Ride with Funcaandun in Jamaica Cup

JASON DaCosta's post-race admission that FUNCAANDUN wasn't 100 per cent himself after beating stablemate ISTHATAFACT at seven furlongs on October 5, clocking 1:26.0 in underfoot conditions, must have been a frightening interview for all Jamaica Cup aspirants in Saturday's last race.

First, the Klimt-Fiftyshadesoffun colt galloped five and a half furlongs at exercise last Saturday morning, returning 1:06.4 on clockers' watches. Wound up with a win-and-you're-in Mouttet Mile ticket awaiting the winner, versatile FUNCAANDUN ought to make it four consecutive wins and his eighth from 10 starts.

RHYTHM BUZZ, one of two horses to have beaten the US import, hasn't raced since outbattling the foreigner at nine furlongs and 25 yards but has looked sharp at exercise, clocking 1:28.1 for seven furlongs two Thursdays past.

RHYTHM BUZZ' trainer, Vincent Atkinson, has no need to rush the local-bred at exercise. The Buzz Nightmare - River Rhythm runner is eyeing a fifth straight win but does so rather heavy on his first run in graded stakes.

Since losing to RHYTHM BUZZ, FUNCAANDUN has undoubtedly improved, posting 1:55.3 when beating ATOMICA at nine furlongs and 25 yards. RHYTHM BUZZ 1:57.2 when surprising FUNCAANDUN at the trip was his second of back-to-back victories at the trip, the first being 1:57.3, suggesting he taps out within a fifth or two of what appears his best effort.

Pace will be a hell of a factor with ATOMICA, RUN JULIE RUN and stalking FUNCAANDUN should form the first group, a formidable one which could run the others off their legs.

Allowing weight all around, FUNCAANDUN need not be dead on the lead with RUN JULIE RUN and ATOMICA go hammer and tongs. Something will have to give, which FUNCAANDUN should be close enough to accept when the pace gives.

sports@gleanerjm.com