FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SUNDAY, 16TH APRIL 2017

 

- By Cyrus Naterwalla

 

Race No. 1 :- The Bangalore Turf Club Trophy – Class I – 1200M

 

RULE DOWNUNDER :- This 6 year old gelding from S.K. Sunderji’s yard has been in the handicapper’s grip for some time now but has been placing on a number of occasions this season and looks to have found a good opportunity to gain a confidence boosting win. He is better placed on the scales with Paramour on their meeting over 7 furlongs earlier in the season and last time out, finished on late to be a close 4^th. His last couple of workouts indicate that he is fit and with Champion Jockey P. Trevor to guide him, he looks set to get back to winning ways.

 

PARAMOUR :- This 5 year old mare from M.K. Jadhav’s yard has been the epitome of consistency in her 10 race career and she is yet to finish out of the first three, winning on 3 occasions and finishing 2^nd as many as 5 times. She has done most of her racing and winning over 6 furlongs but has kept finding one too good this season. She is worse off with Rule Downunder on the scale so although she seems to have maintained her form and is working well, she will have to pull out some more improvement if she is to emerge victorious.

 

NASCAR :- She is a speedy 5 year old mare from Imtiaz Sait’s yard who is most effective over 1000M and will find her stamina stretched over this extra furlong. She did manage to finish 4^th over this trip a couple of starts ago but that was in the lower class and she has her work cut out for her against this opposition. She is also a bleeder which does not help matters and a place is the best that she can hope for today.

 

VALENTINO :- He is a 44 race veteran who returned to Mumbai last month after a successful stint in Kolkotta but he has been off colour in his last 3 runs. He finished some way behind Paramour a couple of starts ago and has to improve considerably to reverse that form. Dashrath Singh takes over for the first time since his return which is a plus but he is another who looks like he will be fighting for a minor berth.

 

CONCLUSION :- Rule Downunder appears to have found an excellent opportunity to gain a confidence boosting win and is expected to do so at the expense of the consistent Paramour.

 

Race No. 2 :- The Racing Journalists Trophy – Class III – 1800M

 

CELESTIAL LIGHT :- This grey 4 year from Imtiaz Sait’s yard has been something of a enigma this season, having run promisingly on 3 occasions without winning but she looked like she had improved significantly last time out when she was a facile winner over a mile easily beating Irises with Furious N Fast 3^rd that day. She has incurred a statutory 6 kilo penalty for that win but appears to have maintained her form and fitness as evidenced from her recent trackwork and with Trevor taking the ride again, she looks set to provide an encore over the extra furlong.

 

ETERNAL SUNSHINE :-This Rehanullah Khan trained 4 year old was thought to be a 1000 Guineas candidate at one time but she could only finish 9^th in that race and has been working her way back into form since. She finished 2^nd to Multiglory over a mile last time out but needs to pull out some more improvement if she is to go one better. She also does not help her chances by drifting out wide in the straight and has the services of S.A. Amit today who will take a valuable 2 ½ kilos off. She looks a strong contender but needs to correct her wayward tendancies.

 

FURIOUS N FAST :- Another 4 year old who has raced 5 times till date winning her maiden over 6 furlongs on debut and gradually being stepped up in trip since. She finished 3^rd behind Celestial Light over a mile last time out and is 1 ½ lengths worse off on the scale with that rival. However, it is encouraging that Neeraj Rawal takes over from the apprentice rider today and over the extra furlong, she does have a chance to reverse the placings.

 

FLYING DRAGON :- Is a 21 race veteran from the S.S. Shah yard who has been tried over a variety of trips but seems to have his best form over 2000M. He finished a faraway 2^nd to Star of Harmony over this trip last time out and unlike the 4 year olds, he appears to have less scope to improve and seems to be more exposed. He should run well with C.S. Jodha up but appears to be more of a place prospect.

 

EIGER’S TIGER :- Another 4 year old from Narendra Lagad’s stable who has raced as many as 9 times this season over distances ranging from a mile to a mile and a half but has not been able to add to his maiden success in Pune. He has not been showing much improvement but looks a good outsider and could turn up when least expected.

 

CONCLUSION :-Celestial Light looks set to score a quick encore with Furious N Fast looking a danger if she can find some improvement over this longer trip.

 

Race No. 3 :- The Dady Adenwalla Trophy – Div. 2 – Terms, Maidens 3 Years Old Only – 1200M

 

CAMBRIDGE :- This 3 year old from the Pesi Shroff yard made an eye catching and promising debut over this trip three weeks ago, finishing on strongly from the rear of the field to finish a good 2^nd to Kramer when not being fully wound up. He is sure to improve for that run and strip fitter and now looks a strong contender to shed his maiden tag with P. Trevor in the saddle. His brother Cronos is a winner of 2 races and performed with credit and he looks a nice sort himself and is expected to ru very well.

 

POLYNEICES :- Is a once raced gelding from Shazaan Shah’s yard who was well fancied on debut back in February but got the hang of things late in the day and finished on to be 4^th to Pokerface. He too should have learnt from the experience and has been working well of late. His half sister Polydences performed well over 6 and 7 furlongs as well and with A. Sandesh up today, he looks a big threat to all and it would be no surprise if he were to emerge victorious.

 

SERENO :- This chestnut gelding from S.K. Sunderji’s yard has raced thrice already, running his best race last time out over this trip when finishing on to be a close 3^rd to Gentillesse. He is more exposed than some of the fancied runners but did show some progression and if  finding some more improvement, he could go very close. Akshay Kumar takes over in the saddle and he merits each way consideration . Serenity was also the dam of the stable’s speedy Serenita but he does not appear to have that sort of speed just yet.

 

ACE TWO THREE :- is an interesting looking debutant from the Nosher Cama yard who has been showing out well in the morning trials and looks primed to run a big race on debut. She has had enough work to be fit and ready first time out and looks a nice sort on paper. Blackjack the mare from the same owner, was trained by Bezan Chenoy and won 4 of her 7 starts and her only other foal was Bluebird who ran 4 times in Bangalore finishing 4^th twice. Stable jockey Neeraj Rawal is up and she should be watched with interest.

 

SHAKIN’ STEVENS :- Is another debutant from the Imtiaz Sait yard who looks like he may be out for an airing but looks an interesting sort on paper. His couple of workouts have been quite decent and he is by Arazan out of a mare called Queen of the Turf who won 2 of her 6 races over a mile and has produced Arabian Queen who managed to place once in 6 starts. He is sure to do better than whatever he does today but should be considered nonetheless.

 

STAR WARS :- Also makes his debut from the Narendra Lagad stable and has a speedy pedigree on paper. He is by Phoenix Tower and the dam Euro Star was very speedy in her own right. His full brother England was the winner of 4 of his 10 starts in Hyderabad mainly over 6 furlongs and he is working quite well and should give a good account of himself.

 

CONCLUSION :-  Cambridge looks a typical Pesi Shroff improver and is fancied to get the better of Polyneices who looks a danger. Ace Two Three and Star Wars look interesting debutants who could add some pep to the finish

 

Race No. 4 :- The Dady Adenwalla Trophy – Div 1 – Terms Maidens 3 Years Old Only – 1200M

 

SIR PERCY BLAKENEY :- Warrants respect just by being from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard and looks to be a decent sort on paper. He is a half brother to stable companion Shalom who was run unplaced twice recently but is by Phoenix Tower. He has just had a  couple of workouts so is likely to need this lung opener but most of those in this field are unraced and hence he is given a good chance to open his account with Neeraj Rawal in the saddle.

 

TAR HEEL :- Debutant from the Imtiaz Sait yard who have done quite well with their juveniles this term and this one appears more forward than Shakin Stevens who runs in the other division. The dam Charlotte Point is a well bred got abroad although Varenar has not set the turf alight as a stallion so far. C.S. Jodha is in the saddle and he is another who is expected to run well.

 

STAR PHOENIX :- Comes from the Narendra Lagad stable and is another who has had plenty of prep work and should be fit enough to win first time out. He is a full brother to Tangaloomaa and Avocet both of whom were good performers over sprints and hence a big run is anticipated from him in a race which lacks strength in depth.

 

PORVI :- Grey 3 year old from the small stable of Vinesh who is another who has been working relatively well in the build up to her debut run and should be fit and raring to go. She is a half sister to Miss Saigon who has done very well so far and with Sandesh a very positive jockey booking, she looks to have a great chance to make a winning debut for her small yard.

 

SPINNING GOLD :- Is a got abroad debutant from the Magansingh Jodha yard who has been working quite well and connections usually have decent sorts in their string. She should be fit enough to take a hand in this contest and is another worthy of consideration with in form S.A. Amit up and a good draw in 2..

 

CONCLUSION :-  With all those that have raced providing no substance or semblance of form, one should look to the first timers to find the winner. Porvi, a half sister to Miss Saigon has been working very well and looks to have a strong chance with A. Sandesh up. Sir Percy Blakeney and Tar Heel catch the eye as being nicely bred sorts from leading yards while Spinning Hope the got abroad also looks interesting. A paddock check is advised before making a final selection.

 

Race No. 5 :- The Racing Officials Trophy – Div. 2 – Class IV – 1200M

 

KOOKABURRA :- The 4 year old colt from S.S. Shah’s yard is still a maiden after 12 starts but looked like his turn was not far away last time out when he finished a close 3^rd to Triple Threat over this trip with a 5 kilo apprentice on board. His best efforts earlier too had come over this trip and he seems to have found a weak field and C.S. Jodha takes over in the saddle. The stable just seems to be finding their feet after a quiet season and he looks a strong contender here.

 

ADAM’S BEGINNING :- She has run 6 times till date and is also still a maiden but has shown some good improvement this season and has run with promise on a number of occasions. Last time out she was strongly fancied when eased in grade and ran on to finish a fair 2^nd to Ridgewood Star. She steps back up to class IV company again today but Parbat Singh takes a valuable 5 kilos off and she looks to have a very good chance.

 

TOMAHAWK :- 8 race maiden who has finished 4^th on a couple of occasions and has been working well for some time now. He ran possibly his best race yet last time out when being prominent throughout and ending up a good 4^th about 2 ½ lengths behind the winner Brothersofthewind. He is turned out again quickly and seems to have a good each way chance.

 

ODESSA :- Twice raced 4 year old from the Malesh Narredu yard who is having his first run since December and hence may be a touch short on fitness and need this run. He caught the eye on his debut when finishing on to be a good 3^rd over 7 furlongs but subsequently ran very poorly over a mile on seasonal debut and has been rested and brought along steadily since. Presence of 5 kilo claimer also indicative that he may need this but the field is weak and hence he cannot be ignored.

 

FENCING :- Full sister to Stand and Dance and Saffron Flower who made her debut way back in October in Pune and is seeing the track for the first time since. She is expected to improve from her debut run and has been working quite well in the lead up to this race so although she will probably need this lung opener, she looks a nice sort and should not be ignored in this weak field.

 

CONCLUSION :- Kookaburra seems to be progressing well and with the S.S. Shah stable just picking up steam he is fancied to score from Adam’s Beginning. Both Odessa and Fencing are running after a long lay off but appear to have the capability of upsetting

 

Race No. 6 :- The Worthwhile Trophy – Class IV 5 Years Old & Over – 1400M

 

MASTER OF TRINITY :- This strapping looking son of Varenar has been brought along steadily and given plenty of time to come to hand and rewarded the patience of his connections when scoring a fluent pillar to post victory over this trip when fancied for the first time last time out. He looked a picture in the paddock that day, won with a bit to spare and still looks ahead of the handicapper. He runs again within the space of 2 weeks but is a strong contender to repeat.

 

RELENTLESS PURSUIT :- This 5 year old from the Imtiaz Sait yard is a quirky individual but clearly has ability as he demonstrated with holding off the erratic Star of Harmony to win his maiden over 1800M on his penultimate start. He did not turn up in the same mood when only midfield over 2000M last time out but has been brought along steadily since then and has been working well of late. He should not be troubled by the drop in trip and could be a very serious threat if he is in a galloping mood.

 

LOGANO :- The 6 year old mare is a veteran of 29 races and she has won on 2 previous occasions, both times over 6 furlongs and her last win coming 2 years ago. She has been skilfully brought down to a very attractive mark and finished on like a rocket to be 2^nd to Grey Flannel last time out indicating that she was ready to strike. P. Trevor now takes over in the saddle and she has to be seriously respected.

 

AEOLUS MAXIMUS :- Probably set a record by going 35 runs without a win before finally gaining a long overdue maiden success over this trip after multiple 2^nd placed finishes. He finished well behind Master of Trinity last time out and in spite of the winners penalty he does not look certain to reverse the places. He could make the frame and add some pep to the finish but may have to wait a while for another victory.

 

RAPID GIRL :- Another exposed 6 year old who has only managed to win 1 race from 26 attempts till date but looked to be finding some form last time out when finishing on late to be 3^rd behind Aeolus Maximus over course and distance. She has been working well since that run and with Sandesh retaining the ride, she should be given an each way chance.

 

SAIL PAST :- Another 6 year old who is beginning to look very well handicapped and is now 10 points below his last winning mark which was way back in September 2015. He finished on leisurely to be 3^rd to Spiridon and King of Killen last time out and if building on that effort, he could be involved and looks a lively outsider with strong out station rider booked now.

 

CONCLUSION :-  Master of Trinity appears to be ahead of the handicapper at present and is fancied to repeat. The enigmatic Relentless Pursuit could be a live danger if he has his galloping shoes on and Logano with Trevor  up also must be respected

 

Race No. 7 :- The Racing Officials Trophy – Div. I – Class IV – 1200M

 

RIDGEWOOD STAR :- The 4 year old from Dallas Todywalla’s yard has run 8 times till date and showed good improvement last time out to score an authoritative victory over this trip with the same rider up. His subsequent work has been impressive hinting that he may just be coming to hand now and with Trevor up again over the same trip, he should be able to take the penalty in his stride and win again.

 

DEMOCRAT :- Good looking 4 year old gelding from M.K. Jadhav’s yard, he has been looking fit and well in many of his previous runs and scored a shock pillar to post win over 5 furlongs on his penultimate run, clocking a decent time in the process. He ran disappointingly when upped significantly to a mile next time out and returns to sprinting with the extra furlong unlikely to be an inconvenience. He is still working well and could very well bounce back now.

 

BE BOLD :-  The 4 year old from Faisal Abbas’ yard has found some good form in the latter half of the season and scored a fluent maiden success in the lower class a couple of starts ago, coming with a strong run to beat the favourite Highland Princess easily. His next 2 runs in the higher class have appeared to be ‘test’ runs and he finished on well to be a close 4^th to Grey Flannel last time out. He is likely to step up on that effort now and looks a strong each way contender with G. Amit claiming 3 ½ kilos.

 

MY BLESSINGS :- The Magansingh P. Jodha trained 4 year old has raced twice till date with significant gaps between the runs but has finished a good 2^nd on both occasions showing she clearly has ability. She finished 2^nd to Greek Goddess on her debut back in August and reappeared in March to almost gain her first success and be nabbed by Orla right on the line. She should improve and strip fitter for that run and seems to have a fine chance to make it 3^rd time lucky now.

 

OSLO COURT :- 4 year old got abroad from the stables of Altamash Ahmed who is making his racing debut and will probably be in need of the run. His lead up work has been satisfactory and he could be better than his opening handicap mark so he looks a dark horse who bears watching and could spring a surprise if fit enough.

 

FASHIONABLE GAIT :- 4 year old filly who has raced 7 times till date and was a fluent winner over her maiden over 1000M back in January but was then sold to her new connections and reappeared in March where she went in for a lung opener. She should be fitter ad sharper after that run and could still have some potential improvement so looks one to keep an eye on.

 

CONCLUSION :-   Ridgewood Star won impressively last time out and is fancied to score a quick encore. My Blessings looks the one likely to trouble him the most

 

Race No. 8 :- The Goodbye Plate – Class V – 1000M

 

SILVER RIVER :- This 4 year old filly from Mansoor Shah’s yard has run 8 times till date but showed signs of some ability last time out when she finished on from the rear to be 3^rd over this trip with inexperienced 5 kilo apprentice up. She runs off more or less the same mark now but should improve for that run and with P. Trevor now taking over, she looks the one to beat.

 

CRYSTAL BALL :- Is another relatively unexposed 4 year old who has been running forward races over much longer trips. Her only previous form was when finishing 2^nd over this trip on her 2^nd start and she is returning to it for the first time since then. D.S. Daman claims a handy  2 ½ kilos and she looks a very clear danger.

 

KNIGHT AT ARMS :- The Narendra Lagad trained 4 year old is a 13 race maiden but has been running forward races in his last few starts. He finished a good 2^nd over this trip on his penultimate run and was possibly undone by using himself up too much from a wide draw last time out. He has a much better draw at 2 today and with Akash Agarwal in the saddle, merits solid each way consideration.

 

RICH N RARE :- Stable companion of Knight At Arms who has gone 19 races without a win but has gone close on a number of occasions over this trip without winning. She ran some good races stepped up to 1200M the last twice but is also effective over this trip and should not be ignored.

 

FOREVER FREE :- Finished a length or so behind Crystal Ball back in August but has had 2 runs this season, showing nowhere near that form and is now dropped in grade into the lowest class. Still early days on just her 5^th career start and S.A. Amit is a positive jockey switch so she bears close watching in spite of top weight.

 

CONCLUSION :-An extremely tough and tricky finale to bring an end to the season. Silver River is taken to continue Mansoor Shah’s great run this last month and score