Mahogany, trained by Ian Parsard and ridden by champion jockey Dane Dawkins, won the third running of the $4-million Ian Levy Cup on December 31, the last major race for the 2022 racing season, in a manner that re-established his status as the top-rated horse in training.

The Supreme Racing Guide team analyses the outcome of the 8 1/2-furlong (1,700 m) race below.

FIRST – MAHOGANY

What a difference! Having been beaten into fourth place by Excessive Force, Duke, and stablemate Jordon Reign’s in the inaugural staging of the US$125,000 Mouttet Mile on December 3, it was anticipated that Mahogany would run out of gas again, especially since the Ian Levy was a half-furlong (100m) longer. But, that was not the case. Mahogany sat behind I’ve Got Magic, who dictated the pace for most of the way, before taking over the lead entering the straight. Mahogany accelerated in deep stretch and won easily by 5 lengths in a time of 1:44.1. That performance is more than noteworthy for Horse of the Year honours to be considered.

SECOND – JORDON REIGN’S

One of the most improved horses during the 2022 racing season, Jordon Reign’s won five of his nine starts last season. In the Ian Levy Cup, he ran the race of life to finish second behind his more decorated stablemate Mahogany. Jordon Reign’s lost no marks in that defeat as he was simply outdone by a better horse on the day, and it was good to see he is capable enough to be competitive at the highest grade.

THIRD – EXCESSIVE FORCE

Much was expected from Excessive Force, especially after his sensational win in the Mouttet Mile on December 3, but the chestnut horse was obviously outpaced. Excessive Force was nowhere in the early part of the race but came running in the straight, especially in the final half-furlong, but his final rattle was ineffective in producing any impact on the outcome.

FOURTH – I’VE GOT MAGIC

Came into the Ian Levy Cup with an outside chance and ran a very good race in the end. I’ve Got Magic led the race for most of the way before he was caught by Mahogany in deep stretch. I’ve Got Magic kept up his work to the end, finishing in a tight grouping with Jordon Reign’s and stablemate Excessive Force.

FIFTH – PRINCE MARSHALL

Surprisingly got a share of the purse pie.

SIXTH – CALCULUS

Once again failed to deliver the goods — three races in a row. Calculus was expected to do much better, especially at these distances, but something must have gone wrong with the 2021 Jamaica St Leger and Derby winner.

SEVENTH – EL PROFESOR

Was out of his depth.

EIGHTH – MINIATURE MAN

Was only in the race to make up numbers.