Dream Catcher looks to catch another Classic in the Jamaica Oaks

The fillies get their Classic moment on this afternoon as nine of the island’s best native-bred three-year-old go 10 furlongs (2,000m) in the Jamaica Oaks, with Dream Catcher aiming to add another jewel to her crown off the back of her 1000 Guineas victory on June 6.

But this won’t be a procession. Tia Maria arrives peaking at the perfect time, and Taylor Made knows exactly where the wire is at Caymanas Park. Going two turns, stamina will tell who truly stays.

The Jamaica Oaks is positioned as the eighth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 4:35 pm, with the first race at 11:50 am.

Dream Catcher, bred by Bern Identity — Double Jeopardy, is the clear standard-bearer. She has dominated her generation all year — winner of the Thornbird Stakes, Portmore Stakes, and the Jamaica 1000 Guineas. She even tested the colts in the St Leger, finishing a respectable fifth, beaten 10 lengths.

Now back against her own sex and over a trip that suits, this should be a formality and surely class will tell.

Her biggest threat comes in the form of Tia Maria, a chestnut filly bred by Bold Conquest — Zacapa. She announced herself in serious fashion on July 11 when she won the Simply Magic Cup over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) in 1:56.2 by four lengths.

That was a performance of utter class. She’s peaking at the right time and looks the only filly with the tactical speed and staying power to take it to Dream Catcher.

Then there’s Taylor Made, a bay filly by Aveenu Malcainu — Another Fury, the perennial bridesmaid. She has chased Dream Catcher home in both the Portmore Stakes and the 1000 Guineas. If she sees out this 10-furlong trip, she will be thereabouts again, likely fighting for the minor money.

Another stayer in the race could be Giving Thanks, a bay filly by Bern Identity — Lightning Lily. She closed well for third behind Dream Catcher in the Guineas, and this step up in trip should suit her perfectly. Expect another honest, grinding run from her.

Another Wow, a bay filly by Casual Trick — Sarah Barracuda is the wild card. She won over 6½ furlongs (1,300m) on June 27 in a decent 1:20.3 and has been working well since. The big question is whether she can get 10 furlongs, but she’ll run a brave race.

Minnehaha (Savoy Stomp – Red Gold) was four lengths behind Tia Maria over nine furlongs and 25 yards on July 11. With both Tia Maria and Dream Catcher in here, she’s likely playing for places.

The rest of the runners face a tall order.

Gulfstream Cat and Lexi Lou have not shown the form to compete at this level, while Sky Is The Limit won last time but faces a massive jump in class.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Golden Ambassador/Run For Fun/Crown Court

Race 2) Pepper Stepper/Novio/Fidelity

Race 3) Sir Ganga Jamuna/Blinding Light/Nuttin But Trouble

Race 4) Star Quest/Lockdown/Beneison

Race 5) Prince Daniel/Lil’ Maggie/Secret Sensation

Race 6) Mr Senator/Natural Dancer/Wayne’s Princess

Race 7) Dothraki/California Crown/Desert of Malibu

Race 8) Dream Catcher/Tia Maria/Giving Thanks

Race 9) Gallant Groom/She’s That Girl/Zulu Warrior

Race 10) Enthusiastic/Lily’s Warrior/Army Recruit