Six-year-old American-bred bay horse Rough Entry, in a performance that demonstrated class, talent, and superiority, won the second staging of the US$150,000 Mouttet Mile (invitational) on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Caymanas Park.

Rough Entry (Poseidon’s Warrior – Dixie Ocean), trained by Rohan Crichton and ridden by visiting jockey Julien Leparoux, sat behind the pace for the majority of the one-mile (1,600m) contest before surging to the front in deep stretch to win by 7 lengths. Rough Entry won in a time of 1:38.0 (23.0 x 45.0 x 1:10.0).

The Supreme Racing Guide of the Jamaica Observer analyses the outcome of the Mouttet Mile.

FIRST — ROUGH ENTRY (USA): What a run by this American-bred horse. Rough Entry, in his first start on local soil, easily defeated the best on offer and his performance was out of the ordinary. Rough Entry waited, and when he made his move with four furlongs to go, the acceleration displayed in deep stretch was spectacular, it was breathtaking, and it was a crowning moment. Rough Entry will continue his career in Jamaica and if he remains healthy, he will continue to deliver.

SECOND — ABILITY: This year’s Jamaica Derby winner, Ability raced prominently throughout the race, made his move in the straight but had no answer to the acceleration of the winner in deep stretch. This three-year-old has class and talent and is sure to have a bright future going into his fourth year.

THIRD — MAMMA MIA: Another three-year-old who is sure to develop into a noteworthy runner down the line. Mamma Mia, this year’s winner of the 1000 Guineas and Jamaica Oak, led the field with quick splits for most of the way before giving way in deep stretch. Her third-place finish here was enough proof that she is a fighter.

FOURTH — IS THAT A FACT (USA): Came into the Mouttet Mile with an outsider’s chance of winning. Is That A Fact once again showed his versatility which brought him a valuable share of the purse. Is That A Fact has had a good season which saw him winning four races from eight starts thus far and there is hope that he will carry on at four.

FIFTH — PERFECT BREW: Has continued to make his presence felt in the senior races this season. Perfect Brew was expected to deliver a good performance in this race and his best got him fifth place, finishing 11 ¼ lengths behind the winners. Has been making progress, and is one to watch.

SIXTH — MAHOGANY: Finished fourth in this race last year. Mahogany had a difficult path to the Mouttet Mile this season. He had to race three times in one month to qualify for the Mouttet Mile. This took a toll on Mahogany, which is probably the reason for such a poor effort.

SEVENTH — MONEY MISER: Did well to earn his place in this race. Although he was never a winning factor, Money Miser did well to go home earning.

EIGHTH — SHE’S MY DESTINY: Was expected to play a prominent role in the Mouttet Mile, especially after her Gold Cup victory back in October. She’s My Destiny was well-rested and well-prepared but the five-year-old bay mare never showed up. Yet, despite this poor run, she will be back, especially at the shorter distances.

NINTH — I AM FRED (USA): Ran as expected. I Am Fred was never expected to challenge for top honours, finishing 16 ¼ lengths behind the winner. His form has deteriorated significantly in the latter part of the season, and may need some time off before racing again.

TENTH — AMERICAN TAP (CAN): Was never a winning factor. American Tap‘s fourth-place finish in the St Elizabeth Distaff on November 11 over one mile was a clear indication that she is not comfortable going this long. It is now decision time for the connections as to whether American Tap will continue racing or be retired to the breeding shed.

ELEVENTH — DUKE: Was never a factor.

TWELFTH — MOJITO: This year’s 2000 Guineas winner never showed up for this one.

THIRTEENTH — RUNAWAY ALGO: Finished one place higher than he did last year in this race.

FOURTEENTH — EASY AS ABC (USA): Not in this league.

FIFTEENTH – ATOMICA: Jockey fell.

BLUE VINYL – Was declared a late non-starter.