This afternoon’s Thunderbird Trophy feature race is shaping up to be an electrifying spectacle, with 2023 Jamaica Derby winner Ability, Jamaica St Leger winner Thalita, and former Horse of the Year Further and Beyond set to lock horns.

Ability, owned and trained by Fitzgerald Richards, has been a model of consistency this season, boasting three wins, one second place and one third place in six starts. His last outing on July 7 saw him finish sixth by 11 lengths behind Mamma Mia and Funcaandun over 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m). Despite this, Ability has been working well and is expected to run accordingly.

The Donovan Hutchinson-conditioned Further and Beyond has performed decently in recent races. Last time out, he finished third, 12 lengths behind Funcaandun and Atomica, on August 24 over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m). Further and Beyond should perform well, especially with the addition of a visor and removal of his tongue-tie.

Thalita also has been consistent, having won once and finished third two times from three starts this season. The Jason DaCosta trainee finished third, 16 lengths behind Mahogany and Easy As ABC, over seven furlongs on August 10. Despite this, she has been working exceptionally well and could lead home rival contenders.

Veteran jockey Roderick DaCosta will be aboard Ability with 54.5kgs (120 lb); champion jockey Reyan Lewis remains in the saddle aboard Further and Beyond toting top weight of 57.0kgs (126 lb); and Jordan Barrett gets the leg up on Thalita at 49.5 kgs (109 lb).

This $1.4-million Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over seven furlongs (1,400m) is certainly enticing, and with these three champions vying for the top spot, we can expect a thrilling race.

The contest is positioned as the eighth event on the nine-race card with a post time of 4:40 pm. First race is at 12:00 pm.

The rest of the runners in the seven-horse field are Fearless Soul, Atlantic Convoy, Major Danger, and Sensational Move.

Fearless Soul faces significant competition in this contest and appears unlikely to contend. His chances of winning are slim.

Atlantic Convoy won the Arthur Jones Trophy on August 17, defeating Sensational Move by 3 ¾ lengths over 6 furlongs (1,200m) in a time of 1:13.4. He should earn for his connections here.

Major Danger won his last start, beating Laban and Atlantic Convoy by three-quarters of a length over 7 ½ furlongs on August 6. However, he faces tougher opposition this time and may struggle to repeat.

Sensational Move won last time out but is unlikely to repeat against stronger rivals

Ones to watch

Race 1)
Brown Skin Girl/Mr Senator/Wow Wow

Race 2)
Goodbye Firefly/Unbelievable Force/Fire Cracker

Race 3)
Six Avenue/Silent Cat/Heezalion

Race 4)
Powerofherhighness/Money Box/Waterman John

Race 5)
Zuu Warrior/Pope’s Lady/Smart Trick

Race 6)
Aplomb/La Vida/Chinita Estrella

Race 7)
Pack Plays/Perfect Brew/Money Monster

Race 8)
Thalita/Ability/Further and Beyond

Race 9)
She’s Myhedgefund/Uncaptured Empress/James