After some noticeable spins in the mornings from Funcaandun, owner Carlton Watson stated that he expected nothing less than a win from the three-year-old American-bred bay colt on his debut on Saturday, January 20, 2024.
Bred by Klimt out of Fiftyshadesoffun, Funcaandun didn’t disappoint as he swept all before him to win the Rimsky Trophy feature going 6 furlongs by 9 ¼ lengths on a canter.
Funcaandun's first career win came in a native-bred three-year-old and upward (non-winners of two) and imported three-year-old and upward (maidens) in a smooth time of 1:12.2 (23.1 x 47.0).
“We did expect a win from Funcaandun here,” Watson said.
“Funcaandun worked well coming into the race. He went a minute three spins coming down the five straight and 1:07.0 at 5 ½ furlongs last week, and so for a maiden runner, we expected him to get off the mark right away.
“We didn’t expect 1:12.2 from him but we will take it and look for improvement going forward. It was an awesome performance from Funcaandun,” Watson said.
Jockey Shamaree Muir pushed the Jason DaCosta-conditioned Funcaandun into the early lead when the starting gates opened.
While comfortable beneath a snug wrap, Funcaandun expanded his the advantage over Amazing Force (Tevin Foster) and K D Strong (Robert Halledeen) as they approached the half-mile (800m) turn.
Entering the drive for the final two furlongs, and with no real threat approaching, Funcaandun accelerated and powered home to the wire.
Amazing Force finished second, six lengths ahead of stablemate Riches to Rags in third place.
