The Brian ‘Spuddy’ Rickman Trophy is listed as the seventh on the race card of Saturday, October 25, 2025.
This trophy event, which honours the country’s top racing commentator, has seven starters going 5 ½ furlongs. The event features locally bred three and four-year-olds, who have not won four races, and also for three and four-year-old foreigners, non-winners of three races.
The Quick Galloper analyses each starter to find the winner.
1 – STRONG MIND
Strong Mind came close last time out, finishing just 1¾ lengths adrift over five furlongs straight, with Bowmore trailing in his wake. The irony is striking—despite that victory over Bowmore, Strong Mind enters this contest a full 1o pounds better off in the handicaps. He’s in peak condition and, having now tasted competition at this level, is well-positioned to assert himself. With form, fitness, and weight advantage aligned, Strong Mind is a serious player.
2 – BOWMORE
The handicaps do Bowmore no favours here. He’s poorly treated in the weights and arrives off a defeat to Strong Mind, who now enjoys a significant advantage even with the apprentice claim. Given the setup, Bowmore’s prospects are dim, and a win would require a major reversal of form.
3 – MIGHTY GULLY
Mighty Gully is thriving and stands alone as the only runner in this field with three wins to her name. She’s shown versatility, able to lead or rally from behind, and is well suited to the distance. Her consistency and tactical range make her a standout contender. She’s proven, adaptable, and arrives with credentials that demand respect.
4 – MINEOLA
Mineola surprised many with an upset win two weeks ago, but now steps into a tougher category. The transition is steep, and while his last effort showed grit, he’ll need time to acclimate to this level. Saturday’s race may serve more as a learning experience than a winning opportunity.
5 – RICORICORICO
Ricoricorico, one of two overseas entrant, has one win from six starts, a modest record that leaves much to be desired. His performances have lacked punch, and unless he finds a new gear, he’s unlikely to threaten. The burden of proof remains firmly on him.
6 – PRINCE ROY
Prince Roy is a recent graduate to this class and still adjusting to the demands of higher-level competition. While he shows promise, he’s yet to demonstrate readiness for the pace and pressure of this company. Saturday may come too soon for a breakout performance.
7 – DON KWESI
Don Kwesi is on a sharp upward trajectory, with two consecutive wins followed by a hard-fought second to the foreigner H Two O just six days ago over seven furlongs. That effort was full of fight, and now, with the distance shortened, Don Kwesi finds himself better placed. The addition of blinkers could sharpen his focus further. He’s improving, he’s adaptable, and he’s very much in the mix.
THE QUICK GALLOPER’S VERDICT
The verdict leans toward Strong Mind as the one to beat, with Mighty Gully and Don Kwesi close behind in a race that promises pace, pressure, and a tight finish.
