The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at Caymanas Park this afternoon as trainer Rohan Crichton seeks to defend his title in the prestigious Mouttet Mile (Invitational).

Crichton, who claimed victory last year with Rough Entry, returns with two formidable contenders, Legacy Isle and Commandant, ready to take the racing world by storm.

As the stage is set for the third staging of the prestigious event, the atmosphere is expected to be electric. The stakes are higher than ever, with a staggering US$250,000 purse on the line – the largest in the English-speaking Caribbean. Those in attendance are expected to be filled with anticipation, sensing that they are about to witness something truly special.

As Legacy Isle and Commandant prepare to face off against the best of the best, Crichton exudes confidence. This is more than just a race – it’s a quest for greatness.

Legacy Isle and Commandant are among six international contenders that came down for the Mouttet Mile. The other foreign contenders vying for glory are Tiz Tok and
Barnaby, trained by Anthony Nunes; Pack Plays, trained by Ricardo Mathie; and
Sheer Delight, trained by Donovan Hutchinson. These foreign imports are toutedas top-notch and are expected to dominate the local-bred runners.

However, based on their impressive past performances and current form, Nunes’ dynamic duo, Tiz Tok and Barnaby, are the ones that look likely to be the main threats to Legacy Isle and Commandant for the coveted title.

The Mouttet Mile, positioned as the 11th and final event on the day, promises to be an unforgettable experience. With a post time of 4:40 pm, the crowd will be on the edge of their seats as the region’s top thoroughbreds battle it out for glory. First post is at 10:00 am.

Legacy Isle is a four-year-old bay colt bred by Shackleford – Queenamein. 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 MuchoMacho Man Stakes underscores his talent. Legacy Isle can make a winning local debut in this prestigious event. The visiting Emisael Jaramillo will do the riding honours.

Commandant, a four-year-old bay colt by Girvin – Alotofappeal, 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. Former four-time Jamaican and two-time overseas champion jockey Dane ‘Warrior Chief’ Nelson replaces US-based Paco Lopez aboard Commandant.

The change in ridership comes after US-based Paco Lopez was provisionally suspended by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) for striking a horse with a crop after a race at Parx racetrack on December 3, 2024. Lopez’s suspension prompted
Commandant’s connections to seek a new rider, and Nelson’s wealth of experience made him an ideal choice.

Nelson’s partnership with Commandant adds an exciting dimension to the already highly anticipated Mouttet Mile set for today. With his wealth of experience and proven track record, Nelson is expected to bring a high level of expertise to the saddle, potentially giving Commandant a significant edge in the competition.

Tiz Tok is a four-year-old bay colt by Tiznow – Weekend Prospect and he is 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. This year’s Jamaica Derby winning jockey Shane Ellis will be aboard.

Barnaby (Trapiture – Giants Diva) made a stunning local debut on November 17, annihilating Overnight Allowance company by 17 lengths over seven-and-a-half furlongs in 1:31.0. This impressive display signals a horse with immense talent. Improvement is expected from Barnaby which makes this three-year-old bay colt a dangerous contender. Omar Walker will ride.

Looking at the other runners in the line-up, the Gary Subratie pair of Desert of Malibu and Atomica are expected to play prominent roles, while Pack Plays and Jason DaCosta’s Funcaandun and Is That A Fact should not be left out of any calculations.

Will Crichton’s Legacy Isle and Commandant emerge victorious, or will Nunes’ dynamic duo, Tiz Tok and Barnaby, spoil the party? One thing is certain — the Mouttet Mile will be an electrifying display of speed, skill, and determination.

Ones to watch

Race 1) Propellant/Manoushe/Waterman John

Race 2) Princess Cataleya/Radam/Blood Moon

Race 3) Tigeramedat/Cosmic Force/Always Wright

Race 4) Whizz Kidd/Kem/Burning Valor

Race 5) Midnight Galaxy/Kaylyn Melody/J Spieth

Race 6) Rani Bangala/Taurus Boy/Green Gold Rush

Race 7) Run Julie Run/Grecian Light/Impressive Force

Race 8) Supremasi/Captain Sparrow/Mack and Rome

Race 9) RicoRicoRico/Rideallday/Fearless Mission

Race 10) Mojito/Atlantic Convoy/Perfect Brew

Race 11) Commandant/Legacy Isle/Tiz Tok