FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR THURSDAY, 16TH MARCH 2017 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 15 Mar 2017
FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR THURSDAY, 16TH MARCH 2017
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 – The Astral Flash Plate – Class 3 – 1400M
CHIZZLER :- Is a well bred 4 year old from the MaleshNarredu yard who began racing barely a month ago but is unbeaten in 2 starts and bidding for a hatrick. He pulled off a shrewd gamble on debut, proving different league to his rivals and then followed it up with an impressive Class III win on just his 2nd start with same rider up, clocking an excellent time of 1.23.15. He looks to be going the right way at present and with Sandesh up again, is a strong fancy to complete a quick hatrick of wins and maintain his unbeaten record. He is worse off at the weights with Dancing Lord and Sawgrass but is expected to improve past them and should be hard to beat
SAWGRASS :- The 5 year old mare from BezanChenoy’s yard has 2 wins to her name from 13 starts and although the last of those wins came last January, she has been running some notable races in defeat and acquitting herself well. She finished 2nd to Dancing Lord a couple of starts ago and has ¾ length to find with him on that running but gave an improved display when a close 2nd to Carbonara last time out and comes out much better than Chizzler on a line through Miss Saigon. C.S. Jodha takes over in the saddle and she looks a strong threat
DANCING LORD :- The 5 year old has shown good improvement since joining Shazaan Shah’s string and gained a hard fought victory over Sawgrass on his penultimate start. He was no match for Chizzler last time out but is weighted to gain revenge and with Trevor in the saddle, should make a bold bid to earn another bracket. He has maintained his form and fitness and should run well although Chizzler may improve past him.
BOUNTY QUEEN :-She is a lightly raced and progressive 4 year old who has almost a 50% strike rate from 7 starts till date although she has to bounce back from a modest performance last time where she ended 10th but only 5 lengths behind Sawgrass. She looked progressive before that, winning her previous 2 starts quite convincingly and looks capable of bouncing back so should not be ignored and theoretically does have a chance on the handicap.
CONCLUSION :-In spite of being out on the scale, Chizzleris expected to show further improvement and is confidently fancied to maintain his unbeaten record. Sawgrass, Dancing Lord and Bounty Queen all look closely matched on the handicap and are all potential dangers with nothing much to choose between the trio
Race No. 2 :- The Madras Race Club Trophy (Div.II) – Terms, Maidens 3 Years Old Only – 1200M
SHAMWARI :- Was given a nice educative run over 5 furlongs on debut and was not given a hard time when finishing an easy 3rd behind Oracle with her rider giving her a nice education. She is sure to improve for that run and strip fitter and subsequent work shows that she has improved. The extra furlong will be in her favour and Kramer has won since giving substance to the form. She looks in good nick and is strongly fancied. She looks the part on paper too with Excellent Art proving to be a fine juvenile sire and Rosalind the dam performing creditably in her short career for the same connections.
OPTIMUM :- Made his debut a week after Shamwari, finishing 4th to Benefactor over this trip and is also expected to improve appreciably for that run. His subsequent track work shows that he has improved for that run and although he finished well behind that day, he should leave that running well behind with the in form Sandesh astride. Optimum is a full brother to Acker Bilk and a half brother to Oscillation, both of whom raced in the same colours but are currently racing in the lowest class and have just 1 win between them in multiple starts so the family does not inspire confidence.
TURNING POINT :- Is a debutant from the S.K. Sunderji yard who’s juveniles have been firing on all cylinders this season and she seems to be working the best of this bunch and has been solidly prepared to be fit enough on debut. She has been showing out very well in the morning gallops and P.Trevor is a most encouraging jockey booking. Turning Point is a half sister to the Class I sprinter Brahmachari who won here just last week as also Adeline who has performed well in her limited career so far, winning 2 races till date. Turning Point clearly looks a nice sort on paper and could be classy enough to make a winning debut.
LORD COMMANDER :- This half brother to Ice Angel made his debut back in January where he made late headway to chase home the much fitter and more experienced God’s Own in a race in which several runners were withdrawn due to a freak injury at the gates. He has been brought along steadily since that run and is sure to have strengthened up appreciably and should relish the extra furlong. C.S. Jodha takes the ride and he should complete the short list here although he needs to improve on the bare form.
BABY FACE :- Once raced from the MagansinghJodha yard, he finished 5th over 7 furlongs on debut well behind Caprisca but his track work after the run shows that he has learnt from that experience and improved. He needs to make further progress before he can be considered for win purposes but is expected to do much better and can run into a place. On the pedigree side, he is a full brother to Serene who was winless in 8 starts in Western India so does not inspire confidence on that score.
MANZANITA :- Makes her debut from the Sanjay Kolse yard and also looks a decent sort on paper with the full brother Speed Demon a winner of 3 races over sprints albeit it Delhi. Manzanita looks a little short on preparatory work and will probably be in need of this lung opener but Dashrath Singh has been booked for the ride and she has bagged the plum No. 1 draw so she is worth keeping an eye on and should build on whatever she does today.
CONCLUSION :- Shamwaribeing from the Vishal Gaikwad yard is expected to have learnt plenty from her debut run and appears to have the strongest form in this field. She is taken to win although the debutant Turning Point could be classy enough to make a winning debut and faces up as a live danger. Optimum with Sandesh up should also not be ignored and is considered a threat
Race No. 3 :- The Madras Race Club Trophy – Div. I – Terms, Maidens 3 Years Old Only – 1200M
GENTILLESSE :- A full sister to one time 1000 Guineas hopeful Confiance, she was heavily fancied over 1000M on debut back in January but till looked green and inexperienced and could only run on late to be 3rd to Juggernaut with that form appearing quite debatable at present. However, she is expected to make the normal progression from 1st run to 2nd and has been given 2 months to improve and strengthen. There is no track work on record which is a concern and a paddock check is recommended to ascertain her fitness but she has the best of the limited form on offer, the benefitofprior experience and NeerajRawal booked to ride, all of which are positives. If fit and ready, she looks a leading contender
KOTOR :- Makes his debut from the Dallas Todywalla yard who usually have their youngsters fit enough to win first time out although he looks like he could have done with some more prep work before his intended debut. His few workouts have been quite impressive and Sandesh has been booked for the ride which is a big plus. He appeals on the pedigree front as well as his full sister Magical Spell was a top filly in Hyderabad winning 8 races and placing 2nd 7 times in 26 starts. Kotor looks a nice sort on paper and is expected to make a good debut
LOIRE :- Made her debut in the same race as Shamwari finishing a few places behind so it will be interesting how Shamwari runs in the other division. She too looks to have improved on her debut effort and Dashrath Singh takes over from Kishore Kadam which is a positive indicator. Leit Motif produced the champion 7 furlong colt Beyond Belief and other useful types like Saltoro, Belgrade Belle and Double Diamond. Hence, the pedigree line looks useful as well and she is another who merits strong each way consideration
SERENO :- Twice raced from the S.K. Sunderji yard, Sereno has finished in mid field in both runs over sprint trips. His track work has been modest so far and he needs to show significant improvement on the track to be able to have a say. P. Trevor retains the ride which is always a plus and on the pedigree front, he is a half brother to the speedy Serenita so if he has been able to inherit some of that speed then he could be involved and run into a place
ARTUS :- Has had just a couple of workouts and looks short on fitness but catches the eye on pedigree. She is by China Visit out of Altimara who was a terrific race mare in the mid 90s and she has already produced Adulation who finished 3rd in the Bangalore Oaks, Adalicia who has 3 wins to her name from 9 starts in Kolkotta and the mighty Multi Classic winner Xisca is a half sister to Artus. The family looks the type which will come into its own over distance trips later on but she is fashionably bred and worthy of consideration with N.S. Parmar riding well this term
DAUGHTER OF THE SUN :- She is a got abroad debutant from the MaleshNarredu yard who has been working reasonably well and looks a nice sort on paper. She too looks a little under prepared for her debut and should come on appreciably for this run but is worthy of consideration and is capable of being involved with J. Chinoy up
CONCLUSION :- Gentillesselooks the best of those who have had a run but the lack of work is a bit worrisome. Kotor looks the fittest of the debutants and would be a danger along with Loire who is sure to improve as well. Both Artus and Daughter of the Sun look to have nice pedigree and could prove too classy
Race No. 4 :- The Running Star Plate – Div. II – Class 4 – 1200M
SHALOM :- This got abroad 4 year old filly is making a belated racing debut and is presumably coming back from a setback but she looks the class act in this field and comes from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard. She is entitled to need this debut run but begins her career off a very modest mark in Class IV and could prove to be too strong for her rivals. NeerajRawal is up in the saddle and although a paddock check is recommended, she could be too classy for this lot
SLAM DUNK :-The 4 year old colt from Hormuz Antia’s yard is still a maiden after 10 starts but has been running some promising races the last few times and the connections persist with Hanumant Singh. He was a late finishing 3rd to Chizzler over 7 furlongs last time out but ran a close 4th over this trip on his penultimate start, finishing 2 ½ lengths behind Dhishoom. He should be plenty fit enough and looks capable of going one or two better here
KNIGHT’S QUEST :- Has been progressing well with his racing this season and gained a deserving maiden success last time out in the lower class, coming with a strong late run to wear down Samurai and win quite comfortably. He carries the statutory 6 kilo penalty and N.S. Parmar retains the ride. Knight’s Quest seems to be progressing with every run and it would not be a surprise if he were to provide a quick encore
BENEFICIAL :- Is another who has been making good strides in handicaps this season, scoring with authority over 1000M on his penultimate start in this class where he beat New England and Romantic Warrior. He finished up 9th next time out but was only 2 lengths behind the winner and looks likely to appreciate more galloping ground. He seems to have maintained form and fitness and P. Trevor is up although he has been drawn widest at 13 which is a disadvantage
ICE ANGEL :-The 4 year old mare from BezanChenoy’s yard has had just 6 starts till date so she has scope to improve further and has been working quite well of late. She nearly managed to shed her maiden tag over this trip on her penultimate start when she was poorly ridden and finished just ¾ length behind Sporto and appeared not to stay over a mile last time out so the return to this trip is logical. C. S. Jodha takes the ride now and she looks to have a very good chance
CONCLUSION :-Shalom is fancied to make a winning debut in spite of making her racing debut at age 4 as she looks the part on paper. Slam Dunk looks interesting and can strike very soon while Knight’s Quest too looks progressive and has an excellent chance to repeat
Race No. 5 :- The KailashpatSinghania Trophy _- Class 2 – 1200M
ALISHA’S PET :-The 5 year old mare from Altaf Hussain’s yard has been raced sparingly till date and has a good overall record. After a lung opener this season where she finished a close 5th behind Ancient Glory and Allora, she scored over course and distance in the lower class and then ran a cracker to be a half length 2nd to Lucas in this class where she finished just in front of Ancient Glory. She seems to have maintained her form and fitness and looks to have a strong chance to win again with C.S. Jodha now taking over.
ALLORA :- Has raced 4 times till date this season, thrice over 1200M and the last time over 1000 and her form figures read 2 1 1 2. She won both starts over 6 furlongs previously, edging out Ancient Glory on the first occasion and was not given the greatest of rides when 2nd to vastly improved Abbey last time out. She is closely matched on the scale with Ancient Glory and Alisha’s Pet and stepping back upto 6 furlongs, she looks to be a leading contender
ANCIENT GLORY :- Bounced back to form in no uncertain Terms this season, being nosed out by Allora on reappearance where he probably lost out on feeble handling and then gave weight and a beating to Franz Ferdinand. He was a short head behind Alisha’s Pet last time out and is now slightly better off at the weights. He looks in top form as well and merits serious consideration
GOVERNOR GENERAL :-Returned this season after a long lay off and clearly looked rusty when failing to justify favouritism on his reappearance. He was pitted over an inadequate 5 furlongs next time out when finishing a respectable 3rd behind Cataleya. He should be fitter after those 2 runs, this trip looks more suitable but he needs to progress further if he is to have a say.
INCENTIO :-The 8 year old showed he still has zest for racing when scoring over 1000M in the lower class in January and has been running respectably off this mark since then. He looks up against it with these younger and in form horses but can finish on late and run into a place. He looks a lively outsider
CONCLUSION :-A very tight finish is expected between Alisha’s Pet, Allora and Ancient Glory with whoever has the luck of the race and improves the most emerging triumphant but practically nothing to choose between the trio
Race No. 6 :- The Ibrahim A Rahimtoola Trophy – Class 3 – 1000M
CYCLONE :-The 4 year old gelding from Sanjay Kolse’s yard has really come into his own this season and comes into this contest in rousing form. He has yet to be out of the first 3 in 7 career starts and is unlucky not to be unbeaten this season. He has won twice over 1000M already this season and finished a bottling close 3rd on the other occasion when he was undone by the wide draw, had to travel wide throughout and got going too late to be pipped by less than a neck. His last win was achieved in a cracking time of 0.58.49, NeerajRawal takes the ride and he looks a very strong fancy to repeat
LADY DANEHILL :- This half sister to juvenile Champion Ruffina is all about speed and has been competing well without winning off her current mark and in similar sort of contests this term. She has finished midfield in her last couple of runs, behind Cyclone and Queen Credible last time out but was not too far away and Trevor takes over for the first time this season. She has been working extremely well of late and can easily bounce back and win something like this
QUEEN CREDIBLE :-Quirky filly with plenty of ability but she needs things to fall just right for her and is best when delivered late from off a strong pace. Her style of racing suggests that she would appreciate more galloping ground but her best runs and both her wins have come over this trip. She has been out of form in her last couple of runs but talented apprentice takes a valuable 3 ½ kilos off and she can be danger to all if the gaps appear at the right time
ALPINE EXPRESS :-Is all about speed when on song and both of her victories have been pillar to post as she likes to dominate from the front. She has been handed a kind draw in 3, she is receiving weight all around and has the in form and forceful Sandesh to guide her so, after having had a trial run in this grade with a 5 kilo apprentice, she can score again from end to end and must be respected
FREE SPEECH :-The speedy 6 year old has been running well in his age group but has to concede weight all around to some talented and upcoming sprinters and looks up against it in this race. He did finish a good 2nd last time out and is in form but looks more of a place prospect on these terms and winning looks very tough
ROCK N RIO :-Has run some very respectable races in similar contests and his form figures of just 1 win from 16 starts do not quite do him justice. He ran a very respectable 5th a couple of starts ago just behind Arabelle and Free Speech and although stepping up in class without a win, looks a good outsider with Dashrath Singh booked to ride
CONCLUSION :-Cyclone looks likely to repeat if he can repeat his brilliant last performance and has a much better draw in 2 today. Lady Danehillseems to have found her form and with Trevor up, looks a big danger. Alpine Express will try to steal the race from the front while Queen Credible will be held up and pounce late
Race No. 7 :- The Running Star Plate – Div. 1 – Class 4 – 1200M
PACIFIC DUNES :- After a string of prominent efforts over longer trips, Pacific Dunes was dropped to the minimum trip and benefitted from a hold up ride to shed his maiden tag quite convincingly easily beating What A Nice Girl in the lower class. He has a 5 ½ kilo penalty for that win which is further reduced by Santosh G’s claim and he looks to have an excellent chance to repeat if he is ridden in the same manner.
NEW ENGLAND :- The 4 year old from ImtiazSait’s yard showed that he was ready to strike when finishing a flying late 2nd over 1000M with a feeble rider up. He was strongly fancied the next twice over 1400M and after flopping inexplicably on his penultimate run, he gave a better effort when picking up late to be 2nd to Trombone last time out. He is likely to be suited by the drop in trip and C.S. Jodha retains the ride. He is working well and looks to have a great chance to make amends
ANGEL GIRL :- She has just 1 win to her name from 9 starts but was touted as a 1000 Guineas contender and has now returned to handicaps after Classic aspirations were put paid to. She ran a decent 2nd to Makino last time out but may find things happening too quickly over this shorter trip and in spite of Trevor in the saddle, may find weight a stopper and looks more of a place prospect
AURODEN :-Had 2 runs in maidens in Pune, finishing 5th over 1000M last time out and is returning after a lengthy absence but has been solidly prepared. He may just need this after the long lay off but has been given plenty of prep work and Sandesh being booked suggests that connections fancy their chances. He is an unknown quantity who could be better than he has shown and could spring a surprise
FLAG FLYING :- Landed a smart gamble over 1400M in the lower class where she cocked a snook at the handicapper to win as she pleased and inexperienced apprentice probably did not handle her sufficiently well when taking on a tough Class 3 field and although she finished 6th, she was just 1 ¾ lengths behind the winner. She has been working very well since that run and may appreciate the shorter trip with the more experienced Raghuveer Singh in the saddle as this is just her 5th start
ORLA :-Has been running remarkably consistently over sprints for some time now and was rewarded with a battling win last time out over 1000M. She is effective over this additional furlong as well and although the opposition looks tougher today, she is in top form and should not be ignored
CONCLUSION :-A tough and scrappy contest with several seeming to have chances and New England taken as a tentative selection to prevail from Flag Flying and Pacific Dunes
Race No. 8 :- The P.A. d’ Avoine Trophy – Class 4 , 5 Years Old & Over – 1400M
SAMURAI :- The 6 year old from M.K. Jadhav’s yard is still a maiden but has gone agonizingly close on a number of occasions previously and is sure to win one of these contests soon if not today. Barring his last effort, he has finished 2nd on 4 consecutive occasions and even though 8th last time, he was a mere 2 lengths behind the winner. N.S. Parmar is up today after a string of apprentice riders and from the foot of the weights, he is likely to make a bold bid and is given a strong chance to score finally
HUNTING PLEASURE :-Had dropped to a very useful mark in the weights and missed out by a whisker over this trip on reappearance when pipped on the post by Angel of Love. He then finished 4th over a sharp 6 furlongs before chasing home Glorious Eyes last time out over this trip. He seems to have maintained his form and fitness and with Trevor retaining the ride, he looks a strong fancy to go one better
ELSA :- Transferred to Subhag Singh’s yard this season and was upped to 1600M the last thrice, showing enough stamina to last out and score a shock win from end to end on her last start at odds of 30/1. The drop in trip should suit her, she looks in good form and is quite capable of providing an encore if allowed an easy lead up front
SIMONA :- This well bred 5 year old has failed to display her true potential on a number of occasions but showed good resilience to hold off subsequent winner Knight’s Quest last time out, to score her 2nd career win and her first over this trip. She has a 5 kilo penalty to contend with which looks reasonable and if turning up in the same mood, she looks capable of repeating
AEOLUS MAXIMUS :-Has been knocking at the door for ages now particularly over this trip but is still hunting for that elusive first victory on his 35th career start which is quite astounding. He finished 3rd to Trombone last time out and is likely to be on the premises again today but a leap of faith is required to catch him on the right day for win purposes
RASHUN :- The 7 year old top weight has been running some game races off this mark and was desperately unlucky not to score a couple of starts ago when literally nosed out on the line by June. C.S. Jodha takes over in the saddle from P.S. Chouhan and he must be respected
ROYAL CLASSIC :-Has been making the frame in similar contests all through the season, finishing 4th in each of his last 3 starts and has the in formNeerajRawal booked today. He is more exposed than most of these so has less scope to improve but in this competitive finale, he looks to have an each way chance
CONCLUSION :-Samurai can finally overcome his string of 2nd place finishes and shed his maiden tag with a strong rider up for the first time in ages. Elsa looks very dangerous if allowed her own way up front while Hunting Pleasure is in good form and is respected along with the well bredSimona
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
