IT’S shaping up to be a big day for owner Carlton Watson, trainer Jason DaCosta, and jockey Robert Halledeen as they go for a strong double with foreigners Funcaandun
and Dothraki in the $6-million Jamaica Cup and the $2.5-million Port Royal Sprint races, respectively, on today’s Jamaica Cup race day.

They are looking strong in two out of the three major trophy events on the 10-race card, and if everything goes according to plan it’ll be a winning day for the trio.

Funcaandun is set to take on 11 rivals over nine and a half furlongs (1,900m) while Dothraki is looking to shine against eight competitors over six furlongs (1,200m). Both races are ‘Win and You’re In’ contests, with a guaranteed spot in next month’s Mouttet Mile on the line. Funccandun won last year’s staging of the Moutte Mile.

The Jamaica Cup is positioned as the 10th and final race with a post time of 5:00 pm, while the Port Royal Sprint is the race before with a post time of 4:20 pm.

Funcaandun, current Horse of the Year, was a dismal sixth in the recent Gold Cup over seven furlongs (1,400m). However, this bay colt’s got top credentials as 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, he’s also no stranger to winning big races.

Funcaandun looks the firm choice but one has to respect the competition. Tiz Tok and Mojito are always dangerous, and H Two O is coming in strong. H Two O has been working well and has the pedigree to make a statement.

Tiz Tok is slowly but surely getting his act together, has shown improvement in his recent runs, and has the class and talent to challenge.

Mojito won going nine furlongs and 25 yards in an impressive 1:55.2 and is expected to make a bold bid here, looking to build on his recent success.

Four-year-old American-bred bay colt Dothraki is set to make his second start on local soil following an impressive debut win over five and a half furlongs (1,100m) in 1:05.4. With continued improvement and excellent training Dothraki is expected to continue on the winning path and is the top pick for the Port Royal Sprint.

However, strong competition is expected to come from Rideallday and Desert of Malibu.

One of the most talked-about horses in training, Rideallday is looking to return to winning ways after his five-race winning streak was halted by Legacy Isle in the Gold Cup. The colt is comfortable at this distance and has the pedigree to succeed, making him a top contender.

Meanwhile, Desert of Malibu showed nothing in the Gold Cup but has worked well coming into this event, suggesting she could desert a rival or two and run an improved race.

Trainer Anthony “Baba” Nunes is looking strong in the $1.5-million St Elizabeth Distaff, with Fearless Force and Linguist, the top two runners, giving him a great chance to win the Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-old fillies and mares over one mile (1,600m).

Fearless Force looks unbeatable on paper, having trained well and stepped down in class, making her the top contender to lead home rivals and claim the trophy.

This year’s Jamaica Oaks winner Linguist has done well in her two starts at this level and could challenge stablemate Fearless Force for top honours, making her a strong contender to cause an upset.