KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Mallard Ziadie Memorial Cup is set for Saturday, May 24, 2025, featuring a competitive field of 14 horses racing at the Overnight Allowance level over 5 ½ furlongs.
The event promises intense action, with sprinters looking to make their mark.
Here’s a breakdown of the contenders by The Quick Galloper.
1 - GIRVANO: A solid performer who finished second to Divine Force over 9 furlongs on May 10 in his first Overnight Allowance attempt. While capable of delivering another good run, shorter distances may not suit him best. Likely to be in contention but may find it challenging against true sprinters. A spot on the board seems his best chance.
2 - BENSON: Has shown consistency but not enough to suggest he can dominate this field. While reliable, he lacks the explosive speed needed to claim victory.
3 - CALIFORNIA GOLD: Still winless in seven starts this season. Recent efforts suggest he’s struggling to find peak form, making it improbable that he will emerge victorious here. A breakthrough does not seem imminent.
4 - FLORINDIA: The American-bred newcomer making her local debut. Workout reports indicate promise, and she could surprise with a bold run. Definitely one to watch.
5 - MAGNIFICENT FORCE: Current form does not inspire confidence. Lacking the necessary sharpness to pose a real threat.
6 - MONEY MISER: A talented runner with a preference for longer distances. Might find the early fractions too sharp and could struggle to keep up with the pace.
7 - PERFECT BREW: Finished third to Unspun and Unbelievable Force over 6 furlongs on May 3. His strong finishing ability could come into play if the race unfolds with a fast tempo. A real contender.
8 - CHOCOMO: This US-bred horse has displayed consistency since moving to the Overnight Allowance level. However, he seems to lack that final push to seal a win. A decent option for exotic bets.
9 - TEFLON DON: Has yet to show the kind of ability needed to be competitive in this company. Best to look elsewhere for serious contenders.
10 - FREEDOM STREET: Victory has been elusive for a while. While he may pick up a minor share, securing a win appears unlikely given his recent form.
11 - IMPRESSIVE FORCE: Won his last race, but the opposition is stronger this time. Facing tougher competition, a repeat performance seems doubtful.
12 - JOHNCROWJEFF: Continues to struggle at the Overnight Allowance level. Might be better suited to high-level claiming races rather than this company.
13 - UNBELIEVABLE FORCE: An unfortunate runner-up last time, narrowly edged out by Unspun over 6 furlongs on May 3. Arrives in peak condition, and with an upgrade in jockey, he’s certainly one of the top contenders. Tough to bet against him.
14 - MONEY MARKET: A pace-setter with plenty of early speed. He’s expected to factor in the race, but lasting the distance against strong closers may be challenging.
