Phenomenal Power to reign in Thunderbird Trophy

Phenomenal Power (Tajay Suckoo) speeds to victory in the $10-million Diamond Mile at Caymanas Park in St Catherine on July 25, 2026. (Photo: Joseph Wellington) Phenomenal Power will be out to prove that his recent Port Royal Sprint flop was just a blip when he lines up as the horse to beat in the $1.4-million Thunderbird Trophy at Caymanas Park this afternoon. The three-year-old American-bred dark bay colt Phenomenal Power, who holds the track record over this 7½ furlongs (1,500m) distance, had looked like a star in the making when he won the Diamond Mile on July 25. He then disappointed badly down the track in the Port Royal Sprint on October 19 over 6 furlongs (1,200m), but the word from the mornings is that he is a better animal now, and ready to put his rivals in their places over his favourite trip. The Thunderbird Trophy, a three-year-old and upward Open Allowance contest, is the feature on the 10-race programme and has attracted a small but talented field of seven. The race is positioned as the ninth event with a post time of 4:25 pm. First race is at 11:15 am. If Phenomenal Power (Violence – Drinking Dixie) is to bounce back, he will have to hold off his own stablemate and fellow American Supernatural Power. Supernatural Power was an easy 6-length winner over a mile on October 19 against Overnight Allowance company. She is stepping up in class here, but she has the talent to compete at this level and she looks the main danger. The veteran in the field, Desert of Malibu, cannot be dismissed either. At seven years old she is getting on, but she still packs a good punch and is capable of making a bold move to make her presence felt. Former Jamaica St Leger winner Intrestntimesahead has made a habit of running well without winning, and another honest effort without getting his head in front is expected. Lockdown pulled off an upset win last time out, but repeating that against this company looks an impossible task. At the other end, Sensational Soul looks up against it and has no real chance against these, while Supremasi is likely to be left behind. Phenomenal Power has the class, the record and the trip in his favour. If he runs to his morning work, the Thunderbird Trophy is his to lose. — Ruddy Allen