Trainer Anthony “Baba” Nunes is quietly confident that his charge American-bred runner Nautical Star (Dixie Chatter – Kiss Me Chocolate) has a shot at conquering the ultra-rich Mouttet Mile on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

The grade one invitational event boasts the largest single purse in the English-speaking Caribbean — a whopping US$300,000 — and will test the mettle of the elite horses over one mile (1,600m).

Nautical Star has raced 11 times in the United States, winning on three occasions, finishing second twice, and finishing third once. He has earned US$338,827.

Nunes’ faith in Nautical Star stems from his solid buildup.

“So far so good with Nautical Star, he had his final work on Saturday (November 29) and it was good, a little too fast. I didn’t want it that fast as it did happen, but he seems very comfortable,” Nunes told the
Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“Again, the key is how he comes out tomorrow (Sunday, November 30) and he has another week to stay healthy, happy, and sound,” he said with characteristic pragmatism.

The second-generation trainer knows the razor-thin margins in top-level racing.

“You know trainers, this is how we live, right. We live day-to-day because with these horses anything can happen at any time. We just hope and pray that he stays healthy and sound,” Nunes said.

Nautical Star’s pedigree gives Nunes hope.

“He must have a shot, I think. He hasn’t raced regularly this year in the United States, but his back class as a three-year-old and a four-year-old was good races he ran.

“But there are some tough horses in this race, you know, Legacy Isle, Supernatural Power, Rideallday, the defending champion Funcaandun, and Girvano. There are a lot of good horses,” Nunes stated.

Nunes sums up the formula for success.

“A race like that, you need a happy, healthy, sound horse, and then you need some luck. We have been in this game long enough that we just want the opportunity that’s all,” he ended.