Funcaandun makes Mouttet line-up with Gold Cup win

FUNCAANDUN SHOT past fellow American WALL STREET TRADER three furlongs out in yesterday’s Philip Feanny Gold Cup, beating late-closing stablemate IS THAT A FACT by three-quarter length, securing a win-and-you-are-in event for December’s US$250,000 Mouttet Mile.

The Jason DaCosta stablemates dominated the US$2.5 million seven-furlong event, Robert Halledeen powering home FUNCAANDUN to a third consecutive win after defeating two-time Horse-of-the-Year ATOMICA at nine furlongs and 25 yards on August 24.

Loudest cheers, however, were reserved for fans urging IS THAT A FACT with Tevin Foster, who closed fast to get within a length of FUNCAANDUN, stoking hopes of a five-timer in his battle with Raddesh Roman for the 2024 jockeys’ title.

Foster, who started the afternoon level on 99 winners with Roman, rode four winners on the nine-race card after his rival had raced to 101 with winners in the first and third events,

Caymanas Park was set alight afterwards with Foster registering a hat-trick of wins astride WORKOUT CRUZ, MR SENATOR, and IRISH WISH before closing a four-timer with SUPREMASI, opening a two-win lead over Roman, who had no answer to his rival’s onslaught.

Foster, replying to Roman’s eight winners in two meets, reminded his rival that it is never over until the fat lady sings.

After watching Roman go two clear at 101-99, booting home SENSATIONAL SATIN and UNCAPTURED EMPRESS, Foster went on a roll with his four winners, the coup de grace being SUPREMASI.

After disputing the lead with stablemate IMMEASURABLE JOY, Foster awaited Roman’s rail challenge astride 1-2 favourite FEARLESS FORCE, inviting a rail run before closing the door on his rival in the seven-furlong event for non-winners of two races.

Racing continues this afternoon with the duelling riders set to close the nine-card with another battle, Foster aboard MILOS and Roman astride DIGITAL LIGHT in the feature.