Funcaandun Eyes Diamond Mile After Seeking My Dream Trophy Win

Five-year-old American-bred runner Funcaandun gave a sharp reminder of the class that made him 2024 Horse of the Year and Mouttet Mile champion, dismissing his rivals by 3½ lengths in the $1.75-million Seeking My Dream Trophy on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The performance has placed the $10-million Diamond Mile on July 17 among his likely next assignments. Conditioned by Jason DaCosta and partnered by Robert Halledeen, Funcaandun completed the 7½-furlong, or 1,500-metre, contest in 1:30.10, close to Sky Train’s 1:29.2 track mark, which has stood since May 7, 1983.

The sectional times were 23.2, 45.4, 1:11.3, and 1:24.0. Funcaandun raced in third along the backstretch, sitting behind California Crown, ridden by Aaron Chatrie, and Neo Star, with Tajay Suckoo aboard, while the early speed developed in front of him.

California Crown attempted to sharpen the pace approaching the half-mile bend, but Halledeen remained patient and had Funcaandun travelling smoothly. Nearing the distance, the rider gave him the signal, and the response was immediate as Funcaandun moved by the leaders around the home turn and widened his advantage in the stretch.

California Crown stayed on to finish second, while Girvano, ridden by Jaheim Anderson, closed for third. The result handed owner Carlton Watson and trainer DaCosta the top three positions in the event.

“The race was properly executed,” DaCosta said. “We had a front-runner in California Crown who held on for second, and I’m really proud of how he performed today. Funcaandun sat just off the pace and Girvano came from behind for third. I’m really happy with how it played out.

“Once Funcaandun hits the front at the furlong pole, he’s not going to lose. It might be the Diamond Mile next for him in July, but we’ll see how he comes out of the race and go from there,” he further said.

Halledeen said DaCosta’s plan called for him to keep Funcaandun in third and make his move only when the horse was ready.

“Mr DaCosta said just sit third behind the two leaders and when Funcaandun’s ready to move, move with him. He pulled effortlessly from the half-mile to the quarter, and I really didn’t have to ask him around the bend.

“Up the straight I asked him and it was pretty easy. The sun was hot, but he did what he had to do for seven furlongs. The last half-furlong didn’t matter. Funcaandun’s getting older. He’s turning into an old man now. He’s here now, not for the future. He did it in 2024 when he was Horse of the Year,” Halledeen said.