TODAY the stage is set for an electrifying Jamaica Day race programme, culminating in the esteemed $6-million Jamaica Cup. Amidst a talented field of 11 runners Funcaandun, the Jason DaCosta-conditioned American-bred bay colt, stands out as the clear favourite.

Funcaandun’s impressive résumé of seven wins and two seconds from nine starts boasts three consecutive wins, including a dazzling victory in the Gold Cup on October 5. In that seven-furlong (1,400m) showdown Funcaandun showcased his remarkable resilience by coming from behind runners to win by three parts of a length ahead of stable companion Is That A Fact. The timer stopped at 1:26.0, a testament to his exceptional speed and endurance.

As Funcaandun prepares to face the starting gates, his connections exude confidence. His seven-furlong gallop on November 2 in 1:27.4 was outstanding as he is ready for a big performance here. Funcaandun’s class, talent, and unwavering will to win make him the one to beat. His ability to navigate various racing scenarios and emerge victorious has earned him a reputation as a formidable force in local racing.

It won’t be a clear-cut race for Funcaandun as he faces a formidable field of exceptional runners including Atomica, two-time Horse of the Year and two-time winner of the Jamaica Cup; Run Julie Run, the 1000 Guineas winner; and Intrestntimesahead, winner of the Jamaica St Leger.

The Graded Stakes contest for three-year-olds and upward over nine and a half furlongs (1,900m) is positioned as the 10th and final event on the day with a post time time of 5:10 pm, and the first post at 11:30 am.

Atomica seeks a historic third title here. She has raced six times this season, winning three times, finishing second twice, and third once. In her last two outings she was beaten by Funcaandun on both occasions. Despite those two defeats Atomica’s exceptional back class makes her a force to be reckoned with.

Run Julie Run was just beaten by Rainsville over one mile (1,600m) on October 19. However, this remarkable filly, who placed second in the Jamaica Derby, is well-suited for the distance and as such, poses a significant threat.

Intrestntimesahead finished in eighth position by 18 lengths behind winner and stablemate Funcaandun in the Gold Cup. Intrestntimesahead’s St Leger win over 10 furlongs (2,000m) is more than capable of having a say in this race. In a race of this nature where speed and endurance are going to play a significant factor,
Intrestntimesahead is a strong contender.

Also on tap is the $2.5-million Port Royal Sprint, which promises to be an electrifying contest as American-bred runners Pack Plays and Desert of Malibu face off in the Graded Stakes Open Allowance event for three-year-olds and upward over six furlongs (1,200m).

Pack Plays returns here for his second run on local soil after making an impressive debut on September 21. Going six and a half furlongs (1,300m), Pack Plays led from start to finish in a dominating 12½ lengths, stopping the clock in a blistering 1:17.3 (23.2 x 46.3 x 1:11.0). He has been training well for this race and could make it two in a row.

Desert of Malibu was scratched from the Gold Cup on October 5. Prior to that, she racked up three consecutive wins on the trot. Her latest victory was in the None Such Sprint over six furlongs during which she won in a time of 1:10.4. If she can reproduce that effort then she should be unsaddled in the winners’ enclosure after this race.

There is also the $1.5-million St Elizabeth Distaff, featuring 10 talented fillies and mares competing in the Overnight Allowance event over one mile (1,600m). Bootylicious is tipped to get the better of Gary Subratie’s pair of Digital One and Sistren Treasure.

Ones to watch

•Race 1)
Provident/Kaylyn Melody/King Piye

•Race 2)
Joblane/Papa Gray/Slam Dunk

•Race 3)
Burning Valor/Bernard De Quik/California Gold

•Race 4)
Ideal Winna/Hazelnut/Beautiful Sunset

•Race 5)
Taurus Boy/Burlap/Rani Bangala

•Race 6)
Lil’ Maggie/Havajoy/Rapida

•Race 7)
Pack Plays/Desert of Malibu/Is That A Fact

•Race 8)
Bootylicious/Digital One/Power From Above

•Race 9)
She’s That Girl/Allegiance/Ms Cherry

•Race 10)
Funcaandun/Intrestntimesahead/Atomica