TRAINER Rohan Crichton sighed with relief as his charge Commandant bounced back from a disappointing run in the recent Ian Levy Cup to deliver an emphatic victory in the $1.4-million Seeking My Dream Trophy at Caymanas Park on May 17, 2025.

Installed as the even money favourite in the Ian Levy Cup on April 5 over 8½ furlongs (1,700m), Commandant failed to finish the race, which raised many concerns.

“Being worried that the horse was injured, we’re relieved it was just the impact of the gate and he got over that quickly. In the weeks after that race he trained exceptionally well. I thought today was just a manifestation of how well he was working and, obviously, his class,” Crichton said.

Commandant, ridden by Raddesh Roman, retuned and dominated the Seeking My Dream, an Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward, finishing 2½ lengths ahead of Atomica (Dane Dawkins), with Tiz Tok (Shane Ellis) claiming third. The winner completed the 7½-furlong (1,500m) event in 1:31.4 (23.2 x 46.0 x 1:13.3 x 1:24.4), showcasing his impressive speed and endurance.

Crichton praised Roman’s expertise.

“With the champion rider aboard there’s not much in the form of instructions. Raddesh said that he drew inside and so he wanted to be as forward as possible — and all I did was agree with him,” Crichton said.

The win sets Commandant up nicely for his next challenge, the Eros Trophy.

“Well, I was talking to Raddesh and I think we’re looking at the Eros Trophy in a couple of weeks. We missed on the Mouttet Mile qualification with the Ian Levy Cup and so we kind of want to add up dollars instead of the win and you’re in,” Crichton explained.

Despite the muddy track conditions Commandant’s class shone through, and Crichton is optimistic about his prospects in the upcoming race.

“This was a really tough field, and obviously there would have been a concern because the pace was a bit quick, the track condition was obviously being muddy, and I know Commandant hasn’t run on a muddy track in a long time. But, his class showed,” he said.

Commandant broke well and settled seamlessly into second position behind Desert of Malibu, ridden by Omar Walker, as they approached the 7-furlong (1,400m) mark. But it was only a matter of time before Commandant asserted his dominance. Surging forward at the 6-furlong (1,200m) pole, he took the lead and never relinquished it.

Despite Desert of Malibu’s persistent challenge, Commandant remained in control, responding effortlessly to Roman’s urging as they approached the final stretch. With a commanding stride Commandant cruised home, never looking back, to secure a convincing win.

“It was a very competitive race but, as you can see, I made it look easy. I just tried to get a clean break and get a good position as I knew that my horse had the ability — and he delivered. The trainer told me that I knew the horse more than him and so I must go out there and do what I have to do,” Roman said.