stretch run and ran down his rivals, barreling between horses inside the last half-furlong.
FURTHER AND BEYOND first wilted along the rail whereas a brave BILLY WHIZZ tried his best to stave off the loping St Leger winner but CALCULUS outstayed him in a driving finish, giving Shane Ellis his sixth derby winner and second for Trinidadian owner Chevan Maharaj.
Earlier in the afternoon, SHE’S A WONDER made light work of rivals to win the Jamaica Oaks by three lengths ahead of AMY THE BUTCHER for trainer Ian Parsard whose BIG JULE finished fourth in the Derby.