THE $1.01-million Miss Ruth Trophy feature race at Caymanas Park this afternoon is set to showcase a talented field of two-year-olds, led by Brilliant Boy who is poised to make a winning debut.

The chestnut colt, bred by Bern Identity out of the Traditional mare Mete-Orite, has been trained to perfection by Anthony Nunes and is looking to kick off his career with a bang.

Brilliant Boy’s exercise reports have generated significant buzz and with a relatively open field of six rivals, he is considered the horse to beat. Nunes’ track record with two-year-olds is well-documented, and Brilliant Boy is shaping up to be one of his standout charges.

The competition, while not outstanding, features some promising youngsters. Brilliant Boy’s combination of talent and preparation make him the clear favourite. If he can translate his morning form to the track then Brilliant Boy should be able to secure his first win without much trouble. Bred and owned by former chairman of the Jamaica Racing Commission, Clovis Metcalfe, Brilliant Boy is to be ridden by champion jockey Raddesh Roman.

The Miss Ruth Trophy is always a key event on the juvenile calendar, and with Brilliant Boy leading the charge it promises to be an exciting contest.

The maiden special weight contest for native-bred two-year-olds going six furlongs (1,200m) is positioned as the second event on the nine-race card with a post time of 12:40 pm. First race is at 12 noon.

With Abudar and Mohanlal, trained by Richard Azan, also looking to make their mark Brilliant Boy’s path to victory is not expected to be a walkover. Abudar, a first-time starter, and Mohanlal, making his second start, could provide the stiffest challenge to Brilliant Boy’s bid for the Miss Ruth Trophy.

Azan’s reputation for preparing horses well is well known, and these two youngsters have been turned out impressively. Abudar’s debut will be intriguing while Mohanlal’s progress from his last start will be worth watching. If either of them can capitalise on any early jockeyship mistakes or any possible missteps by Brilliant Boy, they could certainly give Nunes’ charge a run for his money.

Abudar, bred by Savoy Stomp out of the Misdshipman mare Ship Sham, will be ridden by Ian Spence.

Mohanlal finished second by 2¾ lengths behind Uncle Nally over four furlongs (800m) on December 14. He was seen making strong headway in the final stages of the race and with this distance increased, his chance of winning is highly rated. Mohanlal is bred by Casual Trick out of the Shuffling Madness mare Raise Your Voice and will be ridden by Tajay Suckoo.

Ones to watch:

Race 1)
Hit N Run/Wilson/Iannai Links

Race 2)
Brilliant Boy/Mohanlal/Abudar

Race 3)
Uncle Peck/Princess Fiannia/Noble Sovereign

Race 4)
Prince Amaan/Whisky/James

Race 5)
Lady Katghara/Sweet Bern/Belleza Gris

Race 6)
Runaway Bay/Feeling Free/Skill at Arms

Race 7)
I’m Outstanding/Royal Maverick/Four Thirty

Race 8)
Papi Uso/Kusmi/Secret Sensation

Race 9)
The Hot Dancer/Jack Daniel/Princess Ifitah