It’s Anthony Nunes versus Jason DaCosta in the $1.4-million Legal Light Trophy at Caymanas Park, with the two powerhouse stables accounting for all six runners in the nine-furlong and 25 yards (1,820m) Open Allowance feature today.

Barnaby, trained by Nunes, looks the prime candidate, with conditions and distance tailor-made for his grinding style. The five-year-old American-bred by Tapiture out of Giants Diva comes in off a strong third behind Rideallday and Supernatural Power in the Ian Levy Cup over eight and a half furlongs (1,700m) on April 6. That race was run in 1:41.4 — a new track and stakes record — with Barnaby only six lengths adrift of the winner.

Barnaby has shown a clear liking for long-distance races, and this trip looks perfect for him to showcase his class and stamina. He signalled his readiness with a sharp 49.1 four-furlong (800m) workout on Sunday, and two-time champion jockey Raddesh Roman takes the ride.

But DaCosta’s Girvano won’t make it easy. The American-bred also ran in the Ian Levy, finishing fourth, six and a half lengths behind Rideallday and just a half-length behind Barnaby.

Like his rival, Girvano has proven stamina and has won over this course and distance before. On August 23, 2025, he was three and a quarter lengths best in the Distinctly Irish Trophy, stopping the clock in a quick 1:56.2 for the nine furlongs and 25 yards trip.

If he can reproduce that effort, punters are in for a treat. Robert Halledeen will be in the saddle. Girvano worked five and a half furlongs (1,100m) in 1:07.0 with five furlongs (1,000m) coming in 1:01.0 on Saturday, April 18, also showing that he is ready.

Barnaby gets a slight edge on recent and workout. He was finishing best of the two in the Ian Levy and has been humming in the mornings. Girvano has the course win and is no stranger to fast times. If he’s at his August 2025 best, he wins. But on current form, Barnaby’s consistency and setup make him the one to beat.

The contest is positioned as the fourth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 1:55 pm but the first race is at noon.

Nunes’ other runners, Neo Star, trained by Nunes, has shown ability going long but needs a career best to beat the big two and King Piye, also loves a distance of ground but lacks the class to compete here.

DaCosta’s Teflon Don is a consistent horse who always tries. He’s been running in this company but usually finds one or two too good. Will be part of the early pace and could hang on for a minor share and Provident, who will enjoy this distance. He also lacks the class to compete here.

Ones to watch:

Race 1)New Bridge/GreyLightning/Control Agression

Race 2) Diesel Train/I Dream Again/Thousand Treasures

Race 3) Playfair/Midnight Galaxy/The Soul Warrior

Race 4) Barnaby/Girvano/Neo Star

Race 5)Sudden Flight/Splendid Vision/Storm Boy

Race 6) Shooting Star/Rani Bangala/Matuso

Race 7) Ascend/Maragrita/Dutchess

Race 8)Nebraska Havemewaitin/Chances Are

Race 9) Sky Is The Limit/Uncle Nally/Awesome Star

Race 10) Crown Chaser/D Head Cornerstone/Mr Senator

Girvano (Robert Halledeen) creates an upset to win the $2-million Miracle Man Cup on Thursday, January 1, 2026. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)