The stage is magnificently set for a heart-stopping, thrilling showdown between two formidable American-bred rivals, Pack Plays and Desert of Malibu, in the highly anticipated Christopher “Chris” Armond Memorial Sprint Trophy at Caymanas Park today.

The Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward, which boasts a purse of $2 million, will see the two horses face-off over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m) in a battle for supremacy.

The rivalry between Pack Plays and Desert of Malibu has been simmering for some time now, with the two horses having met twice previously. Desert of Malibu emerged victorious in their first encounter in the Port Royal Sprint, but Pack Plays turned the tables in their last meeting, finishing ahead of his rival in the Mouttet Mile.

Now, as they prepare to face-off once again, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will emerge victorious? Will Pack Plays exact revenge and prove his superiority, or will
Desert of Malibu prove too strong and reclaim her winning ways?

Pack Plays, a three-year-old dark bay or brown colt by Stay Thirsty out of the Consolidator mare Standard Deal, has a score to settle with Desert of Malibu. After a disappointing fourth-place finish in the Port Royal Sprint over 6 furlongs (1,200m) on November 9, where his rider lost his irons, Pack Plays rebounded with a strong performance in the Mouttet Mile on December 7, finishing in sixth position ahead of
Desert of Malibu, who came in eighth place.

With a good draw and a strong training regimen, Pack Plays is well poised for victory. His connections are confident that he has the speed and agility to outmanoeuvre Desert of Malibu and claim the top prize.

Desert of Malibu, a five-year-old chestnut mare by Malibu Moon out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Lady Digger, is a formidable opponent with a strong track record. She had her four-race winning streak broken in the Mouttet Mile, but she reverts to sprinting here, where she is most effective.

With a slight edge over Pack Plays, Desert of Malibu is a strong contender for the win. Her connections are banking on her superior speed and experience to carry her to victory.

In their previous encounter in the Mouttet Mile, Pack Plays carried 58.0kgs (128 lb) with the visiting Kevin Krigger aboard, while Desert of Malibu shouldered 52.5kgs (116 lb) with Raddesh Roman in the saddle.

For today’s Christopher “Chris” Armond Memorial Sprint Trophy, the weights have shifted significantly, with Pack Plays set to carry 53.0kgs (117 lb) and Desert of Malibu at 57.0kgs (126 lb).

Tevin Foster will ride Pack Plays, trained by Ricardo Mathie, and Raddesh Roman remains aboard Desert of Malibu for trainer Gary Subratie.

As the two rivals prepare to face off in the Christopher Armond Memorial Sprint Trophy, the tension is palpable. Which horse will emerge victorious? Will Pack Plays exact revenge, or will Desert of Malibu prove too strong? One thing is certain: The crowd at Caymanas Park is in for a thrilling treat as these two American-bred rivals renew their rivalry in the most anticipated race of the season.

The reaming horses in the six-horse field are D Head Cornerstone, Bootylicious, Money Market, and Fearless Soul.

The Christopher Armond Memorial Sprint Trophy is scheduled to go off at 4:30 pm and fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good spot at the track. With Pack Plays and Desert of Malibu set to clash in the feature event, it promises to be an unforgettable afternoon of racing at Caymanas Park. First race is at high noon.

Ones to watch:

Race 1)
War Saw/Power Ranking/Regnant

Race 2)
Musketoon/Kay Boy/Baton Rouge

Race 3)
Lady Sarsutta/Military Light/Kencia

Race 4)
Burning Valor/Huntsman/Whizz Kidd

Race 5)
Esuse Me Goodbye/Givemethelight/Blade

Race 6)
Social Aviator/Linguist/Lady Babita

Race 7)
Smart Trick/Adira/J Spieth

Race 8)
Pack Plays/Desert of Malibu/Bootylicious

Race 9)
Simba The Lion/Great Trick/Big Jule