WHEN Jamaica’s racing elite converge this afternoon for the Philip Feanny Gold Cup, the very essence of Caymanas Park will surely be transformed — stakes sharpened, hearts racing, and whispers of history swirling like the regional trade winds.

Honouring the legendary trainer Philip Feanny whose mastery wrought champions like echoes of triumph, this Gold Cup isn’t merely a race — it’s a crucible where speed meets legacy, and foreign firepower clashes with local grit.

Truly, the Gold Cup stands as Jamaica’s crown jewel of local handicap events — a prestigious race that dazzles with its showcase of three-year-olds and upward, all clashing over seven furlongs (1,400m).

Carrying a whopping $2.5-million purse as a Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest, the Gold Cup wields a coveted prize: It’s a ‘Win and You’re In’ ticket to December’s ultra-prestigious Mouttet Mile.

Among the galaxy of talent poised to storm the track this afternoon are Supernatural Power, Desert of Malibu, Funcaandun, Legacy Isle, and Rideallday — horses whose form, pedigree, and grit put them squarely in the Gold Cup winner conversation.

Supernatural Power, with superstar jockey Dick Cardenas aboard, looks primed; Funcaandun, last year’s Mouttet Mile winner, tops the weights at 57.0kgs (126lb) and with the skill to match; Legacy Isle, runner-up in that same Mouttet Mile, brings speed firepower; Desert of Malibu, a gifted mare but has had form fluctuations; and Rideallday, relentless in pursuit of glory. Each horse represents a pathway to triumph, ensuring the race ignites passions like few others can.

Supernatural Power packed some serious supernatural vibes — and in a good way. This filly has blown away local competition, bagging five wins from seven starts with three straight wins heading into this showdown. Her latest win was slick — clocking 1:25.0 for seven furlongs on Septembr 13. Carrying 50.0kgs (110 lb) here makes her a bona fide threat. Interestingly, she’s running with the visor off this time, and she conquered all her five wins with the visor on so maybe that’s a plus, pointing to her connections’ confidence.

Desert of Malibu has got talent written all over her. She was scratched from her last start on September 6 so she’s got some freshness coming into this one. She has trained lightly since then but don’t count her out as she’s primed for a serious push here. She will be toting 56.0kgs (123 lb) but the weight shouldn’t faze her much, given her breeding and capabilities. Malibu Moon has got a reputation for siring talented runners so watch Desert of Malibu as she could sneak in a big run and cause some upset.

Funcaandun is the Horse of the Year so this bay colt’s got top credentials. He won this very Gold Cup last year in addition to nabbing the prestigious Mouttet Mile as well. He has two wins from four starts this season.

Funcaandun has got the pedigree, form, and reputation. He has been working well coming in, and he’s no stranger to winning big races. He could win this thing for fun, really.

Legacy Isle has been impressive on local soil. This horse has got looks, speed, pace, and class and has done well locally, winning four of seven starts. Legacy Isle will carry 56.0kgs (123 lb) but that should not cause him problems — he’s got what it takes. Expect Legacy Isle to be among the leaders; he’s a strong one to beat in this Gold Cup.

Rideallday is unbeaten this season, winning all of his five races, and he has done so impressively. He faces his toughest test yet in the Gold Cup but talent says he could pull off something special here. He’s got the ability and might just brazen his way into serious contention. Watch him. He could make some noise, especially with 51.0kgs (112 lb) to carry.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Global Machine/Sheer De Jour/Gelroy

Race 2) Lion of Ekati/Splendid Vision/Nala’s Bushman

Race3) Crown Chaser/Wicked Cassie/Princee Cataleya

Race 4) Sudden Flight/Absolute Blue/Raw Liquid

Race 5) Talona/Magical Mood/Bigatti

Race 6) I’m Outstanding/Prince Roy/Cut Out

Race 7) H Two O/American Aviator/Mark My Identity

Race 8) Rush Of Class/Big LA/Slam Sharpe

Race 9) Legacy Isle/Funcaandun/Supernatural Power

Funcaandun (Robert Halledeen) gallops to victory in the Mark My Word Trophy at Caymanas Park in St Catherine on June 15, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)