The spotlight shines brightly on the Thunderbird Trophy, an Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and up, as it takes centre stage at Caymanas Park tomorrow. Eight talented competitors will clash over 7 furlongs (1,400m), vying for a lucrative $1.4-million purse.

Get ready for an in-depth analysis from the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide, as we take a closer look at each runner’s prospects and chances of claiming the coveted trophy.

1. SUPERNATURAL POWER (USA): (3 g f by Cross Traffic – Urquia) — Supernatural Power has been on a roll, with four wins and two seconds from six career starts. Her latest victory was a 2 ½-length romp over 5 furlongs (1,000m) round on August 2, showcasing her speed and class. With her current form and no issues with the distance, she’s a top contender for the Thunderbird Trophy. Her ability to adapt to different racing conditions and opponents makes her a strong favourite.

2. MAHOGANY : (8 ch g by Sensational Slam – Mete-Orite) — At eight years old, Mahogany’s still packing a punch, with one win from five starts this season. His experience and maturity could be an advantage, but he’ll need to bring his A-game to compete with the younger, fresher horses.
Mahogany’s consistency and ability to run well over this distance make him a dark horse in the competition.

3.MAMMA MIA: (5 ch m by Soul Warrior – Princess Geeta) — Unfortunately, Mamma Mia’s expected to struggle and finish towards the back of the pack.

4.RHYTHM BUZZ: (5 b h by Buzz Nightmare – River Rhythm) — Rhythm Buzz is capable, but the competition’s too strong. He’s unlikely to win, but he might put up a good fight and finish in the mid-field. Rhythm Buzz’s best chance lies in the other horses having an off day, which could allow him to capitalise and sneak into the placings.

5.GIRVANO (USA): (3 b c by Girvin – Summer in Midway) — Girvano’s been making waves with his recent 3 ½-length win over 9 furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m), beating stablemate and Horse of the Year Funcaandun. However, he’ll need to bring his A-game with a 25-pound weight increase. If he can handle the extra weight,
Girvano’s speed and agility could make him a formidable opponent. His performance will depend on how well he adapts to the added weight and maintains his form.

6.FEARLESS SOUL : (5 ch h by Soul Warrior – Rumble) — Fearless Soul’s not in the mix for the win. He’s got an uphill battle ahead, and his recent form hasn’t been impressive. Unless he has a dramatic turnaround, Fearless Soul’s unlikely to feature in the final standings.

7.TIZ TOK (USA): (5 b h by Tiznow – Weekend Prospect) — Tiz Tok’s had some inconsistency, but his Eros Trophy win over this distance was impressive. He’s definitely got a shot at the win if he can replicate that performance. Tiz Tok’s ability to run well over this distance and his pedigree make him a strong contender, but he’ll need to show consistency and peak form to take the trophy.

8.IS THAT A FACT (USA): (5 b h by Palace Malice – Valid Code) — Is That A Fact’s recent second-place finish in the None Such Sprint behind Legacy Isle was promising. He’s comfortable over this distance and should put up a good effort. With some luck in the running, Is That A Fact could sneak into the top three and potentially challenge for the win if the pace suits him.

Each horse has its strengths and weaknesses, and the outcome will depend on how they perform on the day. The competition looks intense, with Supernatural Power, Girvano, Tiz Tok, and Is That A Fact being the top contenders.