The eighth event on Sunday’s card pays fitting tribute to the late, great jockey Vassell ‘Jolly Man’ Najair, bringing together a competitive field of 12 for a 5 ½ furlong Overnight Allowance dash.
Speed will be the name of the game early on, with pace anticipated from California Crown (5) and She’s That Girl (6).
How that early tussle plays out will dictate whether the speedsters hold on or if class droppers and late-runners can swoop past them in the stretch.
1 – MOHANLAL
Found the three-year-old Classics a bridge too far and now tackles Overnight company for just the second time. Still maturing into his craft, and this sharp sprint trip is unlikely to play to his strengths.
2 - FIT TO FIRE (USA)
Delivered an eye-catching local debut when finishing a clear second behind Of A Revolution over 6 ½ furlongs on September 26. Showing good speed, the drop back in distance suits him down to the ground, and the addition of the figure-eight headpiece should help keep him fully focused. Major contender.
3 - WALL STREET TRADER (USA)
A seasoned campaigner at seven years old, this stalwart has been a model of consistency against top-tier rivals. While win appearances have been scarce lately, his ability to track the pace and mount a late challenge makes him a persistent threat to crash the exotics.
4 - COMMANDER Z (USA)
Bounced back with a commendable fifth-place finish just eight days ago, beaten a mere 1 ¾ lengths by Lockdown down the straight course. That honest effort keeps him firmly in the conversation for exotic plays.
5 - CALIFORNIA CROWN
Having spent much of his time testing higher waters, he finally gets welcome class relief dropping down to Overnight Allowance. He possesses the natural speed to contest the early lead, though keeping a lid on his early fractions will be critical over this 5 ½ furlong trip. Must be handled with care.
6 - SHE’S THAT GIRL
Another prominent speed presence who loves to be in the thick of the early action. While she is guaranteed to keep the pressure on up front and inject plenty of pace into the race, stamina remains the lingering question mark as she tends to flatten out in the closing yards.
7 - COOLER KING (USA)
A six-year-old import making just his third appearance on local turf. Hard to make a compelling case for him against this calibre of seasoned runners.
8 - UNSPUN (USA)
Once crowned champion two-year-old, his 2026 campaign has proven frustrating with 12 starts yielding little upward trajectory. A complete form turnaround is required here.
9 – ABREATHOFFRESHAIR
Has consistently found the heavy waters of Overnight Allowance a difficult puzzle to solve, and Sunday’s assignment looks no different.
10 - BULLETPROOFCOFFEE (USA)
Though traditionally better suited to the straight course, she enters this assignment in good recent form. Her ability to unleash a potent run from off the pace gives her an outside look at surprising the principals.
11 - DIESEL TRAIN (USA)
Steps back down to Overnight company after playing the bridesmaid to record-holder Phenomenal Power in a scorching 7 ½ furlong test on July 4. Even with the significant turn back in distance, his clear class demands the utmost respect.
12 - DIVINE FORCE (USA)
Faces a tough task from an outside draw and looks safely held by the core contenders in this line-up.
