FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SATURDAY, 4TH FEBRUARY 2017 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 03 Feb 2017
FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SATURDAY, 4TH FEBRUARY 2017 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 – The Sohna Stud Million – Terms Maidens 3 Years Old Only – 1000M
A good competitive 3 year old maiden to open the card with several representatives from leading yards :-
LINCOLN :-would appear to be the most obvious starting point in the 13 strong field coming from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard. He made his debut in December over course and distance and came with a strong run to take it up before being surprised by Miss Moneypenny close home. The winner has since gone on to run 4th in the Gool S Poonawalla so the form looks solid and Lincoln was not fully wound up that day and is sure to improve appreciably. He has been working well and will be partnered by Neeraj Rawal.
SERENO :-Was also given an educative run over 6 furlongs early in January where he finished 4th to Rotterdam. The form of that race has not yet been tested but Sereno, being a half brother to the speedy Serenita, should relish the drop to 5 furlongs and has been working exceptionally of late. P. Trevor has been booked, he is well drawn in 3 and looks a big danger to all.
SWEET MUSIC :-Was one of the more forward 2 year olds and was the odds on favourite for the first 2 year old race run in Pune but could not match strides with Elysee ending up 2nd by a length and a half. This would show this is nothing to choose between him and Lincoln on paper the only drawback being that he has not raced since Pune. His dam Zahwah has produced modest performers like Ximena (3 wins), Rulers Secret (2 wins) and Le Havre (4 wins) and he is expected to go well if fit and ready after the break.
PRINCESS P :-Rounds up the horses who have had the benefit of a run, finishing 4th on debut to Juggernaut ahead of Stallone and should also improve for the run. While she is very high up in the stable’s pecking order, this half sister to Mahiki has been working well and merits each way consideration with SurajNarredu in the saddle.
HIGHLAND WOODS :-Looks to be a speedy debutant from the NazakChenoy yard and Irish ace Colm O’ Donoghue is an eye catching jockey booking. By Phoenix Tower, his dam Kiss of Luck has produced speedy types like Flying Kiss and more recently AshwaManjri( 8 wins from 12 starts) in Delhi. He is working well and looks an interesting debutant.
SOLO MISSION :-Is also making his debut, having been withdrawn at the start on his planned debut in the same race as Sereno. The progeny of Age of Fable seem to do better over longer trips but Solo Mission has been working quite well and should come into consideration with P.S. Chouhan up..
CONCLUSION :- Lincoln seems a strong contender to get Pesi Shroff off to a flying start on Derby weekend but should face stiff resistance from Sweet Music if he is fit and ready to go. Serenohas been working the best of the lot and newcomer Highland Woods looks interesting as well
Race No. 2 – The Usha Stud Million – Class IV and V – 1600M
CLASSICUS :-Has impressed one and all in his limited career. He made a belated racing debut in November where he went into many notebooks by finishing a flying late 3rd to Cyclone over an inadequate 5 furlongs. Duly stepped upto 7 furlongs next time out, he showed good improvement to come and beat Spiridon by 2 lengths, taking time to get going but winning well in the end. The step up to a mile should suit him even more and he looks the one to beat in spite of conceding weight all around.
SPIRIDON :-Has made steady progress with every run and after finishing 2nd to Classicus on his penultimate start, was an easy winner of his maiden over 7 furlongs, showing he had improved. He reopposesClassicus on similar terms and with Altaf Hussain’s yard going great guns at the moment, he looks a clear threat with Suraj in the saddle.
NELSONS BLOOD :-Is an unexposed and potentially classy improver from the Vishal Gaikwad yard. A half brother to Golconda Oaks winner and 1000 Guineas 3rd Laurita, he was given a nice educative run over trip on debut, finishing on leisurely to be 5th and is sure to improve considerably and strip fitter. P. Trevor takes over from Kishore Kadam and receiving 7 kilos from the principals, he looks to have a clear edge.
DARK GOLD :-Is anotherpotential improver who stepped up markedly from his debut run in Pune when scoring decisively from Wild Jack over 7 furlongs in December. He too has been working well since that run, has the scope to improve significantly and must come into consideration. He will be partnered by Dashrath Singh.
STAR OF HARMONY :- A debutant who catches the eye on pedigree by Multidimensional out of a proven mare in Veena’s Pet who has produced the likes of Oaks winner Romantic Liaison, Badge of Gold and Clinton. He has been solidly prepared by MaleshNarredu for his debut run and although he may just need the experience, he could prove classy enough to tackle this lot and should not be ignored.
FLY AWAY WITH ME :- Is also twice raced, once apiece in Mumbai and Pune finishing 5th on both occasions. His dam Wilna stayed well so he should relish the step up to a mile and S.S. Shah usually targets Derby weekend to pull out a couple of good winners so he is worthy of each way consideration and could be a lively outsider.
CONCLUSION :-Nelsons Blood is the first choice here if he can build on his debut run with strong resistance from the form horses Classicus and Spiridon.Star of Harmony could be an interesting alternative and could go well at a price
Race No. 3 – Chetak Horse Racing presents The Native Knight Million – Class 3 and 4 – 1800M
SILKEN EYES :- Classic hopeful who has competed in 2 Group 1s in her last 2 starts so is dropping significantly in grade now after finishing midfield in the 1000 Guineas and 4th in the Pune Derby. Her earlier form reads quite well especially her flying late 2nd to Germanicus in the S.A. Poonawalla Multimillion in Pune over a mile. She has been well prepared since the 1000 Guineas and now competing in a handicap, she looks likely to return to the winner’s circle.
STAR COMRADE :-Has often promised much but failed to deliver but seems to have gotten the knack of things recently. He gained an overdue maiden success over 7 furlongs on his penultimate start and followed that up with a good 2nd to the unbeaten Masterofbalantrae. He is tackling this longer trip for the first time but receives 7 kilos from Silken Eyes and looks a live danger.
SHE IS SPECIAL :- Bounced back to from when nabbing San Martino on the post over a mile and then appeared not to give her true running in a muddling and tactical mile and a half race next time out. She will be more at home over this 9 furlong trip and the booking of Sandesh is a positive although for a small filly to carry 60.5 is a negative. She looks each way value.
MULTIGLORY :-Has finished 2nd on his last 2 starts over 1600 and 2000M and has been suggesting that his turn is not too far away. He is more exposed than some of these but looks in good nick at present and has reasonable form to his name. He should go well and add some pep to the finish.
JOSS :-Was previously erratic but seems to have found some consistency of late and has run well both starts this term. He should also run well but looks more of a contender for minor honours and winning in this field will be tough.
EIGER’S TIGER :-Is another inconsistent sort with just 1 win from 11 starts although the win did come over this trip. The booking of P. Trevor is an eye catching one and if he is in a galloping mood and runs upto his best, then he could prove a lively outsider and may be included for the Jackpot Pool.
CONCLUSION :-Silken Eyes looks relatively strong and should return to the winner’s circle back in a handicap. Star Comrade looks the main danger in receipt of weight while She Is Special and Multigloryare also worthy of consideration
Race No. 4 :- The Kunigal Stud Breeders’ Produce Stakes (Grade 3) – Terms – 3 Year Olds only – 1400M
This is one of the two lead up races for the Poonawalla Breeders’ Million and is usually contested by some of the top juveniles. This year’s renewal has attracted a field of 10 youngsters.
GLYNDEBOURNE :-Looks to head the home team challenge having narrowly scored on debut in spite of looking gross in the paddock and seemingly a little short on prep work so it was encouraging that she won that day from Perfect Star, the pair pulling a long way clear. She is expected to improve appreciably for that run and should be much fitter and sharper today. Her sire Western Aristocrat was a crack 1400 – 1600m horse and she is the first foal of the well performed Portia who was 2nd in the Bangalore Fillies Trial and 3rd in the Indian 1000 Guineas for the same connections.
ROTTERDAM :-Was a winner on debut over 6 furlongs in spite of being weak in the market. She looked in trouble at the top of the straight that day but the further the race progressed the better she travelled and she should relish the extra furlong. Dallas Todywalla has some very good juveniles this season and with Colm O’ Donoghue in the saddle, she should be a force to reckon with.
TUTANKHAMUN :-Comes from Bangalore with a formidable reputation having won his maiden over 7 furlongs in great style clocking a good time in the process. The form of that race has not really worked out but he is sure to improve and has to be respected with SurajNarredu on board.
TIMELESS :-Was an impressive debut winner over 6 furlongs, coming with a withering late run to catch Windsor Forest on the post. She seems to have maintained her form and fitness and is arguably working the best of this bunch. She too should relish the extra furlong and must be considered.
ZENON :-Looks the most promising of the maidens although he clearly needed the run on debut when finishing only 6th of the 7 runners. He warrants respect being from the Pesi Shroff yard, is working well and is sure to leave his last running well behind.
CONCLUSION :-Glyndebourne and Rotterdam should fight out this one with marginal preference to the former. Tutankhamun is also respected and could upset the pair
Race No. 5 :- The Dentzz Million – Class 5 – 1200M
FOREST FIRE :-Is a well bred and twice raced individual from the Ramaswamy yard. He clearly was in need of the run last time out and should strip much fitter and must improve on just his 3rdcareer start. Interestingly P.S. Chouhan does not take the ride on this one but he is running in the lowest grade and has to be respected.
KING OF KILLEN :-Is a 7 race maiden who has finished 4th on both starts this term and he too has been eased in Grade and dropped into the lowest class. He should be fit enough now and with SurajNarredu taking over in the saddle, is another with an excellent chance to score.
TOUGH ENOUGH :-Is having his first run of the current campaign but gave signs on his last couple of starts that is turn was not too far away. He has been working quite well of late and is another who must be considered in what looks an extremely competitive affair.
MULTISTAR :- Has had 5 runs till date and has been unplaced on every occasion but there was some money for him last time out in this grade and P. Trevor now taking over is encouraging. He is an unknown quantity but could strike if showing further progress.
ZION :- is a 12 race maiden who has been running consistently well over sprints but has not yet managed to get his head in front yet. He looks more exposed than some of these but should run well and can add some spice to the finish.
RICARDUS :-Like his stable companion he is nicely bred and has done nothing on the track as yet but did run suggestively last time out over 5 furlongs. He has been working very well of late and could just be running into some form.
CONCLUSION :-An extremely competitive affair with several looking to have a chance and impossible to nominate any one particular runner here. Forest Fire is just a tentative choice.
Race No. 6 :- The Attila Million – Class 1 and 2 – 1200M.
DENNY CRANE :- He looks a typical progressive improver from the Shroff yard who has won 4 of his 7 starts including 4 of the last 5 and is unbeaten this season and bidding for a hatrick of wins. He has gone up significantly in the weights but won both his races in good style from pillar to post and looks in the pink of condition and hard to oppose.
CATALEYA :-Would appear to be the most obvious danger, truly versatile having won over 5 furlongs and a mile as well. She took the drop back to sprinting well when scoring with aplomb last time out and is another who seems to be progressing nicely and will try hard to repeat.
CHAMPAGNE :-Has really come into her own this year, having won 5 of her last 6 starts over distances ranging from 5 furlongs to 7. She won convincingly over 5 furlongs on her only run this season, is very much on the upgrade and must be respected although she returns from a 2 month absence.
RULE DOWNUNDER :-Has ability but is an inconsistent performer but has dropped down in the weights to a much more workable mark. His 2nd to Renee over 1400M indicated that he was finding some form and he could be a danger to all if in a galloping mood but is not totally reliable.
THE CHAMP :-After rattling off 5 wins in a row, he seems to have been in the handicapper’s grip this season and has finished a modest 3rd the last twice. He needs to pull out some improvement to get back to winning ways and looks a place prospect at best today.
CONCLUSION :-Denny Crane is fancied to go on improving and complete a hatrick with Cataleyalooking a very real danger.
Race No. 7 :- The Kingfisher Ultra Showdown @ Sundown Stakes – Class 4 – 4 years old only – 1400M.
SIGNOR :- Had a nice educative run on debut when finishing on to be 3rd to Spiridon over this trip and is sure to improve a bundle for that run. He has been working very well of late and looks likely to leave that running well behind. He is a scopey and unexposed individual and looks a strong contender to score now.
NEW ENGLAND :- Has a similar profile but has raced 3 times till date and looked ready to strike when finishing a flying late 2nd to Beneficial over 1000M with a feeble rider on board. Switch to positive jockey booking and step up in trip are both significant positives, he is working very well and looks to have an excellent chance to score as well.
PETRONIUS :-Is the 3rd unexposed and potential improver from a leading yard who also merits consideration. He looked very well on debut catching the eye in the pre parade ring and was not given a hard race when finishing just outside the frame. Although Kookaburra and VoulezVous both finished ahead of them that day he looks sure to reverse the placings and must not be left out of calculations.
GLORIANA :-Given an easy educative run earlier in the season and is likely to improve for that and strip fitter. She too looks likely to relish the step up in trip, has a nice pedigree and is likely to run much better today with P.S. Chouhan in the saddle.
DOLPHIN :-Raced 3 times till date, finishing 2nd on debut and a close 3rd to Lady In Red last time out. Seems to be progressing nicely with her races and now steps up an additional furlong. She is working well and looks likely to figure in the finish
KODIAK QUEEN :-Began her career in bright fashion when scoring over 6 furlongs on debut but has not really gone on from there with a couple of 3rd place finishes and one unplaced effort so far this season. Needs to bounce back quickly now but taking on some unexposed types and looks more likely to place again.
SAFDAR :-Definitely given a chance on his best form like his penultimate start when he went down narrowly to subsequent winner Miss Saigon but he flopped next time out and does not appear totally straightforward. Entrusted to inexperienced apprentice today and that does not augur well in this big field. Can upset.
CONCLUSION :-Highly competitive as are most of the races on the card with the winner likely to emerge from the unexposed trio of Signor, New England and Petronius
Race No. 8 :- The Crow Gaming Million – Class IV – 1000M
CYCLONE :-Has a nice sprinting pedigree and has run well in each of his 5 starts, gaining an overdue maiden success over course and distance with 3 subsequent winners in behind. Has not raced for over 2 months which is a concern as is his wide draw at 15 but Sandesh declared to ride and recent work suggests he has not lost his form. Makes the short list in very competitive finale.
GREY FLANNEL :-She has always been highly regarded by her Trainer and just seems to be coming into her own, winning stylishly over 6 furlongs on her last start. She should have the speed to cope with this drop in trip and has a nice draw in stall No. 2. C. Alford takes the ride and she has an excellent chance to repeat.
ROCK IN RIO :-Has just a solitary success to his name in 14 starts but has done well on a number of occasions and was a close 5th in a bunched finish last time out in the higher class. Finished behind Baryshnikov last time out and looks a shade vulnerable under top weight.
BARYSHNIKOV :-Back to back winner towards the end of last Mumbai season and looked on the way back to that form when finishing a good 2nd to subsequent winner Mt. Tianmen last time out. Has been working very well of late and looks to have an excellent chance to get back to winning form.
CAPTAIN :-Is still a maiden after 6 runs although he did win a race before being disqualified subsequently. Last ran almost 2 months ago when finishing a good 2nd to Charming ahead of Pollyanna and Highland Princess. Has come along steadily since then and has the speed to be able to have a say in this large field.
POET’S SONG :- Showed a lot of speed in Pune and relished the short straight winning well after running a good 2nd on debut both over 5 furlongs. Had a lung opener early in the season where he finished midfield and he has not raced since. Kishore Kadam declared so connections may be trying something new but he clearly has ability and should not be ignored.
ZINFANDELLE :-She has raced thrice till date over 6 and 7 furlongs and has generally been disappointing so far so interesting that she now drops down in trip to the minimum and NeerajRawal takes over. Still early days so has scope to improve and she could spring a surprise over this much shorter trip. Looks a dark horse.
POLLYANNA :-was a runaway winner of her maiden way back in September under this rider but has performed just modestly in two starts this term. Possible that she goes well with Merchant who takes the ride again today and could be a lively outsider.
BENEFICIAL :- Has been making steady progress with every run although he made hard work of justifying favouritism last time out on handicap debut and was very uneasy in the market. Possible that he is still progressing and with Trevor up, should try hard to repeat.
CONCLUSION :-A very tricky looking finale with a large field of 19. Cyclone has the credentials but has a wide draw while Grey Flannel seems to be coming to hand and is in good form. Baryshnikov looks the best among the older horses and both Poet’s Song and Zinfandelleare capable of surprising.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
