The stage is set for what is expected to be an unforgettable Jamaica Day race programme on Sunday (November 16), with the fifth staging of the Jamaica Cup, a Graded Stakes contest for three-year-olds and upward over 9 ½ furlongs (1,900m), taking centre stage.

Twelve talented horses, including last year’s Mouttet Mile winner
Funcaandun, are vying for the $6-million purse. And with the Jamaica Cup being a ‘Win and You’re In’ event for the Mouttet Mile on December 6, the stakes are higher than ever.

The Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide has done the legwork, analysing each runner and their chances of taking home the coveted trophy.

1. CROWN CHASER: (4 b c by Bern Identity –Salty Talk) – Facing tough competition, Crown Chaser’s two-race winning streak is unlikely to continue. He’s been training well, but the field is deep.

2. CAPTAIN SPARROW: (4 b c by Savoy Stomp – Rackam’s Mistress) – Not expected to make much of an impact.

3. UNSPUN (USA): (3 dk b/br c by Spun to Run – U Needa Ride) – Last year’s champion two-year-old should do well, running with a visor on. He’s been steady this season and has the speed to trouble the leaders.

4. H TWO O (USA): (3 ch c by Diving Rod – Trendy Wendy) – Improving and talented, H Two O should put up a good fight. He’s worked well coming into the race and has the pedigree to make a statement.

5. RUN JULIE RUN (4 gr f by Successful Native – Runaway Julie) – Needs to step up, but could get into the money.

6. PROPELLANT (USA): (5 b h by Into Mischief – Quality Way) – Not a factor in this race. Propellant lacks the spark to challenge here.

7. FUNCAANDUN (USA): (4 b c by Klimt – Fiftyshadesoffun) – Current Horse of the Year who was a dismal sixth in the recent Gold Cup over 7 furlongs (1,400m). However, this bay colt’s got top credentials. He has two wins from five starts this season. Carrying top weight at 57.0kgs (126 lb), but don’t bet against him — he’s got the pedigree, form, and reputation. Working well coming in, and he’s no stranger to winning big races…he could win this thing for fun, really.

8. TIZ TOK (USA): (5 b h by Tiznow – Weekend Prospect) – Slowly but surely getting his act together, Tiz Tok could be the dark horse. He’s shown improvement in his recent runs and has the class and talent to challenge.

9. MOJITO: (5 gr h by Savoy Stomp – Fifthshadesofray) – Won going 9 furlongs and 25 yards in an impressive 1:55.2. Mojito is expected to make a bold bid here, looking to build on his recent success.

10. MAMMA MIA: (5 ch m by Soul Warrior – Princess Geeta) – She’s lacked consistency and isn’t expected to feature.

11. SHEER DELIGHT (USA): (4 dk b/br c by Girvin – Pantyhouse) – Not a contender. He’s been disappointing and lacks the firepower to challenge.

12. GIRVANO (USA): (3 b c by Girvin – Summer in Midway) – Has class and talent, expected to run well. He’s a dark horse, but his inexperience counts against him.

Mojito (Raddsh Roman) wins the Kenneth Mattis OD Memorial Trophy feature race at Caymanas Park in St Catherine on September 14, 2025. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

H Two O easily wins the Independence day Stakes Trophy on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)