She’s My Destiny, in her finest performance to date, swept all before her to win the 49th staging of the Philip Feanny OD Gold Cup on Monday, October 16, 2023.

She’s My Destiny came from behind to beat competitors by a length and a half in the Open Allowance/Graded Stakes contest for three-year-olds and upwards horses over seven furlongs (1,400m). It was the five-year-old chestnut filly’s fourth-consecutive win from nine starts this season, and she came home in a time of 1:25.0 (23.1 x 46.0 x 1:10.4).

THE RACE

She’s My Destiny, ridden by Ramon Nepare and trained by Jason DaCosta, started the race in a close second to Rojorn Di Pilot (Oneil Mullings).

She’s My Destiny was then slowed by Nepare, allowing Mahogany (Robert Halledeen) and I’ve Got Magic (Paul Francis) to pursue the front-runner down the backstretch. Mahogany took control and started to open up on opponents as She’s My Destiny began to make her move while navigating the half-mile (800m).

Uncommon for She’s My Destiny, a normal front-runner, started to gather momentum at the furlong and a half point in the stretch. Nepare produced his mount and the Bern Identity – Woman Is Boss progeny exploded to power home to her golden victory

The Jamaica Observer‘s The Supreme Racing Guide analyses the outcome of the Philip Feanny Gold Cup.

FIRST — SHE’S MY DESTINY: What a run by this five-year-old chestnut mare. It was simply outstanding and probably the biggest win in her career. It was also the defining moment of a sturdy and consistent performer. In almost of her races, She’s My Destiny tends to go on the lead, but on Monday, the Jason DaCosta trainee sat off the pace and came with her run towards the backend of the race. The acceleration displayed by She’s My Destiny was spectacular, it was breathtaking, and the crowning moment.

SECOND — MAHOGANY: Once again he showed his versatility when he almost slipped the field during the half-mile (800m) turn. Mahogany sat just behind the pace and left rivals in his wake as the distance approached, but he didn’t have enough in the tank to last home. Nothing can be taken from Mahogany here as he ran his heart coming off a long break and was simply beaten by the better horse on the day. Mahogany will be back.

THIRD — ABILITY: An enterprising run by the Jamaica Derby winner who was competing at the level for the very first time. Ability was outpaced into last place at the start of the race but he came on strong in the final stages of the race. Good run, which displayed his ability to handle this top grouping.

FOURTH — PERFECT BREW: Was not a factor in the Gold Cup. Perfect Brew came into the race with an outside chance of winning but failed to ignite any spark. However, has shown he has talent and is not to be taken lightly in the future.

FIFTH — ROJORN DI PILOT: Did his running from early on in the race and that was that. He was clearly in this race to do a job for his stablemate, Mahogany.

SIXTH — I AM FRED: Was never a winning factor. Much was expected from I Am Fred here but the American-bred runner didn’t show up.

SEVENTH — I’VE GOT MAGIC: Was simply not at his best.