WITH the condition and distance quite suitable to her style of running, the Anthony Nunes-conditioned Nefertari looks almost unbeatable in the running of the $950,000 Simply Magic Cup feature race on the nine-race programme at Caymanas Park today.

Nefertari, a three-year-old bay filly bred by Savoy Stomp out of Princess Geeta, had made her racing debut one to remember by scoring an ultra-impressive, come-from-behind 6 ½ lengths on March 12, 2022.

Owned by Ajax Bjorn, Nefertari — who is a half-sister to former Jamaica Oaks winner Fayrouz — staggered out of the starting gates in the 6-½ furlong (1,300-m) contest, giving the field a huge jump, as winning at the time seemed an impossible task.

She only began to run approaching the half mile (800m) when she rounded horses though she was still some way off the leaders. But jockey Linton Steadman got Nefertari in full flight on the outside of runners in deep stretch. Still looking a little rough around the edges, Nefertari then scooted clear to post an emphatic victory from Mila’s All That and Zion’s Princess in a time of 1:23.3.

Nefertari has been working well coming into this race, having gone 48.3 for four furlongs on April 5 and 1:15.0 for six furlongs, beating stablemate Roraima (1:16.1) on April 11. If Nefertari can leave the starting gates in good order this time around then it should be a one-horse race.

The three-year-old and upward Restricted Allowance II event over one mile (1,600m) is the final race on the card with a post time of 5:20 pm. First race is at 12:30 pm.

Looking at the other runners in the 12-horse field, Our Angel, Stomp The Rhythm, Power and Silent Mission should make the race a bit competitive.

Our Angel (Savoy Stomp–Myangel) was beaten by all of 10 lengths into third place on last, behind The Citadel and Peaky Blinders at 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m). Though she is going a half-furlong longer, Our Angel should relish this milder pace and play a prominent role in the outcome.

Stomp The Rhythm (Savoy Stomp–River Rhythm) was very impressive when releasing the maiden tag on March 27 over 6 ½ furlongs. The bay colt won by 10 lengths in a time of 1:21.1. Although facing stronger rivals here, Stomp The Rhythm has looked an improved animal at exercise and should not be taken lightly.

Power (Bal A Bali–Swift Fox) came home fourth in the recent Prince Consort run over seven furlongs. Power was up in the pace before weakening in deep stretch to finish 6 ½ lengths off winner Emperorofthecats. He needs to up his actions here but Power is a talented sort and could cause some very anxious moments.

Silent Mission (Savoy Stomp–Lady Mandi) looks the main threat to the favourite. The bay filly was noticed when finishing third by 7 ½ lengths behind two top fillies Atomica and Golden Wattle in the Thornbird Stakes over seven furlongs. If Nefertari should miss a step here then Silent Mission could be unsaddled in the winners’ enclosure.

Giant Wheeler and Peaky Blinders can be considered for the exotics.

Also on tap is a three-year-old and upwards Open Allowance call honouring owners Winston Kong and Alexander Haber. A field of seven will go to postward over five furlongs round for a total purse of $1.2 million.

The likes of Secret Identity, Laban, Duke and Race Car should make this race very interesting from start to finish.

Secret Identity, having tested Open Allowance two times already, is better placed for a more competitive effort — and with the distance in her favour this talented filly is expected to go to the lead and will have to be caught.

Laban showed nothing on last when finishing down the track in the Saint Cecelia Cup won by Further and Beyond. Laban is viable in this company and with a hot pace in the offering, this five-year-old can sit close and then surge in the final two furlongs.

Duke ran like himself to finish third behind Further and Beyond and I’ve Got Magic over 6 ½ furlongs 15 days ago. Duke had most of his rivals here behind him that day and with his ability to wait might prove decisive to the outcome.

Race Car, on the other hand, was expected to give Horse of the Year Further and Beyond competition on the April 3 but failed to land a blow, finishing fifth. Race Car should not be hindered by this sharp trip and will not go down without a fight.