The assessment of the 16 in the Mouttet Mile
IN a performance that highlighted the class and talent of Excessive Force, trained by Phillip Feanny and ridden by jockey Bebeto Harvey, the horse won the inaugural staging of the Mouttet Mile (invitational) on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Caymanas Park.
Excessive Force sat behind the pace for the majority of the one-mile (1,600 m) contest before powering on the inside rails in deep stretch to win by a length and a quarter in a time of 1:41.0.
The Supreme Racing Guide analyses the outcome of the Mouttet Mile.
FIRST — EXCESSIVE FORCE: What a run by this five-year-old, American-bred chestnut horse. Simply outstanding! Excessive Force easily defeated the best on offer to demonstrate his class and superiority as the performance was out of the ordinary. Jockey Bebeto Harvey waited, and when he made his move the acceleration displayed by Excessive Force was spectacular, it was breathtaking, and it was a crowning moment. A lot more is expected from Excessive Force but he has had his health issues in the past. If he remains healthy, he will deliver.
SECOND — DUKE: This six-year-old grey horse was the surprise package in the Mouttet Mile, despite not liking long races. Duke, known more for his sprinting qualities, was kept off the pace by Allen Maragh but he came on strong in the final stages of the race. It is good to see older horses running so well in the most competitive race of the season. Good run.
THIRD — JORDON REIGN’S: Jordon Reign’s effort was just a reminder of his undoubted talent. Jordon Reign’s, one of the most improved horses in training at present, came into the Mouttet Mile with his fitness in doubt after suffering injuries in the Gold Cup run on October 22, but his third-place finish was enough proof that he has rebounded.
FOURTH — MAHOGANY: Once again he showed his versatility when he almost slipped the field turning for home. Mahogany contested the early lead, leaving rivals in his wake as the distance approached, but didn’t have enough in the tank to last the distance and finished just two lengths behind the winner. Mahogany has had another good season and there is hope that he will carry on from here.
FIFTH — CALCULUS: The country’s number one stayer was not a factor in the Mouttet Mile. Calculus, however, has shown he has talent and is not to be taken lightly in the future especially going two-turns.
SIXTH — SHE’S MY FRIEND: Ran well in this race. She’s My Destiny was third coming off the final bend but weakened when the big guns got rolling. Still has more races to win.
SEVENTH — RACE CAR: He was not a factor in the Diamond Mile but came away earning.
EIGHT — BLUE VINYL: The best-finishing three-year-old in this race. Blue Vinyl was one of the much-touted horses going into the Mouttet Mile but never showed up. Yet, despite the poor run, he should not be discarded in the future.
NINTH — ATOMICA: Much was expected from her so it was no surprise that she went off as the 4-5 favourite. Atomica failed to reproduce the effort of the Jamaica Cup when winning by 16 lengths in track and stakes record time. She was up with the pace but coming into the lane she went miles wide, and that was that. She did not deserve ninth place.
TENTH — I’VE GOT MAGIC: Was never a winning factor.
ELEVENTH — ONE OFAKIND: Just fell out of an earning position.
TWELVE — EAGLE ONE: Was certainly not flying.
THIRTEENTH — KING ARTHUR: Was only in the race to make up numbers.
FOURTEENTH — RUN AWAY ALGO: Came into the Mouttet Mile as a live threat but ran his worst race to date. Runaway Algo was in second place at the top of the lane but when the pressure turned up in the straight he was left struggling. In the straight, Runaway Algo lacked punch.
FIFTEENTH — I AM FRED: Found the going rough.
SIXTEENTH — MAKE UP ARTIST: Not in this league.