The $1.75-million Seeking My Dream Trophy takes centre stage at Caymanas Park this afternoon, with six runners set to clash in the Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over seven-and-a-half furlongs (1,500m).

On paper, it’s Barnaby’s race to lose. The five-year-old American import dismantled this class by six lengths over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) on April 26, and he returns with the race clearly the target. He clocked 1:54.2 minutes easily for the distance, with rival Girvano and stablemate Neo Star behind him.

Trainer Anthony Nunes and connections have had him ticking over nicely, and the light impost of 53.0kg (117 lb) only strengthens his hand. If he brings that same form, the rest are running for the minors. Barnaby is hard to oppose. Two-time defending champion jockey Raddesh Roman remains in the irons.

The most likely to make him work is Jason DaCosta’s Girvano. The five-year-old colt ran a solid second to Barnaby that day and has trained on well since. He clocked 1:07.2 for five-and-a-half furlongs (1,100m) with five furlongs (1,000m) coming in 1:01.2 on Sunday, May 10.

The big difference today is the scales: Girvano gets in with just 48.0kg (106 lb), a significant weight swing that gives him every chance to turn the tables if the race pans out kindly. He’s a live contender and the one most likely to capitalise if Barnaby has an off day. Apprentice Jaheim Anderson will ride.

DaCosta’s Funcaandun also commands respect. He was fifth behind Rideallday, Supernatural Power, and Barnaby in a record-breaking Ian Levy Cup over eight-and-a-half furlongs (1,700m) on April 6, and the drop back to seven-and-a-half furlongs should suit him.

He’s in good order and brings tactical speed that could make him dangerous if the pace sets up for a closer. He’ll need to find a bit more to beat Barnaby, but he’s not out of it. He has top weight of 57.0kgs (126 lb) with Robert Halledeen in his back.

Is That A Fact comes in with momentum after a confident Overnight Allowance win on May 10, but this is a steep rise in class. The six-year-old American has been genuine and progressive this season, yet repeating against this group looks a tall order. He’s best watched for now.

Neo Star is the consistent type who keeps showing up, finishing third behind Barnaby and Girvano last time. He meets both again under similar conditions, which makes his task tough. Unless the principals falter, he’s likely running for a minor share again.

California Crown rounds out the field and looks outclassed on current form. He’s shown little to suggest he can compete at this level and faces a near-impossible task.

The contest is positioned as the fourth event on the 10-race card with post time of 1:50 pm. The first race is at 11:50 am.

Ones to watch:

Race 1: Battle Angel/Life Is Life/Sir John

Race 2: Thousand Treasures/Bob The Builder/Prince Roy

Race 3: Native Alliance/C W Treasure/Sweet Bern

Race 4: Barnaby/Funcaandun/Girvano

Race 5: Green Gold Rush/Havajoy/Casual Peach

Race 6: Grey Lightning/Modern Monarch/New Bridge

Race 7: Legal Fight/Native Flyer/Family Fued

Race 8: RicoRicoRico/Unruly Mo/Magnificent Force

Race 9: I Dream Again/Linguist/Fortuna Belle

Race 10: Diva/Imaginearium/Sonador