FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SUNDAY, 8TH OCTOBER 2017
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Circle of Bliss Plate – Div. II – Class IV – Distance :-1200M
AIRLIFT :- Well bred 4 year old gelding from the Faisal Abbas yard, he has won just once in 10 starts but has had excuses on many occasions and appears to be better than his numbers suggest. He has been slowly working his way into form this season and his last effort, where he finished on well to be 3rd to Lady Sergeant was promising. He has top weight to defy in this large field but if he can build on that last effort then he looks to have an excellent chance to score his 2nd career win with C.S.Jodha in the saddle.
GODSENT :- He is a moody 5 year old gelding trained by AdhirajsinghJodha who is very quirky and needs things to go completely his way as can be judged from the fact that he has run 16 times but managed to win only once. He went very close over this trip with the same rider up on his penultimate start when going down fighting to an odds on favourite but was then not as good next time out over 1400M. He returns to this trip and has Nirmal Jodha up again today so if he decides to put his galloping shoes on then he can strike.
MAN OF WORD :- One of three 3 year olds in the field, he hails from the yard of S.K. Sunderji and has raced 6 times till date over varying trips, making the frame on 4 of those occasions but without a win yet. He has already run 3 times this season without really looking a future winner and last time out finished 3rd over course and distance behind Anniversary Girl and Rincon. He could make his presence felt in this company with A.Imran Khan up but may need to pull out some more improvement to find himself in the winner’s circle. Each way contender.
MAGIC DUST :- Is the second of the 3 year olds in this field and has a similar profile to Man of Word with 7 runs to date and a 2nd place finish to his name which came over this trip back in Mumbai when chasing home lesser fancied stablemate Orion’s Belt. His 4 runs this season have been lacklustre so he needs to pull out some more improvement but he has been working fairly well and makes his handicap debut off a reasonable mark so with champion jockey Dashrath Singh up, he merits each way consideration as well.
VOULEZ VOUS :- Is one of three runners from the Narendra Lagad stable and she too appears to be a quirky sort, having raced 15 times without a win so far, often being very sluggish at the start and losing all her chances. However, in her last run she made significant late headway from the rear of the field to finish just ¾ length behind Airlift who is well fancied today, and if she ran reproduce that effort again, then she looks likely to go very close as they are closely matched on the scale. Vishal Bunde has been riding quite well of late and she too looks worthy of consideration and can pop up when least expected.
COMMANDPERFORMANCE :- Is a well bred 4 year old colt trained by Dallas Todywalla who had a setback very early in his career which kept him off the track for a year and although he has been racing regularly since his return, he does not seem to have recovered from it completely and has been running disappointingly. He is dropped down to this trip after 3 unsuccessful efforts over middle distances this term and could be a potential dark horse who could surprise if taking to the shorter trip with S.J.Sunil booked to ride. Keep an eye on him.
BAY OF LOVE :- He is a 7 year old from the H.J. Antia yard who is a veteran of 28 races and has 2 wins to his name so far. He has raced 5 times this season, running promisingly over this trip first time out when 2nd to Adam’s Beginning but ran a shocker last time out over the same trip when finishing way down the field. He is running practically bareback with N.Nadeem claiming 5 kilos and if ridden positively, can upset at the low weight.
CONCLUSION :- A tough race to open up the card with none of the horses looking a standout on form. Airlift is still lightly raced and looks to have a good chance to earn another bracket if building on his good run last time out with VoulezVous, who finished just ¾ lengths behind him also a threat although she is inconsistent. The quirky Godsent also appeals if things fall right for him while the two 3 year olds Magic Dust and Man Of Word also merit consideration.
Race No.2:- The October Handicap – Class IV, 3 Years Old Only – Distance :- 1200M
POKERFACE :- Quality 3 year old colt who has raced thrice till date, all 3 times in Mumbai and all three times over the minimum trip but brings very good form to the table. After having an educative run, he duly shed his maiden tag next time out beating Ascension and Wild Fire and then ran an excellent close 3rd to Kramer and Oracle next time out. He is returning from a long absence but looks the class act in this field and has been well prepared and sharpened up with a Mock Race as well. He is tackling 6 furlongs for the first time and conceding weight all around but with P.S. Chouhan in the saddle, looks set to make a winning first appearance on this course and looks the one to beat.
MAJESTICAL :- This chestnut gelding from the yard of Karthik G. is one of the most experienced in this field having raced 7 times till date with one 7 furlongs success to his name coming in Bangalore against Class IV opposition. He ran a good first race on his return to Pune in spite of looking poor when finishing 3rd over 1000M to Loire, just worn down late on by Saffron Flower who he takes on again today. The additional furlong will be in his favour and Bhawani Singh takes over from A.M.Tograllu. He is likely to improve for the run and looks a big danger.
LILIBETH :- Comes from the in form yard of Narendra Lagad and has Dashrath Singh in the saddle both of which are positives. She was a fluent winner over this trip on her penultimate start, coming with a sustained late run to collar Silk Baby close home but ran disappointingly behind Costa Brava and Gentillesse. Return to this trip will be in her favour and she has been working well so she is worth giving another chance to and could add some pep to the finish if able to bounce back.
BESHIKTASH :- Earlier known as Raiden, he ran twice during the Mumbai season, running a fine race on debut when finishing runner up to Ruffina but then was very disappointing when fancied next time out over 1400M when finishing a very distant 4th to Glyndebourne and was put away after that. He was scheduled to reappear over 1000M a couple of weeks ago but was withdrawn before the start and hence makes a belated reappearance today. He is entitled to need this run after a long break but has impressed in his couple of workouts and could spring a surprise if fit and well with A. Imran Khan up.
SAFFRON FLOWER:-Has run 5 times till date and thrice this season and showed good improvement last time out when finishing on strongly from the rear to be a flying late 2nd to Loire over 1000M, pipping Majestical close home. That run was significantly better than her previous efforts so she may just be coming to hand now and looks likely to be suited by the additional furlong. She is closely matched with Majestical on that last run but has a 9.5 kilo handicap advantage which may just prove to be the decisive factor. Good apprentice S.A. Amit is up and she looks to have a strong chance on the handicap.
CONCLUSION :- Pokerfaceappears the class act in this field and if he is fit and ready to go then he is likely to take all the beating. Saffron Flower and Majesticalare closely matched on their last run with the former having more scope to improve while the returning Beshiktashis also respected.
Race No. 3 :- The Gruezi Plate – Class II – Distance :- 1200M
JEANNINE :- 5 year old mare from the yard of Faisal Abbas who is usually campaigned over middle distances and has a good record of 3 wins from 9 starts so far and actually finished 3rd in the Indian 1000 Guineas in her Classic season. When last seen back in April she finished a good 2nd to Pugnacious over a mile in a 3 horse contest and looks to be out for an airing today over this trip which is sure to be sharp and with Bhawani Singh booked to ride. However, she has impressed in her couple of workouts and could upset if sprinting first time out so she looks a good outsider.
GOD’S OWN :- She has always been highly regarded by her trainer Narendra Lagad but after a modest juvenile season in Mumbai where she had one win in 5 starts, she has really come into her own this season, rattling off a hattrick of wins over the minimum trip and is currently unbeaten on this track although she has an additional furlong to traverse today. She looks in the pink of condition currently and although she has her stamina to prove over the extra 200M, Dashrath Singh gets along with her really well and she should make a bold bid to make it 4 in a row.
TURF DANCER :-Is a consistent 5 year old mare from the S.S. Shah yard who has a good record of 4 wins and 4 seconds from 18 starts and made a satisfactory reappearance after a long break last time out when finishing a good 2nd to Ladislaus over course and distance, about 4 lengths clear of Allora who was not at her best that day. She should improve from that run and strip fitter and has T.S. Jodha booked to ride today. She is a tough and consistent handicapper who usually gives off her best and looks a certainty to place although winning looks tough against some promising younger horses.
ALLORA :- 4 year old filly who hails from the yard of Sanjay Kolse and has developed into a good sprint handicapper although she is a shade exposed now. She has finished in the first two in 7 of her 11 starts, winning thrice and after needing a lung opener behind Turf Dancer on her first run of the season, just failed to reel in God’s Own over 1000M last time out and is now weighted to gain revenge. The additional furlong will also be to her advantage and she appears to be the main threat to the returning Ruffina with C.S.Jodha booked to ride.
RUFFINA :- Brilliant filly who firmly established herself as the best 3 year old at the centre with her stylish win in the Poonawalla Breeders Multi Million and she is unbeaten in 3 starts till date and makes her much awaited reappearance after a long break today. No doubt she has been judiciously and painstakingly prepared by Dallas Todywalla for this comeback and although she is likely to be rusty after such a long lay off, her class is expected to see her through and she should win this easily in the hands of Suraj Narredu.
CONCLUSION :-It is virtually impossible to oppose the reappearing Ruffinaand in spite of all the negatives, she is a confident selection to maintain her unbeaten record and win this easily. Alloraappears to be next best along with the speedy God’s Own.
Race No. 4 :- The Glasnost Plate – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1000M
TRUE GRIT :- Comes from the yard of S.K. Sunderji and is a half brother to Ice Glacier so appeals on his fine pedigree. He began his racing career only this season and after failing to show early speed on debut when finishing a distant 3rd to Clymene, he looked much improved next time out when running a forward race and keeping on to be a close 4th to Loire. His chances will be determined by the performance of Majestical and Saffron Flower earlier in the card, but he looks to be improving and his recent work has been excellent. Neeraj Rawal now takes over from A.Imran Khan and in this field, he looks to have a strong chance to make it 3rd time lucky.
MALAVIKA :- 3 year old from the yard of Altaf Hussain, she has had 4 runs so far, all but one being over this trip and last time out, showed some improvement when finishing 3rd to Ascension, 1 ¼ lengths behind Stunner whom she takes on again today. She looks capable of improving further so could very well reverse the form today and with A. Imran Khan up again, looks to have a good each way chance.
RISHAB’S PET :- Trained by Faisal Abbas and has run 4 times till date exclusively over sprints, her best effort being when 3rd to Princess P and Gazino in Mumbai which now appears to excellent form. She finished 5th over this trip last time out in a tougher race than this and her recent workouts have been outstanding suggesting that she has improved appreciably. C.S. Jodha returns to take the ride and if she reproduces her excellent work on the race grass then she stands an excellent chance to win now.
STUNNER :- This Dallas Todywalla ward has a speedy pedigree and has managed to find one too good on each of her 3 starts this season, finishing runner up all 3 times. While she is holding her form quite well, she does not appear to be progressing and could be caught napping from the front again today. P.S. Chouhan retains the ride and she must be considered.
CONCLUSION :-An open looking maiden contest with the ones to focus on appearing to be the well bredTrue Grit and Rishab’s Pet who has been working exceptionally of late
Race No. 5 :- The Threptin Fillies’ and Mares’ Stakes (Grade 3) – Fillies and Mares – 3 Years Old & Over – Distance:- 1800M
ASTER ROSE :- Brilliant4 year old mare trained by Arjun Mangalorkar, She comes here fresh off a win in the Maharaja’s Cup in Mysore and overall has won 4 and finished runner up 5 times in her 14 starts. She is very suited by the Terms of this race and appears to have much better form than most of her rivals. She looks the classiest of this small field and appears to be a proverbial good thing on paper with Suraj Narredu booked to ride. Should take all the beating.
SILVER BEAUTY :- Tough and consistent 4 year old mare who is one of 2 runners for MaleshNarredu and has won 5 of her 14 starts till date, finishing 2nd in the Kolkotta Derby and an impressive 3rd in the Indian Oaks. However, this season she has been woefully out of form in her 2 runs till date, last time out only managing 4th in a handicap over 2000M against weaker opposition. She needs to show some more spark before being fancied again and looks out to earn herself some valuable Black Type. Small upset chance only and Unforgettable You appears the yard’s main hope.
UNFORGETTABLE YOU:-Highly regarded 4 year old who is the worst placed of these on the scales but also is the least raced and hence has the maximum scope to improve. She returned from a long lay off to emerge an impressive winner of the Independence Million and then possibly was given too much to do when a late finishing 2nd to Daffodils over this trip. This is only her 6th start so she is sure to improve and even though she is least suited by the Terms, she appears to be the main danger to Aster Rose.
ESCALA :- Another out station challenger, this one from the stable of Neil Darashah, she has a good record of 4 wins from 9 starts and was not disgraced earlier this season when finishing a close 4th to Columbiana in the Eve Champion Trophy so she has already had a feel of the Pune track. She appears to have maintained herself in good condition since that run, and is the 2nd highest rated here so must be respected. A. Imran Khan takes the ride and at the weight difference, she could prove to be a danger.
CONCLUSION :- Aster Rose appears to have ticks in all the right boxes and provided she is not inconvenienced by the vagaries of the Pune track, she looks hard to oppose. Bangalore challenger Escala and the improving Unforgettable You should fight it out for the minor honours.
Race No. 6 :- The Kejriwal Trophy – Class III – Distance :- 1400M
MAKINO :- 4 year old colt from the stable of AdhirajsinghJodha, he has won 3 of his 13 starts, scoring one of those victories on his penultimate run, when he showed a nice turn of foot to score over 1200M decisively beating Maduro and Flamboyant Flame. He appeared not to give his true running over 1400M last time out when finishing 5th behind Bottega Louie in the Panchshil Million and he should be much closer to that rival today. He has top weight to defy here but has been working well and the return of Neeraj Rawal, who rode him to victory augurs well. He is strongly fancied.
SPARKLING EYES :- Well regarded 4 year old filly trained by Imtiaz Sait, she does not appear to be completely straightforward and often flatters to deceive as evidenced by her several placed finishes but no recent win, over varying trips. She had run twice this season, and appeared to be finding some form last time out when finishing on to be runner up to Gazino over 1200M.Her form over 1400M is reasonable, her recent workouts have suggested that she has progressed from her last run and she merits each way consideration in this competitive contest with C.S. Jodha in the saddle.
GREY FLANNEL :- Consistent 4 year old handicapper from the Dallas Todywalla yard, she appears to be in the handicappers grip at present and although she has been running well off her current mark, she needs to find some improvement to be able to make it to the winners circle. She races mainly over sprints but did finish a good 2nd to YannaRascala over this trip on her last but one run, so she could be involved in the places with P.S. Chouhan returning to ride.
DOMINATION :- This 4 year old colt from the MaleshNarredu yard has looked to be an unlucky loser on both his previous runs this season and comes into this race in top form. He was given too much to do early in the season when finishing a flying late 2nd over this trip and then returned from a short break to go down fighting to Big Sur in a battling finish over a mile. Yash Narredu retains the ride, he is in top condition at present and looks one of the main contenders and could make it 3rd time lucky.
BOTTEGA LOUIE :- Lightly raced and potentially smart 3 year old filly, she has impressed on both her career runs so far and looks an above average type. She made her debut in a strong million race back in February when unfancied but showed a good attitude to get the better of Goldie’s Pet and Texas Gold and then last time out returned from a long lay off to beat all barring the impressive New England in another tough race over 1400M. She is expected to improve considerably from her earlier run and strip fitter and has plenty of scope on just her 3rd start. N.S. Parmar is an interesting booking but she looks a leading contender to score for S.K. Sunderji.
LADY SERGEANT :-Another potentially smart 3 year old from S.S. Shah’s yard, she lacks the scope of Bottega Louie, having already had 6 runs and she tackles this trip for the first time, having only raced over sprints previously. She showed a good turn of foot to decisively beat Powerhaus over 1200M last time out and looks to have maintained her condition. 5 kilo penalty seems fair and she has the in formDashrath Singh as a partner so must be seriously respected.
GLYNDEBOURNE :-Another highly rated 3 year old filly, this one trained by Vishal Gaikwad, she has run well both starts this term and only raced 4 times overall so still appears to be improving. She was no match for Caprisca on her reappearance and then again was found wanting in the F.D. Wadia Trophy when only 3rd to Rochester and Summer Rays. She switches to handicap company now and should run well with A. Imran Khan in the saddle but one or two others appear to have stronger claims. Considered nonetheless.
CONCLUSION :- Bottega Louie ran a cracker on her reappearance and with New England going on to win again the form looks strong. She should win this with normal progression. Domination looks the main threat amongst the older horses while Lady Sergeant and Glyndebourne are also respected.
Race No. 7:-The Chef D’Oeuvre Plate – Class V – Distance :- 1400M
ALYATIES :-Relatively unexposed 4 year old filly from the Mansoor Shah yard, she has run 5 times so far and has run promisingly in her last 3 starts including both starts this term over 1000M where she was not too far away from the winner. The step up to this longer trip should suit her and she is now dropped in grade. Promising claimer H. Zeeshan claims a valuable 5 kilos and she looks one to keep an eye on here.
JACK DAN :- 5 year old gelding trained by NosherCama he is mainly unexposed and ran one eye catching race earlier in the season when improving leisurely to be 4th to Lilibeth over 1200M. He has been given 2 runs since and is now eased in grade so with P.S. Chouhan up he is one who is worth keeping an eye on and could pop up if fancied.
MAGICAL SCRIPT :-3 year old maiden who has run 6 times till date and after finishing well beaten in her first 5 starts, she looked like her turn was not far away last time out when finishing a close 3rd to Superstar Supreme over this trip. She enters handicaps in the lowest class, has been working extremely well of late and with in form Dashrath Singh to guide her, she looks a leading fancy in this field with expected improvement.
FOREVER FREE :- 4 year old filly from the small yard of Arif Patel, she has been slowly coming to hand this season and nearly pulled off a smart gamble last time out when runner up to Vitesse over this trip last time out. She is likely to improve further and progress from that run as this is just her 8th start and Vishal Bunde retains the ride and claims 3 ½ kilos. She is one to consider each way and should be involved.
DIVINE ANGEL :- Aged 6 year old mare who is owned and trained by C.D. Katrak, she has been fancied on a couple of occasions this season and did manage to finish 3rd on her penultimate run but then ran poorly last time out and does not look reliable or consistent. A. Imran Khan now takes over in the saddle from Neeraj Rawal and she could strike over this shorter trip but comes with risks attached and is difficult to fancy from a win perspective.
JEENA :-5 year old mare who is usually quite effective in this grade and over this sort of trip and her 2 wins have come off similar marks so she looks quite capable at this level. She finished on to make the frame against Harmony last time out suggesting that she was getting ready and C.S.Jodha is a positive jockey switch. She is well handicapped at present and is another who must come into consideration.
STAR ACE :- Inconsistent 5 year old mare trained by Dallas Todywalla, she has run 17 times without a win so far although she has gone close on a couple of occasions. After some indifferent runs, she showed some spark last time out when making good late headway to finish 4th to Make It Shine over 1200M with the same rider up and the additional furlong should suit her. She receives weight all around here and if building on that last effort, she can be involved.
CONCLUSION :- Best left alone from a betting stand point but the 3 year old Magical Script looks promising having run a good race last time out and making her handicap debut in the lowest grade with the leading rider on board.
Race No. 8 :- The Circle of Bliss Plate – Div. I – Class IV – Distance :-1200M
TRIPLE THREAT :- Sparingly raced 4 year old filly from the Mansoor Shah yard, she is relatively unexposed still with just 9 runs to her name. She won unfancied from pillar to post in Mumbai and ran an excellent race on her penultimate start when finishing a good 2nd to Goldie’s Pet but then ran poorly last time out when dropped into this grade. She can be forgiven one poor run and with P.S. Chouhan retaining the ride, may be worth giving one more chance to and is dangerous to ignore.
POWERHAUS :-Improving 3 year old filly from the Narendra Lagadwho has been progressing steadily and appears to be holding her form well since her maiden win. She has been in good form this season and after winning over this trip on her penultimate start, finished a good 2nd to Lady Sergeant last time out. She has run only 7 times so can be expected to keep progressing and will make a strong attempt to earn another success with Dashrath Singh on board.
CRYSTAL BALL :- Altaf Hussaintrained 4 year old who has been running well over sprint trips this season and after a few placed efforts, showed more improvement upped to this trip when beating Slam Dunk and Divine Magic to win decisively. Up another 5 kilos and draw has not been kind in Stall 15 but she seems to have maintained her condition well and looks to have a strong chance to repeat with A. Imran Khan retaining the ride.
TIMELESS DEEDS :- Second of the Narendra Lagad 3 year olds to compete in this grade and although Powerhaus appears to be the more fancied of the two, she merits respect as well. She has raced 7 times till date, twice this season finishing 4th both times over 7 furlongs. She races up with the pace so may not be inconvenienced by this shorter trip, has been working very well and with T.S. Jodha up, is worth keeping an eye on.
WAY AHEAD :- 5 year old gelding trained by C.D.Katrak who has finished 2nd 6 times in15 starts but is still searching for that elusive first win. He has finished 2nd in his last 2 starts over 1400M but may be a little vulnerable over this sharper trip so even though Neeraj Rawal has been booked to ride and he is in good form, he looks more of a minor berth contender.
CONCLUSION :-A tough finale with Narendra Lagad having a strong hand with Powerhaus and Timeless Deeds.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
