Titans clash for Distinctly Irish Trophy
The stage is set for a heart-pounding, action-packed rematch in today’s running of the $1.75-million Distinctly Irish Trophy feature event when three horse racing titans — Atomica, Funcaandun, and Mamma Mia — prepare to face off in a thrilling battle for supremacy.
This electrifying Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest, open to three-year-olds and upward over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m), promises to be an unforgettable clash of speed, skill, and unrelenting determination.
The tension is palpable as these three racing powerhouses get ready to put everything on the line, each determined to emerge victorious in this highly anticipated showdown.
The last time the three clashed was in the thrilling She’s A Maneater Trophy over one mile (1,600m) on July 27, and what a showdown it was.
Funcaandun, the talented American-bred bay colt, left the competition in his dust, romping to a convincing 6½ length victory.Unable to match Funcaandun’s blistering pace, Mamma Mia and Atomica were left to fight for the respective second and third places.
The race is positioned as the fifth event on the nine-race card with a post time of 2:55 pm. First race is at 12:30 pm.
Funcaandun, this talented foreigner has been impressive on Jamaican soil, registering his fifth win from seven starts. He carried a mere 46.0kgs (101lb) when winning the She’s A Maneater Trophy, but even with a weight increase to 53.5kgs (118lb) for this race, Funcaandun’s improving form makes him a strong contender.
Atomica, the reigning two-time Horse of the Year is a class act but succumbed to weight allotment last time out, finishing third behind Funcaandun and Mamma Mia. However, with a more favourable weight distribution this time around, Atomica can turn the tables on her rivals. Her racing record reads 16 wins, two seconds, and one third from 23 starts with lifetime earnings of $26,024,350.
Mamma Mia ran a brave race to finish second behind Funcaandun last time out and many believe she may find her stablemate tough to beat again, especially with the distance increase. However, we have seen in the past when, if left alone to run her race, she is tough to beat.
Mamma Mia made one move to beat Funcaandun by a length and a half over seven furlongs (1,400m) on July 7.
Will Atomica’s lightning-fast speed and razor-sharp instincts prove unbeatable? Can Funcaandun’s impressive form and relentless drive carry him to the top spot? Or will Mamma Mia’s cunning strategy and fierce competitive spirit propel her to victory?
One thing is certain — only one can claim the Distinctly Irish Trophy and the $1.75-million prize that comes with it. The stage is set and the stakes are high for an exciting showdown.
The race is very much between the three horses mentioned as the remaining competitors Neo Star, Further and Beyond, and Fred The Great have absolutely no chance of winning. They are merely making up numbers.
Ones to watch:
Race 1)
Donalmighty/Lord of Ajahlon/Kay Boy
Race 2)
Muzzo/Potential/Blue Sky
Race 3)
Legal Bomb/Salud/Rhosa The Warrior
Race 4)
Emperorofthecats/Volatility/Power Ranking
Race 5)
Atomica/Funcaandun/Mamma Mia
Race 6)
Cherry Blossom/Blood Moon/Gelroy
Race 7)
Dancing With A Cat/Principal Tiffany/Amad Ali
Race 8)
Box Box/Nobalr/Eazy Peazy
Race 9)
Captain Fantastic/J Spieth/Firecracker