Five-year-old American-bred Funcaandun reminded everyone why he was 2024 Horse of the Year and Mouttet Mile winner, crushing the field by 3½ lengths in the $1.75-million Seeking My Dream Trophy on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Now, a shot at the $10-million Diamond Mile on July 17 is firmly on the table.

Trained by Jason DaCosta and ridden by Robert Halledeen, Funcaandun stopped the clock in 1:30.10 for 7½ furlongs (1,500m), just shy of Sky Train’s track record of 1:29.2 set on May 7, 1983. The splits read 23.2, 45.4, 1:11.3, and 1:24.0.

Funcaandun settled in third behind California Crown (Aaron Chatrie) and Neo Star (Tajay Suckoo) down the backstretch, tracking comfortably as the pace heated up. California Crown tried to up the tempo going into the half-mile turn, but Halledeen was always in control.

Approaching the distance, Halledeen asked his mount to go, and Funcaandun responded instantly, sweeping past rivals turning for home and powering clear. California Crown held on for second, with Girvano (Jaheim Anderson) running on for third to give owner Carlton Watson and DaCosta a clean sweep of the first three places.

“The race was properly executed,” DaCosta said.

“We had a front-runner in California Crown who held on for second, and I’m really proud of how he performed today. Funcaandun sat just off the pace and Girvano came from behind for third. I’m really happy with how it played out.

“Once Funcaandun hits the front at the furlong pole, he’s not going to lose. It might be the Diamond Mile next for him in July, but we’ll see how he comes out of the race and go from there,” he further said.

Halledeen said the instructions were simple: sit third and wait.

“Mr DaCosta said just sit third behind the two leaders and when Funcaandun’s ready to move, move with him. He pulled effortlessly from the half-mile to the quarter, and I really didn’t have to ask him around the bend.

“Up the straight I asked him and it was pretty easy. The sun was hot, but he did what he had to do for seven furlongs. The last half-furlong didn’t matter. Funcaandun’s getting older. He’s turning into an old man now. He’s here now, not for the future. He did it in 2024 when he was Horse of the Year,” Halledeen said.

Trainer Jason DaCosta (centre) poses with winner Funcaandun (left-Robert Halledeen) and second place finisher California Crown (Aaron Chatrie) after the running of the Seeking My Dream Trophy on Saturday, May 16, 2026. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)