FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SATURDAY, 1ST APRIL 2017- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 31 Mar 2017
FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SATURDAY, 1ST APRIL 2017-
By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The P.B. Avasia Plate – Class II – 1600M
MULTIGLORY :- This 5 year old gelding from S.K.Sunderji’s yard has 4 wins to his name from 16 starts till date and has been relatively consistent throughout but has been in prime form this season with 2 wins and 2 seconds from 4 starts. He is bidding for a hatrick after a fluent success over Eternal Sunshine and Mekong Delta last time out but has 3 ½ lengths to find with Pugnacious on the handicap. He looks in fine fettle at present and may be able to improve enough to complete the hatrick with Dashrath Singh aboard.
PUGNACIOUS :- The 4 year old trained by C.D. Katrak really came into his own from August and has been performing quite creditably since then with 3 wins to his name overall from 10 starts. He began the season with a smart win over this trip but then ran inexplicably poorly when 4th to owner mate Frivolous over 2000M where he had Multiglory over 10 lengths ahead of him. He has been slowly working his way back into form since then, placing twice over this trip and unlucky not to win last time out when feebly handled. He is 3 ½ kilos better than Multiglory on a most recent line through Mekong Delta and looks set to get back to winning ways.
JEANNINE :- Although 5 years old, the grey mare has raced the least of this trio but has an excellent record of 3 wins from 8 starts and finished 3rd in the Indian 1000 Guineas last year. She was off the track for 6 months after finishing down the field in the Oaks and returned only in August to run 3rd in a mile where she finished a short neck in front of Multiglory conceding 4 kilos. She then won fluently over a mile in October but was off the track again until February where she finished 4th to St. Andrews. She should have stripped fitter today and likes to front run so should be able to control the gallop in this small field and can bounce back if running upto her best.
CONCLUSION :- A small field but looks very competitive with any one of the 3 capable of winning on their day. It may be worth chancing the speedy and sparingly raced Jeannine who may be the longest priced of the trio and scored after having a lung opener in Pune. On current form, Pugnacious should get the better of Multiglory
Race No. 2 :- The Mathradas Goculdas Trophy – Class I – 1400M
ST. ANDREWS :- The 4 year old from BezanChenoy’s yard was very highly rated and after making a fine return to run 3rd in the Indian 2000 Guineas and 2nd in the Ruia to Serjeant At Arms, he was a facile winner in a Class II handicap over this trip last time out. He should continue to improve and looks outstanding in this small field with C.S. Jodha up.
SUPER SUNSHINE :- This 5 year old colt by Holy Roman Emperor races mainly in Bangalore but had travelled to Mumbai last season to try his hand at the S.C. Jain Sprinters Championship in which he finished 5th. He has won over this trip in Bangalore and although his last couple of runs there have been disappointing, he had a Mock Race to freshen him up and his last couple of workouts have been good. He is returning after a 3 month break but looks a danger if back to his best.
REMEMBER ME :- Is now 7 years of age and appears to be past his prime with his last win coming back in August 2015. He has been running in small fields and accumulating stake money although he does not help his chances by being sluggish at the gates. He looks up against it with the younger horses and in all likelihood will finish 3rd.
CONCLUSION :- This looks an easy opportunity for St. Andrews to continue his progression and he looks a good bet with only Super Sunshine possibly being able to stretch him a bit
Race No. 3 :- The V.R.Menon Plate – Class V – 2000M
FOREST FIRE :- The 4 year old gelding trained by Karthik G has raced 5 times till date finishing 4th over 1200M when dropped into this grade for the first time last time out, being hard ridden throughout and staying on late in the day to be 4th to Tough Enough. He looked in need of more galloping ground that day so it is no surprise that he is stepped up to 2000M and he has a good rider on for the first time in the shape of A. Sandesh. He has been working well of late and looks a strong contender to score with improvement expected over this longer trip. He catches the eye on pedigree as well, being a half brother to Astapi who was a top performer over longer distances.
GOLD STREAK :- The 6 year old mare from Mansoor Shah’s yard is still winless after 20 attempts although she has gone close on a couple of occasions. She has slipped considerably in the scales with a string of poor performances but hinted that she was finding some form when finishing 4th to Kiss From A Rose over 1400M last time out. She is a half sister to Versaki who won the Pune Derby so she should stay this far and running at a feather weight, she could be a danger to all.
STAR SCHOLAR :- The 4 year old from Dallas Todywalla’s yard is also a maiden after 14 starts having been tried over a variety of trips. Stepped upto 2400M last time out in a very weak field he led into the straight and ended up a close 3rd. Drop to this trip should suit him and P. Trevor takes the ride so he does merit consideration but looks quite exposed as well.
WINDHOEK :-The 4 year old filly trained by Sanjay Kolse has been running over these sort of trips for some time now without showing much improvement. She did finish a fair 3rd over this trip and in this grade on her penultimate start and if running upto that level, she can be involved and deserves each way consideration.
CONCLUSION :-Another very weak looking Class V contest. Forest Fire is the only one who has scope to improve, being less exposed, having a nice pedigree and stepping upto this trip for the first time. In case he fails to fire, Gold Streak or Star Scholar may take advantage of the opportunity
Race No. 4 :- The Captain G. Hall Trophy – Class IV& V – 1600M
DEMOCRAT :- The 4 year old got abroad gelding from M.K. Jadhav’s stable looks a very interesting runner here. He began racing only in October last year and last time out scored a shock pillar to post win over 1000M which looked on the sharp side for him, clocking a fast time in the process. This step up to mile looks more suitable for him and he is open to any amount of improvement. He looked well last time, has been working well and if taking to the longer trip, he stands a very good chance to repeat with C.S. Jodha taking over from N.S. Parmar.
KISS FROM A ROSE :- Looks another progressive 4 year old and S. Waheed has been hitting a purple patch with his small string at present. She has run 8 times till date but hit form only in her last 3 starts and gained a deserved maiden success last time out when holding off Firenze and Allegria to score over 1400M. She is turned out again quickly under just a statutory penalty and should be given a strong chance to score.
RESPECT :- The 4 year old gelding is a full brother to Multiglory and has been fancied on a number of occasions over varying trips but his first success still eludes him and he is becoming frustrating to follow. His last 3 runs were over 2400M, the last two being disappointing and this drop in trip appears more suitable. He returns from a month off and could go well fresh so should be considered with Dashrath Singh now taking the ride although the percentage call is to oppose.
DROGO :- Another maiden 4 year old, this one from ImtiazSait’s yard who has placed 4 times in 7 starts till date. He finished a distant 3rd to Lucas on his seasonal debut back in November and then did not race again till 3 weeks ago where he was strongly fancied over a mile but made no show finishing 7th well behind Pretty Angel and Sweep Aside. He may have needed the run after the long break, should be fitter today and merits each way consideration although he too has something to prove.
PRETTY ANGEL :- Another exposed looking 4 year old who is having her 15th start today and still searching for her first win. However, her last run was promising where she finished up 2nd to Nelsons Blood over a mile and if she can build on that effort then she could be involved with A. Sandesh now booked to ride.
EIGER’S TIGER :- The 4 year old gelding from Narendra Lagad’s yard appears to be in the handicapper’s grip at present and has been unable to build on his maiden victory over 1800 M back in September, that being his only win in 15 starts although he has been making the frame on a number of occasions. He finished 4th to Sussex Pride over 2000M last time out with A. Sandesh up so even though Neeraj Rawal is a positive booking, it looks tough for him to concede weight all around and he may need some respite before he can win again.
CARNIVAL :- This 4 year old half sister to Midnight Dancer warrants respect being from the powerful Pesi Shroff stable and is having her 2nd start, having finished way down the field over 7 furlongs on debut back on March 1st. She is expected to improve significantly for that run and P. Trevor takes over from Akshay now but she looks like she will need a few more runs before she comes to hand. Midnight Dancer excelled over longer distances and possibly she too will step up to longer trips as she matures. Dark horse.
CONCLUSION :- This again looks a very competitive and open affair with Democrat just a tentative choice in the hope that he will improve significantly for the step up to this trip and seems to be going the right way. Kiss From A Rose has to be respected as well while Respect and Drogo can also be involved if showing improvement
Race No. 5:- The Nanoli Stud Juvenile Stakes – Terms, 3 Years Old Only – 1400M
DAFFODIL :- This 3 year old from Pesi Shroff’s yard has an impeccable pedigree by China Visit and is the first foal of the brilliant Hills and Stars who was a runaway winner of the Pune Derby and a high class stayer. Both her runs till date have been over this trip, finishing 5th to Windsor Forest on debut back in February when she was not fully wound up and out for an airing. She then travelled to Bangalore to contest The Kunigal Stud Million where she was seen making good late headway to run on late and finish up 4th. She is likely to improve further and now looks to have an excellent chance to succeed although she is likely to do better over further in the long run.
FOREST FAIRY :- Is another 3 year old with a beautiful pedigree by Arazan out of Forest Fantasy whose line has already done impressively producing the likes of Ruben Star, Spectacular Quest, and Flashing Chieftain to name just a few. She ran impressively on debut when looking soft but picking up in good style to finish 2nd to Benefactor and is sure to have learnt from that experience and stripped fitter. She has been kept fresh since her run and looks a leading contender.
DAUGHTEROFTHESUN :- Is a got abroad from the MaleshNarredu stable who also appears to have a nice pedigree and was given a nice educative run a couple of weeks ago, finishing on leisurely to be 4th to Gentillesse over 6 furlongs. She too should have improved considerably for that run, is likely to relish the extra furlong and must be seriously considered if the race is not coming too soon which is a slight concern.
TEXAS GOLD :- Trained by HosidarDaji, he has raced 4 times and is the only winner in this field, having won decisively over 6 furlongs back in January. He carries a penalty for his victory and it looks tough for him to concede weight to these well bred and progressive fillies so although he looks to have maintained his condition, winning looks a big ask here.
CONCLUSION :- This looks to be mainly between the well bred fillies from the big yards and Daffodil, Forest Fairy and Daughterofthesunshould fight it out between them with a slight edge only to the Pesi Shroff ward
Race No. 6 :- The Rajcoomar Gujadhar Memorial Trophy – Class III – 1400M
CLASSICUS :- This 4 year old gelding from Zadmal Singh’s yard has been progressing nicely since his debut back in November and has since won 2 of his 3 subsequent starts. He easily accounted for Alien and Sensex over this trip last time out and although the penalty incurred will make life more difficult, he seems to be progressing nicely and could defy the handicapper and win again. He seems to have maintained his form and fitness and Trevor takes over for the first time.
COUNTRY MUSIC :- This 4 year old gelding from MaleshNarredu’s stable is a very interesting runner having returned back to Western India after a long stint in Delhi where he contested the 2000 Guineas and the Derby, finishing midfield on both occasions. In between he was a wide margin winner over 6 furlongs and if the travel has not taken too much out of him, he looks a live danger.
MAKINO :-Is from the stables of Adhiraj S Jodha and has won 2 of his 10 starts, one of those coming over 1400M this season where he beat Angel Girl and Celestial Light, both of whom are winners since. He ran a creditable 4th over a mile last time out where he was only 1 length behind the winner Vice Admiral and back down to this trip and with Sandesh taking the ride, he stands an excellent chance to return to winning ways.
SENSEX :- Scored an overdue maiden success over this trip on his seasonal reappearance showing a nice turn of foot to beat Aeolus Maximus and Alien and went very close to repeating on his penultimate start over a mile where he was being hailed as the winner before being shocked on the post by Volantis. He has to shrug off an indifferent last run where he was way behind Classicus but looks well placed on the scales and cannot be ignored.
BATMAN :- The 5 year oldfrom NiradKaranjawalla’s yard has 2 wins from 14 starts but needs to be hard ridden on every occasion and does not look totally straightforward. He finished a good 2nd to Streetjammer on his penultimate start where he beat both Vice Admiral and Volantis but then ran poorly next time out beating only one horse home. He can be considered but looks an outsider here and chances are he will find a couple too good.
CONCLUSION :- Classicusshould continue his progression and gain his 3rd career win and 2nd in a row with Country Music and Makino looking the main dangers
Race No. 7 :- The A. Geddis Plate – Class IV – 1200M
PACIFIC DUNES :- Has raced 6 times till date and after attempting longer trips and failing, he appeared to come into his own as a sprinter the last twice. He won his maiden decisively in the lower class over 5 furlongs and then did not appear to be too interested last time out over this trip, finishing on leisurely from the rear to be an unconcerned 4th behind New England. He appears to be progressing nicely and if kept in a more prominent position today, he stands an excellent chance to bounce back although drawn wide at 12.
GREY FLANNEL :- The 4 year old grey from Dallas Todywalla’s yard has come into her own this season and has been running very consistently over sprints. She scored a stylish maiden success over Naumee and Pristina in January and nearly followed up over 1000M in a large field when nosed out by Zinfandelle in a bunched finish. However, she could only manage 3rd off top weight in a similar contest last time out and there is a worry that the weight may prove to be a stopper. P. Trevor who rode her to victory is back in the saddle, she has a good draw and must be respected.
BE BOLD :- The 4 year old has just 1 win to his name from 9 starts but he has been mainly untried so that record is taken with a pinch of salt. His win came over 5 furlongs back in January where he easily accounted for Highland Princess in the lower class and his next run may have been a test run in this class where he finished up 6th to Irish Bailey. He is still relatively unexposed, can improve and could strike now with C.S. Jodha up.
PETRONIUS :- Began his racing career only in January but has already had 4 runs to date with his last effort being quite promising when finishing on late over 1000M to be a good 2nd to Democrat so it will be interesting to see how that rival runs earlier in the card. He is working well, merits each way consideration and is one to consider in what looks a highly competitive finale.
KNIGHT’S QUEST :- Has been slowly working his way into form this season and after gaining an overdue maiden success over this trip last time out, followed it up by finishing a close 4th to Slam Dunk in this class. Seems to be progressing the right way and is another who should come into consideration.
FABIO :- Won his maiden over 1000M on debut and after several runs over various other trips returned to it to finish an excellent close 2nd to Motherland last time out. Does not look completely reliable and has lacked consistency in 9 runs so far but if he can replicate that last effort, then he should be involved again.
CONCLUSION :- A tough and competitive finale with the winner expected to emerge from among Grey Flannel, Be Bold and Pacific Dunes
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
