Girvano to grind rivals in Kenneth Mattis Memorial Cup

The running of the $1.25-million Kenneth Mattis OD Memorial Cup is the feature race on tomorrow’s 10-race card at Caymanas Park. The three-year-old and upward Overnight Allowance contest has attracted a field of nine runners and will run over 9 furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m)   Below is the analysis of the runners.   1. TEFLON DON: (5 b h by Casual Trick - The Lady Scored) - Second string from the Jason DaCosta barn. Form is moderate and this two-turn trip will find him out. Teflon Don is going to find this distance too taxing for him.

Miss Grove (Tajay Suckoo) wins Division 1 of the $1.25-million Hubert “Chinna” Bartley Memorial Trophy on Sunday, June 28, 2026. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

  2. COOKIE DAY N NIGHT: (6 ch h by Resurgence - Eloping Emma ) - Consistent Overnight campaigner but is up against much stronger here. Not expected to factor and is going to be left behind in this one.   3. MISS GROVE (CAN): (4 dk b/br f by Amis Gizmo - Marilyn’s Last Love) - Sharp filly from the barn of Anthony Nunes. Miss Grove prompted the pace over 7 furlongs (1,400m) last time out and got swallowed by Royal Poppy in the closing stages to finish second by 1 1/4 lengths. She is game and will be on the lead again. Expect her to put up another good fight in this one.   4. OIL MACHINE: (5 ch h by Bern Identity - Keep The Faith) - Comes in as a last-time winner which puts him in good heart. Omar Walker takes the ride which is a plus for experience over a distance. However, Oil Machine is not expected to repeat against this class, but could stick around for a minor placing.   5. GIRVANO (USA): (4 b c by Girvin - Summer In Midway) - Easily the class horse in here. Won the Miracle Man Cup on January 1, was second behind Legacy Isle’s track record run in the Eros Trophy over 7 furlongs on June 6, and was second behind Phenomenal Power in the Diamond Mile on July 25. That is Graded Stakes form dropped into Overnight Allowance which should make this a shoo-in. Described as a grinding middle-distance runner who just keeps coming, this trip is tailor-made for him. Girvano looks the horse to beat and his class will tell.   6. NEO STAR: (7 b h by Neolithic - Angel Dreams) - Veteran runner from the stables of Anthony Nunes with champion jockey Raddesh Roman aboard. Neo Star knows how to win at this level and stays all day. If Girvano has any trouble or gets caught too far back, Neo Star is the one to pick up the pieces. Main danger.   7. INTERESTNTIMESAHEAD: (5 b h by Bold Conquest - My Friend Lucy) - Was just beaten by Supremasi over 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m) on August 6, running a solid second. Going further here which should suit his running style, Intrestntimesahead is expected to run well again and is a must for exotics.   8. DIVINE FORCE (USA): (6 b h by Alternation - Dance America) – Should stay the trip on breeding and can come from off the pace. Could be a longshot closer at a big price if the leaders go too hard early.   9. WHIZZ KIDD: (6 b h by Northern Giant - Maken Joy) - Looks outclassed in this company. Whizz Kidd needs to improve significantly to get involved.