Tomorrow Caymanas Park will be buzzing with anticipation as 16 top-class horses, including six international powerhouses, gear up for the highly anticipated third running of the lucrative Mouttet Mile (Invitational).

This prestigious event boasts a staggering US$250,000 purse, the largest in the English-speaking Caribbean, promising an electrifying display of speed, skill, and determination.

Among the foreign contenders vying for glory are Tiz Tok and Barnaby, trained by Anthony Nunes; Pack Plays, trained by Ricardo Mathie; Legacy Isle and Commandant, trained by Rohan Crichton; and Sheer Delight, trained by Donovan Hutchinson. These foreign imports are touted as top-notch and are expected to dominate the local-bred runners.

Based on their impressive past performances and current form, Anthony Nunes’ dynamic duo, Tiz Tok and Barnaby, and Rohan Crichton’s formidable pair, Legacy Isle and Commandant, appear to be the top contenders for the coveted title.

In this special edition of the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide, the team takes an in-depth look at each runner, analysing their strengths, weaknesses, and chances of emerging victorious in the coveted Mouttet Mile (Invitational).

1. TIZ TOK (USA): (4 b c by Tiznow – Weekend Prospect) – A top contender for this prestigious event.Tiz Tok boasts four wins from 18 starts, including a victory on June 23 at Los Alamitos Race Course over one mile in 1:37.0. Reports indicate he’s in top condition and ready to make his local debut. Note: Tongue-tie on. ODDS: 2-1.

2. FURTHER AND BEYOND: (6 ch h by Blue Pepsi Lodge – Rumble) – A gallant effort to earn a spot in this field, but Further and Beyond is likely to struggle against the stiff competition. ODDS: 95-1.

3. BANADURA: (3 b f by Casual Trick – Esperanza) – The Jamaica Oaks winner has shown promise, but faces a daunting task against the seasoned campaigners in this field. ODDS: 99-1.

4. DESERT OF MALIBU (USA): (5 ch m by Malibu Moon – Lady Digger) – A highly talented foreigner riding a four-race winning streak. Desert of Malibu’s impressive resume includes a 3 ½-length victory in the Port Royal Sprint on November 9 in a swift 1:12.3. Although primarily running in sprint races, she has won over this distance before when beating rivals in the St Elizabeth Distaff by 5 lengths in 1:38.2 on November 11, 2023. ODDS: 6-1.

5. INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD: (3 b c by Bold Conquest – My Friend Lucy) – The Jamaica St Leger winner has failed to replicate that form since, making him an unlikely contender in this high-stakes event. ODDS: 50-1.

6. BARNABY (USA): (3 b c by Trapiture – Giants Diva) – Made a stunning local debut on November 17, annihilating Overnight Allowance company by 17 lengths over 7 ½ furlongs in 1:31.0. This impressive display signals a horse with immense talent. ODDS: 3-1.

7. PACK PLAYS (USA): (3 dk b/br c by Stay Thirsty – Standard Deal) – Created a buzz with his 6 ½-furlong debut win on September 21, clocking 1:17.3. Although his Port Royal Sprint bid was marred by his rider losing the irons,
Pack Plays is expected to make a bold statement here. ODDS: 10-1.

8. FUNCAANDUN (USA): (3 b c by Klimt – Fifityshadesoffun) – Claimed the Gold Cup over 7 furlongs on October 5 and followed up with a third-place finish in the Jamaica Cup. Given his class and talent, Funcaandun is a top-four contender. ODDS: 12-1.

9. ATOMICA: (5 ch m by Nuclear Wayne – Honkeytonville) – A two-time Horse of the Year who won three consecutive Jamaica Cup wins. Although Atomica has twice attempted the Mouttet Mile, she’s yet to make an impact. She faces her toughest challenge yet and is unlikely to triumph. ODDS: 8-1.

10. LEGACY ISLE (USA): (4 b c by Shackleford – Queenamein) – A strong contender likely to start as the favourite. Legacy Isle boasts three wins from 13 starts, including a victory on July 20 at Gulfstream Park over one mile in 1:37.1. His second-place finish in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes underscores his talent. Legacy Isle can make a winning local debut in this prestigious event. Note: Blinkers on, tongue-tie on.
ODDS: 1-1.

11. COMMANDANT (USA): (4 b c by Girvin – Alotofappeal) – A formidable contender with a strong chance of winning the Mouttet Mile. Commandant boasts five wins from 18 starts, including a victory on July 7 at Gulfstream Park over one mile and 70 yards in 1:40.0.Commandant’s pace and stamina make him a force to be reckoned with. Note: Visor on; tongue-tie on. ODDS: 6-5.

12. RHYTHM BUZZ: (4 b by Buzz Nightmare – River Rhythm) – Expected to contend for minor shares, but unlikely to threaten the top contenders. ODDS: 85-1.

13. SISTREN TREASURE (USA): (4 b f by Brethren – Katira) – Faces a daunting task and has little chance of winning. ODDS: 99-1.

14. WALL STREET TRADER (USA): (5 dk b/br g by Vancouver – Selva) – Finished a respectable second behind Desert of Malibu in the Port Royal Sprint, but is unlikely to pose a threat here. ODDS: 30-1.

15. IS THAT A FACT (USA): (4 b c by Palace Malice – Valid Code) – A talented foreigner with notable performances in the Gold Cup and Port Royal Sprint. Is That A Fact is expected to appreciate the more relaxed pace and could do well. ODDS: 20-1.

16. SHEER DELIGHT (USA): (3 dk b c by Girvin – Pantyhose) – A recent winner, but not expected to replicate that success here. ODDS: 40-1.