After some fantastic spins in the mornings from Funcaandun, owner Carlton Watson stated that he expected nothing less than a stunning win from the three-year-old American-bred bay colt on his debut on Saturday, January 20, 2024.

Bred by
Klimt out of the
Empire Maker mare
Fiftyshadesoffun, Funcaandun didn’t disappoint as he swept all before him to easily win the $1.1-million Rimsky Trophy feature over 6 furlongs (1,200m) by 9 ¼ lengths on a common canter.

Funcaandun stopped the clock in the Restricted Allowance II contest for native-bred three-year-olds and upward (non-winners) and imported three-year-olds and upward (maidens) in a smooth time of 1:12.2 (23.1 x 47.0).

“We did expect a win from
Funcaandun here,” Watson told the
Jamaica Observer’s
The Supreme Racing Guide.

“I mean, he had been working well coming into the race. He went a minute three times over the five straight and 1:07.0 over five and a half furlongs last week, and so for a maiden runner, we expected him to get off the mark right away.

“We didn’t expect 1:12.2 from him but we will take it and look for improvement going forward. It was an awesome performance from
Funcaandun,” the champion owner further added.

Jockey Shamaree Muir pushed the Jason DaCosta-conditioned
Funcaandun into the early lead at the start of the race. While comfortable beneath a snug wrap,
Funcaandun expanded his advantage over
Amazing Force (Tevin Foster) and
K D Strong (Robert Halledeen) as they approached the half-mile (800m) turn.

Entering the drive for the final two furlongs of the race, and with no real threat approaching,
Funcaandun accelerated and powered home to easily win at the wire.
Amazing Force finished second, six lengths ahead of stablemate
Riches to Rags in third place.