The annual staging of the Seeking My Dream Trophy once again provided the perfect platform for one of the nation’s most accomplished campaigners to showcase his enduring class.
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Caymanas Park, the Grade One | Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward, run over 7 ½ furlongs, was captured in decisive fashion by the foreign-bred star Funcaandun (USA).
This latest triumph marked win number 12 from 21 career starts for the 2024 Horse of the Year, trained by Jason DaCosta and partnered, as is customary, by Robert Halledeen. The victory pushed Funcaandun’s career earnings beyond the $36 million mark.
Stopping the clock at 1:30.2 with sectional splits of 23.2 x 45.4 x 1:11.3, Funcaandun finished 3 ½ lengths clear of his nearest rival.
The Quick Galloper now delves into the final result with analysis of all six starters, presented in finishing order.
FIRST – FUNCAANDUN (USA)
This was a commanding reminder that Funcaandun remains a force among the elite, even when burdened with top weight. Halledeen executed a patient ride, allowing Neo Star and California Crown to dictate the early fractions while keeping his mount comfortably in third. Turning for home, Halledeen asked Funcaandun to quicken, and the response was immediate. By the furlong pole, the race was effectively over, as the bay gelding surged clear to win with authority. Trainer DaCosta, visibly pleased, remarked post-race: “Once Funcaandun hits the front at the furlong pole, he’s not going to lose.” The statistics back him up—three starts in 2026 have yielded two wins and one unplaced effort. DaCosta hinted at the Diamond Mile in July as a possible next assignment, though he stressed the decision would depend on how his charge recovers from this effort.
SECOND – CALIFORNIA CROWN
Originally entered to ensure a genuine pace for his stablemates, California Crown exceeded expectations. After briefly ceding the lead to Neo Star, he reclaimed command and carried the field into the straight. Conventional wisdom suggested he would fade once challenged, but instead, the chestnut dug deep, holding on resolutely for second.
This was arguably one of California Crown’s finest performances in recent memory. A former Classic winner, he showed grit and determination, proving that he is more than just a pace-setter. His effort added intrigue to the race and disrupted the anticipated script.
THIRD – GIRVANO (USA)
Girvano, despite enjoying a significant weight advantage over Funcaandun, once again failed to deliver against the very best. He raced near the rear for much of the contest, only finding momentum late to snatch third from Neo Star.
This result completed a one-two-three sweep for trainer DaCosta, but it also reinforced the notion that Girvano is better suited to the Open Allowance grade rather than Grade One company. His consistency is admirable, but he lacks the decisive punch required to topple the top-tier rivals.
FOURTH – NEO STAR
Neo Star fulfilled his tactical role by pressing the pace early, setting things up for stablemate Barnaby. Yet, he did not fold once his job was done. Instead, Neo Star continued to battle gamely, only losing third place in the final strides to Girvano.
This was an encouraging run, showing that Neo Star retains competitiveness and can be relied upon to give honest efforts.
FIFTH – BARNABY (USA)
Barnaby’s performance was the biggest disappointment of the day. Expectations were high given his recent runaway victory. He never looked like reproducing that form.
Racing at the back, Barnaby swung wide entering the straight, poised for his trademark late burst. The crowd anticipated fireworks, but the spark never came. He laboured home in fifth, well below his usual standard.
Still, Barnaby’s class cannot be dismissed. One poor run does not define a horse of his calibre. His connections will regroup, and he is expected to rebound in future engagements.
SIXTH – IS THAT A FACT (USA)
Simply put, Is That A Fact was outclassed. Even at his best, he struggles against this calibre of opposition, and Saturday was no exception. He trailed throughout and never threatened to make an impact.
