KINGSTON, Jamaica - The 2024 Philip Feanny Gold Cup will be significantly affected by the absence of the hot pre-race favourite, Desert of Malibu, trained by Gary Subratie.
Desert of Malibu was found with a swelling on her body on Friday morning and was subsequently declared as a late non-starter.
This leaves nine starters in the event, scheduled to be contested on Saturday, October 5, 2024, over seven furlongs.
Here's an assessment of the likely outcome of the Gold Cup in post-position order by The Quick Galloper.
1 - Desert of Malibu is a late non-starter.
2 - Wall Street Trader finished second, seven lengths behind Desert of Malibu on Sept 14 at six furlongs. He receives a 10 lb. drop in weight, which should significantly aid his cause. However, he will have to produce his best effort to find success in this race.
3 - Atlantic Convoy is just learning the Grade One level and will have to wait.
4 - Funcaandun enters the Gold Cup on the back of two successive wins, including beating the top-rated Atomica on August 24. Despite going up in the handicaps, Funcaandun is fresh and ready to deliver. He is versatile and has speed, with seven furlongs posing no issues for him. With the absence of Desert of Malibu, Funcaandun is the likely favourite.
5 - Is That A Fact was not at his usual best when finishing third behind Desert of Malibu and Wall Street Trader on September 14 at six furlongs. The extension of the trip by a furlong will suit his running style. Is That A Fact can stay close to the pace and then strike when asked to do so. He will be a deciding factor.
6 - Norblar is trying his luck at this level for the first time and may be overwhelmed.
7 - Further And Beyond is not the force of old and is unlikely to make an impact.
8 - Intrestntimesahead returns after a disappointing run in the August 6 Jamaica Derby. Despite having ability, this top-flight locally bred three-year-old will have to wait his turn against much more seasoned and qualified rivals.
9 - Banadura seems to be out of her depth in this race.
10 - Major Danger enters the fray of the Gold Cup on the back of three consecutive wins but now comes up against much more advanced rivals. Major Danger’s running style of going to the front will, however, be a significant factor in the likely outcome of this race.
