Funcaandun sends Mark My Word reminder

NATURALISED AMERICAN four-year-old FUNCAANDUN yesterday reminded ATOMICA who’s Horse of the Year, turning tables on the ageing local champion mare with a convincing topweight victory in the Mark My Word Trophy at nine furlongs and 25 yards.

With just one run under his girth since beating Florida invaders and the best local-breds in December’s Mouttet Mile, FUNCCANDUN impressively rebounded from defeat in April’s Ian Levy Cup behind fellow American, BARNABY, and runner-up ATOMICA.

Stalking the pace set by stablemate MAMMA MIA, who led GEOLITHIC and 4-5 favourite ATOMICA down the backstretch, FUNCAANDUN made his move at the half-mile pole with Robert Halledeen.

ATOMICA zipped past MAMMA MIA three and a half furlongs out but was quickly reeled in by FUNCAANDUN, who pounced on her outside coming off the home turn.

It didn’t take long for FUNCAANDUN to dispose of ATOMICA, pulling off from the mare, who gave way to last year’s Jamaica Derby runner-up, RUN JULIE RUN, inching forward in mid-track.

Halledeen responded to the four-year-old filly’s looming threat with rapid left-hand whipping, drifting FUNCAANDUN to meet his challenger, a tactic that triggered a stewards’ enquiry and jockey’s objection from Reyan Lewis.

Exonerated by the stewards, Halledeen improved his record astride FUNCAANDUN to three wins in the colt’s last five starts, the American’s ninth victory from 13 starts, setting up much-anticipated grade-one rematches with the likes of BARNABY and COMMANDANT, Florida invaders, who he had beaten in the Mouttet Mile, but are now acclimatised and domicile locally.

Claiming rider Richard Henry won two events on the nine-race card, starting with 10-1 shot LINSTEAD MARKET in the fourth, beating four-year-olds, non-winners of two races, at five furlongs round.

Henry rounded off his two-timer with a stirring finish astride LUCKY PAPA in the eighth at four furlongs straight, denying ALKEBULAN with champion and leading rider Raddesh Roman, who returned to close the programme with 4-5 favourite RHOSA THE WARRIOR beating $500,000 claimers at five furlongs straight.

Racing continues on Saturday.