Nautical Star is back, and the Anthony “Baba” Nunes-conditioned six-year-old, American-bred, dark bay/brown horse looks like the one to beat in afternoon’s $1.25-million Labour Day Trophy feature at Caymanas Park.

But racing isn’t run on paper, and eight rivals will line up against him hoping to prove that 128 days off the track is enough to level the playing field.

The last time we saw Nautical Star he was dismantling an Overnight Allowance field by nine lengths over six furlongs (1,200m) on January 17. He stopped the ticking of the clock in 1:11.2 with splits of 23.4, 35.0, 47.1, and 58.4, leaving Champion Bubbler and Mark My Identity in his wake.

That was a performance that marked him as a horse with genuine talent and pure class. His preparation coming into this race suggests he hasn’t lost a step. Gallops of 59.1 and 1:01.4 for five furlongs (1,000m) on May 11 and May 18 show he’s fit and forward heading into this return. So the question becomes: who can run at him?

The Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over seven furlongs (1,400m) is positioned as the seventh event on the 10-race card with a post time of 3:50 pm. First race is at 11:45 am.

Mark My Identity is the most logical threat to Nautical Star here. Since stepping into Overnight Allowance on December 21, 2025 he’s held his own in seven starts with honest, consistent efforts without actually winning at the level.

That progression is a credit to his handlers — few from his three-year-old crop have managed to reach this grade. The seven-furlong distance suits him well, and his reliability makes him a safe bet for second money, especially for anyone playing exotics. He’s already been beaten by Nautical Star by some 13 ½ lengths, but he keeps showing up.

American Aviator can’t be ignored either. He produced a brave effort last time at nine furlongs (1,800m), narrowly beaten by a head at the wire by Sensational Soul. That performance showed he can handle both the pace and stamina demands of Overnight Allowance company, and this will be his third start at the grade.

He’s proven he belongs in this company, and even without an uncontested lead, his determination means he’ll be involved when the battle for second place heats up in deep stretch.

Another runner who could be involved in the fight for second money is Nautical Star’s stablemate Supremasi, who returns after a 96-day break. His last effort on February 18 over six and a half furlongs (1,300m) saw him finish ninth, beaten 13 lengths by Wall Street Trader at this same level. He’s been prepared steadily since, with a five-furlong work in 1:00.3 on May 18 showing he’s had some sharpness put into him.

Unruly Mo, The Soul Warrior, Divine Force, Provident, and The General round out the field. On form and works, they have no chance of getting into the top three unless something goes wrong up front.

Ones to watch:

Race 1)
Lawrence/Wah A Gwaan/Jo Boxer

Race 2)
Skyrizi/Loyal Action/Global Machine

Race 3)
Native Alliance/Sheer De Jour/Never

Race 4)
Nebuchadnezzar/Legal Fight/My Eclipse

Race 5)
Family Fued/You’re My Sweetie/D’Storm

Race 6)
Restoration/Speed on Wheels/Princess Akilah

Race 7)
Nautical Star/Mark My Identity/American Aviator

Race 8)
Hazlenut/Four Thirty/The Leviticus

Race 9)
Hickory Slim/Princess Fiannie/Rock-Ola

Race 10)
Rani Bangala/Sonny T and Chippy/Whizz Kidd