The wait is finally over for fans of champion thoroughbred Mojito. After an 11-month recuperation period, the talented four-year-old grey colt makes his eagerly awaited return to competitive racing in this afternoon’s $1.25-million Kaz HoShay Trophy at Caymanas Park.

Trainer Richard Azan has carefully nurtured Mojito back to health, and all signs point to a triumphant comeback. Mojito’s last outing was on December 2, 2023, in the Mouttet Mile, where he finished 12th behind Rough Entry.

Mojito announced his arrival on the racing scene with a thrilling victory in the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes. On December 27, he dominated the one-mile (1,600m) contest, securing his second consecutive win and cementing his status as champion two-year-old.

The Savoy Stomp offspring carried his momentum into 2023, rattling off three consecutive wins in prestigious events — Prince Consort Stakes (seven furlongs/1,400m), The Kingston (seven and a half furlongs/1,500m), and 2000 Guineas Classic (one mile).

Although Mojito faltered in the 10-furlong (2,000m) St Leger, finishing eighth, and later regressed to fourth in the Jamaica Derby, Azan’s expert care has revitalised the colt.

Mojito’s recuperation period has been marked by intense training and careful management. Azan’s stable has provided the perfect environment for Mojito’s recovery, ensuring he’s ready to reclaim his spot at the top.

Mojito’s recent workouts demonstrate his readiness. On October 20 he galloped seven furlongs in 1:28.4, with the last six furlongs in 1:15.1. Then four days later on October 24 he blasted five furlongs (1,000m) straight in 1:00.0 from the starting gates.

Dane Dawkins is to ride Mojito, who will be running without the blinkers.

The Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward is positioned as the ninth event on the 11-race card with a post time of 3:55 pm. The first race is at 11:00 am.

While Mojito’s return to racing dominates the spotlight, seven other talented thoroughbreds are poised to make their mark in the Kaz HoShay Trophy. Three notable contenders, Freedom Street and Joy Is Golden from the Patrick Lynch stables and the Paul Hylton-trained Oasis Jak, will challenge Mojito’s dominance.

Freedom Street is an enigmatic runner with inconsistent form; however, his ability to contend cannot be underestimated. Well suited to the six-furlong distance, Freedom Street can significantly impact the outcome. Shane Richardson takes the reins.

Joy Is Golden boasts consistency and a strong track record. Her narrow neck defeat to Press Conference over five furlongs straight on October 20 demonstrates her capabilities. Effective on both the straight course and riding the bend, Joy Is Golden is a formidable opponent. Samantha Fletcher retains the ride.

Paul Hylton’s Oasis Jak impressed with a 3 ¼-length victory over six and a half furlongs (1,300m) on October 26. The foreign-bred runner will appreciate the shorter distance and poses a significant threat. Raddesh Roman will ride.

These three contenders join Mojito in what promises to be an electrifying Kaz HoShay Trophy.

Meanwhile, the 11-race card features the $2-million Hover Craft Trophy, a prestigious Restricted Allowance I event for native-bred and imported two-year-olds over six furlongs (1,200m).

The contest, Race 2 in the BGLC/TOBA Millionaire Series, promises thrilling action, as six talented juveniles clash.

Miss MoneyPenny, trained by Jason DaCosta is tipped to win the race. She is the only two-year-old so far to win two races. She is the leading juvenile so far and should continue her winning ways, making three from three.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Galway Bay/Beautiful Bran/Last Hoorah

Race 2) Fearless Soul/Francis/Indestructible

Race 3) Impressive Force/Sheer Delight/Supremasi

Race 4) Miss MoneyPenny/Lovisa/Unspun

Race 5) Here Comes Doc/MPRS Links/Blinkin Light

Race 6) Donalmighty/Queen Zan/Lack Lick

Race 7) Legit Boss/Acknowledgeme/Smartasset

Race 8) Princess Talise/Bad Investment/Simba The Lion

Race 9) Mojito/Oasis Jak/Joy Is Golden

Race 10) Digital Light/Golden Syrup/Cosmic Force

Race 11) Happy Force/Chinita Estrella/Blood Moon