The Ian Levy Cup is set for tomorrow (Saturday, April 5, 2025) with the highly anticipated 2025 debut of reigning Horse of the Year, Funcaandun. Set against the backdrop of a ten-race card, this Graded Stakes race will feature horses aged three years and older, promising a thrilling contest for spectators and bettors alike.
This year’s edition of the Ian Levy Cup has garnered added significance as the winner will gain automatic entry into the prestigious Mouttet Mile, a prominent event scheduled for December 2025 with a substantial purse of US$300,000.
Here’s a deeper dive into the contenders challenging Funcaandun in the Ian Levy Cup by The Quick Galloper.
1 - BARNABY (USA): This four-year-old colt, a son of Tapiture, has been making waves in the racing scene. His recent performance in the Chairman’s Trophy, where he secured victory with a three-length lead over a distance of 7½ furlongs, showcases his potential. Finishing with a time of 1:31.3, Barnaby has proven his capability for longer stretches, making him a serious competitor in the Ian Levy Cup. His consistent training indicates readiness to give the race his best effort.
2 - TIZ TOK (USA): At five years old, Tiz Tok has demonstrated significant strength on the track. He triumphed in the Lloyd Lindbergh “Lindy” Delapenha Memorial Trophy, winning by an impressive 6¼ lengths and clocking a time of 1:39.0 at a mile. Tiz Tok's solid form and training suggest that he will be a dangerous opponent to Funcaandun and other top contenders, positioning him as a key player in the race.
3 - COMMANDANT (USA): Another five-year-old, Commandant is riding high on a winning streak that includes two consecutive victories. His latest win in the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Trophy, where he finished 5¼ lengths ahead in a time of 1:24.2 going 7 furlongs, marks him as a formidable force in the upcoming race. Commandant’s confidence and recent success may give him the edge needed to compete closely with rivals.
4 - RUN JULIE RUN: This four-year-old filly has been a consistent performer, winning six of her 16 career races. However, now pitted against international opponents, she may find the competition too steep. Despite her potential, expectations may be tempered, as she could struggle to match the capabilities of the top-tier horses.
5 - POWER FROM ABOVE: At five years old, this mare faces steep odds going into the race. Lacking the form and experience to challenge rivals, Power From Above’s participation appears nominal, with the hope of snagging a minor share of the purse rather than a competitive finish.
6 - FURTHER AND BEYOND: A veteran at seven years of age, Further and Beyond has experienced a decline in performance, making him less likely to make a significant impact in this event. His recent races have shown that he may not be able to compete effectively against the newer, more agile horses in the field.
7 - ATOMICA: A former two-time Horse of the Year, Atomica has found the current season challenging, remaining winless in her two races so far. While she may put forth her best effort, her declining form raises doubts about her ability to keep pace with the talented foreigners in the race. Yet, Atomica is always packed with class, and has to be considered especially if she get free passage on the headlines.
8 - FUNCAANDUN (USA): The four-year-old colt pulled off a narrow win last December in the Mouttet Mile, outdoing Legacy Isle and Commandant. Funcaandun covered the mile in a time of 1:38.4, outperforming several top contenders like Further and Beyond and Tiz Tok, who finished behind him. His training leading up to the Ian Levy Cup positions him as a live aspirant with his ability of coming off the pace a critical factor. The one front-runner, ready to leverage his previous victories and experience in this competitive field. The only element of doubt is that Funcaandun is racing for the first time since December, and may need the outing to get into top gear.
