Reigning Horse of the Year Funcaandun is poised to make a highly anticipated seasonal debut in the 2025 $4-million Ian Levy Cup, facing off against a formidable field of seven other talented horses including Barnaby, Tiz Tok, Commandant, and Atomica, in the 8-½ furlong (1,700m) race at Caymanas Park this afternoon.

The Graded Stakes contest for three-year-olds and upward promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the horses having varying degrees of success since their last meeting in the 2024 prestigious Mouttet Mile on December 7.

Funcaandun’s impressive victory in the Mouttet Mile, during which he edged out Legacy Isle by a neck, will undoubtedly make him a favourite among punters. However, the layoff since his last start may have given his rivals an opportunity to close the gap.

Barnaby, Tiz Tok, Commandant, and Atomica have all had recent starts, with mixed results. Barnaby has won once and finished second once in his two starts, while Tiz Tok has won his only outing this season. Commandant has been impressive, winning both of his starts, and Atomica, although winless in two starts, cannot be discounted.

This year’s Ian Levy Cup has taken on added importance, as the winner will earn automatic entry into the Mouttet Mile. The 2025 Mouttet Mile, scheduled for December, is set to carry a purse of US$300,000. As a consequence, the Ian Levy Cup promises to be a closely contested affair, with the anticipation of noses separating the runners at the wire.

Will Funcaandun’s class and experience be enough to see him through, or will one of his rivals capitalise on his layoff and take the coveted title? That question will be answered after the running of the ninth event on the 10-race card. The post time is 5:20 pm, while the first race is at 12:00 pm.

Funcaandun pulled off an impressive upset win in last December’s Mouttet Mile, showcasing his exceptional talent to cover the distance in 1:38.4. Notably, facing the same talented field in the Ian Levy Cup, Funcaandun is expected to draw upon previous success.

Barnaby, a talented colt, impressed with a three-length win in the Chairman’s Trophy over seven and a half furlongs (1,500m) on February 22 in a time of 1:31.2. He’s expected to perform well in the Ian Levy Cup, especially with the added distance.

Tiz Tok dominated the Lloyd Lindbergh “Lindy” Delapenha Memorial Trophy, winning by 6 ¼ lengths in a time of 1:39.0 over one mile on February 23. Tiz Tok’s impressive performance has made him a force to be reckoned with in the Ian Levy Cup.

With two consecutive wins under his belt, Commandant is another force to be reckoned with here. If he can replicate his last performance, where he won by 5¼ lengths in 1:24.2 over seven furlongs in the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Trophy on March 15, he’s a top contender for the win.

A former two-time Horse of the Year, Atomica’s decline in ability has made it difficult for her to compete at the same level as the top contenders but this mare has class and talent and can strike at anytime.

The remaining runners in the line-up are Run Julie Run, Power From Above, and Further and Beyond.

— Ruddy Allen

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Zulu Warrior/Train of Thoughts/Playfair

Race 2) Sensational Move/Milos/Sugar Daddy

Race 3) I Am Interested/Money Must/Sicario Man

Race 4) Another One/Miss Marbella/Enthusiasm

Race 5) Galway Bay/Bigmanbiden/Schlesinger

Race 6) I’m Outstanding/Pretty Sassy/Alive

Race 7) Supernatural Power/American Aviator/RicoRicoRico

Race 8) Final Load/Flybluejet/Here Comes Doc

Race 9) Funcaandun/Commandant/Tiz Tok

Race 10) Tigray Express/Colorado Ranger/Storm