The highly decorated Mahogany is set to take on 11 competitors in the $1.25-million Easter Sprint Cup feature at Caymanas Park this afternoon, and many expect the Sensational – Mete-Orite offspring to deliver a dominant performance in the five and a half furlongs (1,100m) contest.

Despite turning eight, the Ian Parsard trainee still possesses the talent and speed to compete at the highest level. Competing in this Overnight Allowance event makes Mahogany what they call in racing a ‘Five-Star’ banker.

Mahogany’s outing on March 25 saw him finish second to Neo Star over seven and a half furlongs (1,500m) after a seven-month break. Mahogany clocked 1:33.1 to finish 2 ½ lengths behind Neo Star (1:32.4).

However, that could be seen as a pipe opener, as the shorter distance of the Easter Sprint Cup should play to Mahogany’s strengths.

The chestnut gelding has been working well in recent weeks, showcasing his speed and agility. On April 6, he clocked 1:10.3 for five and a half furlongs with five furlongs (1,000m) coming in 1:04.1, and on April 12, he galloped over five furlongs in 1:02.4.

With apprentice jockey Tajay Suckoo in the saddle, Mahogany is expected to deliver a strong performance. Suckoo’s weight assignment of 54.0 kgs (119 lb), taking 3.0kgs (7 lb) off Mahogany’s allotted 57.0kgs, should give an added advantage.

Given his talent, preparation, and if favourable conditions prevail, Mahogany is a strong favourite to win the Easter Sprint Cup. With his impressive track record and recent performances, it’s hard to bet against him delivering a winning result.

The three-year-old and upward contest is positioned as the ninth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 5:10 pm. First race is at 12:00 pm.

The real excitement in the race might not be about Mahogany destroying his rivals, but rather about the remaining placings. A thrilling contest is anticipated among Fearless Soul, Money Market, She’s That Girl, Unbelievable Force, Chocomo, and Bulletproofcoffee, as they are closely matched.

With these competitors on a similar level, the battle for second place is expected to be intense, making for a thrilling finish.

Ones to watch

Race 1) ZD Eye/Manaco/Nina Dorada

Race 2) Speed on Wheels/Dream to Realty/Hail The Queen

Race 3) Dark Matter/Roman Princess/Kencia

Race 4) Lion Charmer/Smart Asset/Loyal Action

Race 5) King Piye/Train of Thought/Shooting Star

Race 6) General Chief/Musketoon/Prince Dominick

Race 7) Teflon Don/Smart Trick/Immeasurable Joy

Race 8) KP Choice/Generational/Rejected Raja

Race 9) Mahogany/Unbelievable Force/Money Market

Race 10) Native Flyer/Riley J/Queen Latepha