FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SUNDAY, 10TH SEPTEMBER 2017- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 09 Sep 2017
FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SUNDAY, 10TH SEPTEMBER 2017
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Aspinalls Plate – Class IV – Distance :- 1800M
SWEET MUSIC :- One of two 3 year olds in the field, she is trained by Malesh Narredu and has shown remarkable improvement this season after dismal runs over sprints in Mumbai. She finished a good 2nd to Selfie Star on reappearance over 7 furlongs and then went one better over this trip, showing good resilience to hold off F.D. Wadia winner Rochester in a driving finish. She looks to be improving still and has leading form claims with Yash Narredu up and is strongly fancied in spite of the heavy impost.
WE BREAK THE RULES :-The 2nd 3 year old this one is trained by C.D. Katrak and is a full brother to the brilliant Whomakestherules although as yet does not look as good as him. He too has raced 5 times till date mainly over 7 furlongs and a mile and after a few modest placed efforts, showed improvement to gain his maiden success over 1400M, just beating out Orion's Belt in a close finish with Turning Point 3rd. He comes out far worse off with Sweet Music if a line is taken through Turning Point and will need to improve significantly to repeat in this much tougher contest. P.S. Chouhan retains the ride and he must be considered.
LORD GRANTHAM :- Well bred 4 year old from Vishal Gaikwad's stable who was in need of the run last time out when returning from a 12 month absence and ran well in the circumstances, finishing 2nd although no match for Simon Says who went on to win again giving the form a solid look with the 3rd placed horse Lady Be Good also winning next time out. He is expected to improve significantly from that run and with Neeraj Rawal taking over today and the extra distance expected to suit, he looks a leading contender in receipt of 3.5 kilos from Sweet Music.
DIABLO :-Fully exposed 5 year old handicapper from the yard of Hosidar Daji, he has 2 wins to his name from 24 starts and is usually effective at this sort of trip. Both his wins have been over 2000M, the last one coming on this track in October in the lower class. The presence of J. Pradeep in the saddle suggests he is still getting ready and is taking on some unexposed improvers but he looks a good outsider.
CONCLUSION :-This looks to be a straight fight between the 4 year old Lord Grantham who is sure to improve from his last run and the progressive 3 year old filly Sweet Music. The older horse is in receipt of 3.5 kilos and just gets the nod.
Race No. 2 :- The Gamble For Love Trophy – Class I – Distance :- 1000M
BRYNHILL :- Tough and gritty sprinter even at the ripe old age of 8 and has a creditable record of 6 wins and 9 seconds from 27 starts till date. He finished ¾ lengths ahead of Harvey over 1200M last time out but the younger horse was returning from a long lay off and is expected to improve past him now. In spite of having the rail draw he looks vulnerable against the younger horses and may have to settle for a minor berth with Santosh G taking over in the saddle.
ABBEY :- 5 year old mare trained by Faisal Abbas who has been in the form of her life over the last year racing exclusively over this trip and has managed to win 4 on the trot in her last few starts including a gritty performance over course and distance last time out when she showed good resolve to hold off Undisputed and Governor General. She currently looks in the pink of condition and it looks very hard to oppose her in this small field in her bid to complete an extremely rare 5 in a row. Leading contender.
HARVEY :- 5 year old from the stable of S.K. Sunderji who has a similar profile to Abbey with 5 wins to his name from 15 starts and looked over progressive over this trip towards the end of last Pune season, winning back to back races over sprints. He looked in need of the run last time out when reappearing from a 10 month absence and should be much fitter and sharper today. He has been working very well since the run and with A. Imran Khan replacing P. Trevor, he looks a big danger to Abbey.
DEEP DIVER :-7 year old from S. Waheed's yard he is a veteran of 32 races having triumphed on 4 occasions but his last win came back in October 2015 and he has been running several decent races in defeat since then. He is having his first start of the season and although he is running off a low weight with a good apprentice booked, he looks the outsider of the quartet and will find it tough to compete
CONCLUSION :-It is hard to oppose the brilliant Abbey who has been running out of her skin although Harvey looks a very live danger having had a run last time out
Race No. 3 :- The True Elegance Plate – 3 Year Olds Only – Distance :- 1400M
KRAMER :- Nicely put together colt trained by Malesh Narredu and owned by JaydevMody, he made a fine start to his career over sprints, finishing runner up to Oracle over 1000M on debut and going on to win his next 2 starts over 1000 and 1200M in good style. He made his first appearance this season in the F.D. Wadia Trophy when attempting 7 furlongs for the first time he found it tough to concede weight all around and after leading for a long way, weakened in the final furlong. This looks a decidedly easier contest and he does have a fitness advantage now but has yet to prove that he conclusively stays the longer trip. He is again conceding plenty of weight with P.S. Chouhan now up and merits consideration but may be found wanting close home again.
ROTTERDAM :-This nicely bred filly from Dallas Todywalla's yard has raced just twice, both times in Mumbai and appears to have leading form claims. She was a winner on debut over 1200M and then ran most creditably next time out when finishing 3rd in the Breeders Produce Stakes to Tutankhamun and Timeless which looks outstanding form. He has been judiciously prepared with this event in view and has gone two Mock Races although she had to be hard ridden in the last one to prevail over some modest types. She may lack a bit of fitness after such a long lay off but otherwise on pure form she looks quite outstanding. Prashant Dhebe returns to ride her and she looks the one to beat.
ADONIJAH :- Once raced Burden of Proof colt from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard who was given an easy educative run back in March and is sure to have learnt plenty from that and improved appreciably. He too is returning after a long lay off and looks a little short on preparatory work but is open to plenty of improvement and must be respected with Neeraj Rawal in the saddle as he is an unknown quantity.
BEWITCHED :-Untried filly from the C.D. Katrak yard who has finished unplaced in both her runs over 1000M till date although managing to secure 4th place last time over runaway winner Wild Fire. She is attempting this trip for the first time and Dashrath Singh replaces Amyn Merchant in the saddle which is a positive. She has a nice pedigree and is running off a low weight so has the potential to upset if taking to the more galloping trip and should not be ignored.
CONCLUSION :- Rotterdam appears to be the clear form standout here although she had to be hard ridden in her 2nd Mock Race to get the better of maiden Kimberella and some average handicappers which is a slight cause for concern. The unexposed Adonijah and the feather weighted Bewitched both have potential and are feared.
Race No. 4 :- The Col. KaikhushrooManeckjiBharucha Memorial Trophy – Div. I – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1000M
MAESTRO :-Shapoor Mistry owned debutant from the stable of Nazak Chenoy who looks a speedy sort on pedigree and would not have to be an exceptional type to make a winning debut in this field. There is practically no track work on record so a paddock check is clearly needed but must be considered if looking fit enough.
SERENO :-Experienced juvenile from the yard of S.K. Sunderji who has found a weak set and looks a strong contender to shed his maiden tag now. He showed gradual improvement with his racing in 4 runs in Mumbai and ran well on the last 2 starts over 1200M, first finishing a close 3rd to Gentillesse and Sassy Lass and then ending runner up to impressive Cambridge next time out. He has been showing out well in his preparatory work, is the highest rated of this lot and with A. Imran Khan to guide him, looks set to shed his maiden tag.
ARC SHINE :-Thrice raced filly from the small yard of S.N. Joshi, she too showed gradual progression on each of her 3 starts in Mumbai, finishing a fair 4th to Princess P on her 2nd run and then improving to finish 3rd to Nextstar next time out, both runs over this trip. She too has been working. well in the lead up to this race and with Amyn Merchant aboard, looks an each way prospect.
LA MOTTE :-Debutant from the stables of Vishal Gaikwad, is owned by powerful connections and looks a quality individual who must be respected. She has had limited prep work so is entitled to need this and is clearly not fully wound. However, she makes her debut in what looks a rather weak maiden and could have the class to beat this lot even if not fully fit. Respected with Neeraj in the saddle
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TOUCH ME NOT :-Has also raced 4 times so has enough experience and showed some ability on her only start in Pune over this trip when ending up a distant 3rd to more fancied stable companion Loire. May have needed the lung opener so likely to be fitter and sharper now and with Dashrath Singh taking over from Bhawani Singh and her good recent work, she also comes into each way consideration.
CONCLUSION :-Sereno appears to set the standard for those who have raced so far but could be vulnerable to the classy looking La Motte who comes from a powerful stable and could be good enough to win in spite of not being fully wound up
Race No. 5 :- The Pennywise Plate – Class III – Distance :- 1600M
NELSONS BLOOD :-4 year old Half brother to Laurita who hails from the yard of Vishal Gaikwad and began racing very late in his career having had just 7 starts till date with 2 wins to his name. He made a winning first appearance on the Pune track when scoring on the opening weekend over a mile winning from end to end and beating Frivolous by 1 ¾ length. However, he proved no match for Timeless next time out under a penalty and could only finish 3rd ¾ lengths behind Glorious Eyes. He looks handicapped upto his best at present and will need to pull out some more improvement before he progresses further. He should give it a good go from the front again but looks more likely to secure a place with N.S. Parmar up.
GLORIOUS EYES :-This 4 year old filly trained by Imtiaz Sait has won 2 of her 13 starts but does not always run upto the same level and needs things to go exactly right for her. She has been running quite consistently since scoring over 7 furlongs back in March and had a good reappearance run when finishing 2nd to Timeless last time out over this trip. However, she once again takes on some progressive younger horses from the bottom of the scale and looks vulnerable from a win standpoint. She can run into a place however with C.S. Jodha retaining the ride.
ETERNALINSPIRATION :-4 year old trained by Nirad Karanjwala, she has a similar profile to Glorious Eyes with 2 wins from 13 starts. She seemed to have lost her way after a fluent victory on this course last September but appeared to be coming to hand last time out when she finished on pleasingly to be a good 3rd to New England and Bottega Louie in a hot contest. She looks likely to progress again and should be involved in the finish with A. Imran Khan taking over in the saddle.
DOMINATION :-4 year old colt trained by MaleshNarredu who has just 1 win to his name from 13 starts and does not appear to have run upto his full potential just yet. After winning his maiden in Mumbai back in November he was taken to Delhi where he finished 4th in the North India 2000 Guineas and midfield in the Delhi Derby. He was unlucky to lose over 1400M last time out in the lower class where he was poorly ridden and finished on late to go down to Furious N Fast by ½ a length and he has been working particularly well since that run. He gets a significant drop in weight in spite of being upped in grade and now looks a strong contender to score with Yash Narredu in the saddle.
BIG SUR :- One of two heavily fancied 3 year olds in the field, he is a son of Win Legend trained by Sanjay Kolse and has already established himself as a good type in his 5 runs till date. After running 3rd on debut over an inadequate 1200M, he duly gained his maiden success by beating Rochester in a fighting finish over 1400M and then went on to run an excellent close 4th in the Breeders Juvenile Colts Championship. He summered in Bangalore where he raced twice in Class III, finishing a close 4th to Sana and Mauritania on his last start. That looks strong form, he comes here fit and well and looks a very strong contender from the bottom of the weights with Dashrath Singh booked to ride.
FOREST FAIRY :- Fashionably bred 3 year old from the yard of BezanChenoy she has been progressing nicely with each of her runs and looks to have the maximum scope to improve amongst this lot. After finishing runner up on her first 2 starts in Mumbai to decent types, she went on to gain a fluent maiden success on this course on her reappearance, winning decisively from Ice Dancer and Victoriana and has been working superbly since then. Santosh G claims a valuable 2 ½ kilos and running practically bare back she looks the one to beat.
CONCLUSION :-The 2 three year olds Forest Fairy and Big Sur look to have this race between them. Domination looks the best among the older horses and could be a threat to the pair.
Race No. 6 :- The Decent Proposal Plate – Class II – Distance :- 1400M
VALENTINO :-6 year old gelding trained by Narendra Lagad who is a veteran of 48 races and clearly has ability as evidenced by his 5 wins but is a quirky sort and needs the gaps to appear at exactly the right time as he likes to finish on fast and late. He usually competes over sprint trips but ran a cracker over course and distance on the opening weekend where he just failed to collar Carbonara with Pugnacious back in 4th that day. He has since run 2 races over shorter but could be suited by the return to this trip and D.S. Daman retains the ride. He has the potential to win this if running upto his best but is not reliable and hence is hard to recommend.
PUGNACIOUS :- Consistent 4 year old colt who is in the good hands of trainer C.D. Katrak and has a good overall strike rate of 4 wins from 12 starts. He has been progressing nicely up the handicap ranks and looked rusty on his reappearance when only able to finish 4th behind Carbonara and Valentino but that run will have done him good and he is working much better of late. He is expected to step up on that performance now with P.S. Chouhan in the saddle and looks a strong fancy to score now.
CARBONARA :-Half brother to Champion Sprinter Attila from the yard of ImtiazSait, he has had somewhat of a chequered career so far. He was thought to be a Classic prospect but was gelded after finishing midfield in the 2000 Guineas and duly won first time out in Class III over this trip. He seems to go well fresh as he won on the opening weekend but was stretched to hold off the late challenge from Valentino who is better off at the weights today. He seems to have maintained his form and fitness and should make a bold bid to repeat with A. Imran Khan up today but may find the penalty too taxing. In good form and must be considered.
CHARGING TIGRESS :-5 year old mare from the yard of MagansinghJodha she is versatile with regards to trip between 1000 and 1400M and is usually quite consistent with 3 wins and 9 placed efforts in her 20 starts. After finishing a good 2nd over 1000M in the lower class, she disappointed when strongly fancied last time out in this grade, finishing only 4th to Ladislaus over 1200M. The extra furlong may suit her now and Neeraj Rawal is a positive jockey booking but she has a bit to prove now.
STAND AND DANCE :- 5 year old gelding trained by AdhirajsinghJodha, he has won 3 of his 22 starts and returned from a winter stint in Kolkotta to be a late finishing 4th over 1000M last time out. He is expected to improve for that effort and strip fitter and has been running well over this trip in Kolkotta so with D.R. Shubham an interesting booking taking an additional 5 kilos off, he could prove to be a danger to all from the foot of the scale.
CONCLUSION :-Pugnacious is taken to shake off the lethargy of his last run and turn the tables on both Carbonara and Valentino
Race No. 7 :- The Col. Kaikhushroo Maneckji Bharucha Memorial Trophy – Div. II – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1000M
ART OWAR :-One of two from the Narendra Lagad stable and has raced 8 times until date over varying trips but without any success. Last time out tore away to lead for a long way over 2400M and hence now tried over the minimum trip. Has Dashrath Singh up and working decently but looks a long shot.
ASCENSION :- Small built 3 year old from the S.K. Sunderji yard, she is beginning to look exposed and becoming frustrating to follow, having placed in 5 of her 6 starts till date but has yet not been able to shed her maiden tag. Finished alongsides Stunner last time out so the pair are closely matched again today but she needs to pull out some improvement with C.S. Jodha in the saddle. Looks a strong contender in this field.
MALAVIKA :-3 year old from the Altaf Hussain yard who appears to have a speedy pedigree but did nothing of note over 5 furlongs in 2 starts in Mumbai. She was given a lung opener over 1400M here and A. Imran Khan now takes over from whipless apprentice which indicates connections fancy their chances. She has yet to show form but can improve and is worth keeping an eye on.
STUNNER :- Comes from the yard of Dallas Todywalla and has raced 5 times till date but has shown some improvement when finishing runner up on both of her starts this term, last time seeing her race out much better and only collared close home. She is closely matched with Ascension on the last run but appears to be progressing quicker than that rival and hence is given the edge with the forceful P.S. Chouhan up.
TILL END OF TIME :- Debutant from the M.K. Jadhav yard who has been working quite pleasingly in her preparatory work and would not have to be exceptional to figure in this weak maiden race. Looks a nice type on paper and with N.S. Parmar up and the rail draw, she is worth considering if looking fit and well in the paddock.
CONCLUSION :-A rather weak maiden which looks like a straight fight between Stunner and Ascension with the former given an edge as she appears to be progressing better. Till End Of Time can topple them both if she possesses some quality.
Race No. 8 :- The Pleasures Plate – Class IV – 4 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1200M
DOUBLE NINE :-4 year old colt trained by Nosher Cama who has won one of his 11 starts till date and appears to be versatile from distances of 1000M to 1400M. He has finished 2nd on 4 occasions and on his penultimate start in Mumbai finished runner up to Jimbo in a similar contest. He had a lung opener over this trip in the higher class and now eased in grade and with P.S. Chouhan up, he looks a strong contender in spite of the heavy impost.
SLAM DUNK :-Lightly raced 4 year old from the H.J. Antia yard, he seemed to catch form in the latter part of the Mumbai season and managed to shed his maiden tag on his last run there when holding on from reopposing She's A Tiger in a blanket finish. Showed he had held his form when a good runner up to My Blessings on seasonal reappearance and looks a strong fancy to go one better now with D.S. Daman in the saddle.
CRYSTAL BALL :- 4 year old filly trained by Altaf Hussain who has found some form in the latter half of her career and is a winner of 1 of her 12 starts, the win coming over 5 furlongs in the recently concluded Mumbai season. She has run modestly all three starts this term, finishing 3rd on 2 occasions and 4th last time out, all over 5 furlongs and she looks ready to tackle the additional furlong. She seems to be holding her form without improving much and if this extra furlong can unlock some additional improvement then she could be a factor with A. Imran Khan on board.
DIVINE MAGIC :-Sparingly raced 4 year old trained by Imtiaz Sait he is winless in 6 starts but has run promisingly on a couple of occasions and appears to be on his way back from a setback. He has run a couple of decent races when unfancied over this trip, is working well and looks to have the scope to improve. C.S. Jodha now takes over in the saddle from Raghuveer Singh and he looks a dark horse who has the potential to upset here so keep an eye if there is some money for him.
SHE'S A TIGER :- Full sister to Indian 2000 Guineas winner Phoenix Tiger who comes from the yard of NazakChenoy and has run thrice till date, running full of promise on her last 2 starts. She was short headed by Slam Dunk on just her 2nd run of life and is closely matched with him again although her next run was a bit disappointing when she could only finish 3rd to Fringe Benefit. She is returning from a long lay-off but is still quite unexposed and if fit and well, she should be able to tackle this field with Santosh G up .
GLORIOUS THUNDER :- 4 year old gelding from the Dallas Todywalla yard, he began his career in promising fashion but has not quite been able to build on that and is still a maiden after 8 starts with his last few runs being quite disappointing. He has had a lung opener this season to blow away the cobwebs and the booking of Neeraj Rawal catches the eye. He is working quite well and with the yard finally seeming to pick up steam, he comes into consideration and can make the finish interesting.
WARLOCK :- Speedy 4 year old from the stable of Narendra Lagad he quite frequently loses his chances by jumping sluggishly and as a result has only been able to win 1 of his 15 starts when he jumped out smartly and won from end to end. He has had a run this season so should be quite fit and his recent track work has been smart. Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle and if breaking on level terms, he could well be a factor.
CONCLUSION :-Slam Dunk and She's A Tiger appear to be the two to concentrate on in a competitive finale with Divine Magic looking the dark horse
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
