IN a shocking turn of events, Desert of Malibu, the highly-favoured American-bred chestnut mare, has been forced out of this afternoon’s 51st running of the $2.5-million Philip Feanny Gold Cup.

The five-year-old sensation was said to have suffered a scorpion’s bite, rendering her unable to compete in the prestigious Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest over seven furlongs (1,400m).

The withdrawal of Desert of Malibu opens the door for rivals Funcaandun and Is That A Fact, the two main contenders left in the contest.

With eight wins from 10 starts Desert of Malibu was seeking her fourth-consecutive victory and fifth overall from six starts this season. Her impressive résumé had racing fans eagerly anticipating her performance in the Gold Cup.

The Gold Cup, the crown jewel of local handicap events for three-year-olds and upward, is positioned as the ninth and final race on the card with a post time of 5:20 pm. First post is at high noon.

Trainer Jason DaCosta’s powerhouse pair, Funcaandun and Is That A Fact, is now poised to shake up the Gold Cup, potentially turning the contest into a two-horse race. Both American-bred runners boast impressive credentials, perfectly aligning with the race’s conditions.

With a strong track record, Funcaandun is primed to exploit any weaknesses in the favourite’s armour. This talented contender’s impressive speed and agility make him a compelling threat. Funcaandun won the Distinctly Irish Trophy (nine furlongs and 25 yards, or 1,820m) on August 24 by two lengths, showcasing impressive speed and endurance; he returns well trained and poised for victory. Robert Halledeen will ride.

Is That A Fact flies under the radar but boasts a stealthy combination of power and endurance. No one should underestimate this DaCosta-trained runner’s ability to pull off a victory, especially in
Desert of Malibu’s absence.

Is That A Fact will appreciate the middle distance pace and is capable of putting these runners away. His workout of 1:12.3 for six furlongs on Sunday, September 29 is a clear indication that Is That A Fact is coming for top honours here. Tevin Foster has the leg up on Is That A Fact.

The race for 2024 jockeys’ championship honours has reached boiling point, with Foster and Roman tied at 99 wins. The two jockeys have been locked in an intense battle for nine months, and the tension is palpable.

The stage is set for a thrilling battle as both Foster and Roman have secured eight each on the nine-race card, setting the scene for a nail-biting showdown.

Now, with the 100-win milestone for the season within reach the pressure is mounting and every ride counts.

Will Foster’s lightning-fast reflexes prove decisive or will Roman’s strategic genius reign supreme? The racing world waits with bated breath as these two exceptional jockeys clash in the ultimate championship showdown.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Buzz Assault/Sensational Satin/Heart of a Lion

Race 2) Premier Identity/Power of Faith/Sheboom

Race 3) Sweet Victory/Uncaptured Empress/Cosmic Force

Race 4) Joblane/Workout Cru/Waterman John

Race 5) Cookie Day N Night/Mr Senator/Huntsman

Race 6) Irish Wish/Tiffany Blu/Radam

Race 7) Run Julie Run/Comehometome/Impressive Force

Race 8) Supremasi/Fearless Force/Immeasurable Joy

Race 9) Funcaandun/Is That A Fact/ Wall Street Trader