Richard Azan-trained Laban is heavily favoured to win today’s feature, the Gerry Skelton Memorial Trophy, over five-and-a-half furlongs at Caymanas Park.

Laban, a consistent performer this year, will carry a top weight of 57 kilos and will be ridden by top-flight jockey Richard Parchment.

The fast-finishing Laban is expected to outpace contenders KP Choice and Race Car in the deep stretch of the competitive 11-horse field.

Luksol and Ultimate Machine are anticipated to set the pace, but neither is likely to last, given that KP Choice, Laban, and Race Car are stalking sprinters who could catch them approaching the home turn.

Laban, who has been in good form, finished second to Madelyn’s Sunshine over six furlongs in his last race. Returning to compete against overnight rivals, the six-year-old Laban should easily confirm the form of Madelyn’s Sunshine, considering his last victory was an upset win in open allowance, outpacing Lure of Lucy and Duke at five furlongs straight in February.

After back-to-back victories, Laban faced rivals with whom he had little chance, competing against seasoned graded stakes and open-allowance runners in seven races until now, given an opportunity in the conditions book.

Meanwhile, the USA-bred Digital One is expected to secure a third-consecutive win in the Mr Sensational Trophy for Restricted Stakes over seven furlongs. Trained by champion trainer Jason daCosta, Digital One will be ridden by leading jockey Reyan Lewis.

DaCosta has four other runners in the six-horse field — Fastnfuriouslinks, Himaya, Lucy In The Sky, and Comehometome. Run Julie Run from Ian Parsard’s barn is the remaining contender in the event. Post time for the 10-race card is 11:30 am.