FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SATURDAY, 14TH OCTOBER 2017 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 13 Oct 2017
FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SATURDAY, 14TH OCTOBER 2017
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The N. K.Pudumjee Trophy – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1600M
GOLD BOND :- This chestnut colt from the stables of Imtiaz Sait has raced 4 times till date and was withdrawn twice before finally making a belated reappearance over 2000M about 3 weeks ago where he finished well beaten. His debut run was promising when he finished a close 3rd to Timeless Deeds and Zanara over 1400M but he then ran poorly in his 2 subsequent starts in Mumbai. His couple of workouts since the run have suggested that he has improved but he looks to have only a small upset chance at best and will need to improve dramatically to win this. Y.S. Srinath takes the ride.
GRAND ACCORD :- Is a got abroad colt from the stables of Karthik G who made his debut over 1400M last month and ran a nice forward race, prominent throughout and leading briefly in the straight before being overwhelmed by the odds on Admo and finishing up 3rd. The form of that race has not really worked out with Admo failing in Class IV and the runner up Sagittarius also running poorly next time out. Grand Accord is sure to improve on that run and should make normal progression and his work since has been good. P.S. Chouhan takes the ride but he will need to improve on the bare form to be a factor. His sire Dream Ahead was a champion horse and a multiple group 1 winner over 6 furlongs while his dam Glebe Queen won just her maiden over a mile. Hence, he looks a speedy sort and is unsure to be suited by the step up to a mile.
MASERATI :- Got abroad gelding with a smart American pedigree who comes from the powerful stables of Pesi Shroff and looks a nice sort on pedigree. His sire Americain was a listed winner over 12 ½ furlongs in France while his dam Snowy Elegance was a veteran in America but she won mainly claiming races over a mile. Maserati looks a little short of preparatory work and fitness may be a factor for him so a paddock check is advised. He looks the type to come into his own over distance trips as he matures and has to be respected with Suraj Narredu on board but may just need the run
YELLOWSTONE :- Another got abroad debutant, this one owned by the Shirke- Dhunjibhoy partnership and trained by Vishal Gaikwad, also looks an interesting sort and appears to be fitter than the Pesi Shroff ward. His sire Lope De Vega won the French 2000 Guineas and Derby while the dam Burning Damask was unplaced in 3 starts but comes from a good American family. Yellowstone appears to have been well prepared to be fit enough on debut and has been working well alongside the Class I Germanicus. He looks the part on paper and with A. Imran Khan booked to ride appears to have an excellent chance to make a winning debut.
LADY ALMEDA :- Another daughter of Lopa De Vega, she comes from the yard of MaleshNarredu and has raced twice till date, both times in August so she is returning from a short break after 2 quick runs. Although having no chance with the winner, she finished on nicely to be 2nd on debut over 1000M although the form of that race has taken a few knocks since then and then ran very poorly 2 weeks later when fancied over 1200M but finishing well behind Gazino. She has been given time to improve since then and her last few workouts have been impressive suggesting that she has improved. She may also be suited by the step up to a mile and is worth giving another chance to with Yash Narredu taking over in the saddle.
CONCLUSION :-The well bred Yellowstone catches the eye on paper and appears to be fit enough to make a winning debut. Maserati the other debutant is also respected although he looks a touch short on fitness judging from his prep work. Those that have run do not set a high standard and all the form looks suspect. However, Lady Almeda has been working very well of late and may improve for the step up to a mile.
Race No. 2 :- The Jeremiah Plate – Div. II – Class V – Distance :- 1600M
MAGICAL SCRIPT :- 3 year old filly from the Narendra Lagad yard she has raced 7 times till date and showed signs of some ability on her penultimate run over 6 furlongs where she finished a close 3rd to Superstar Supreme with the runner up Costa Brava going on to win since. She was well fancied last week on her handicap debut but got badly squeezed out and checked at the start which probably was the reason for her poor performance and hence she is turned out again quickly. That run is best ignored and now reunited with the in-form Dashrath Singh, she looks a very strong fancy in this field taking on mainly exposed older handicappers.
THE OTHER SONG :- Is an exposed 7 year old mare from the stables of Zadmal Singh and is a veteran of 42 races having won on 3 prior occasions. She likes to be delivered late and wide and is usually closing fast at the end of her races with this trip more or less ideal. Her last win was over this distance back in January and she hinted that she was returning to that sort of form when finishing on well to be 3rd to Vitesse over 1400M last time out. Bhawani Singh replaces C.S. Jodha in the saddle and since she is not too high above her last winning mark, she looks to have a good each way chance although Sir Song looks better placed on the scale.
SILVER EDGE :- Is a got abroad 5 year colt from the small yard of C. Rajendra who is a 16 race maiden but has run a couple of promising close seconds in his last few starts. He finished a good 2nd over this trip back in Mumbai just beaten a long neck by Brazos and again was a close 2nd to Star Scholar over 1800M on this track on his penultimate start where he finished over 5 lengths clear of 3rd placed Wizard of Odds. His last run is best ignored as he got squeezed in towards the rails in the first couple of furlongs and lost his position, refusing to gallop thereafter. He returns from a short break no and with S.J. Sunil in the saddle, is another who merits each way consideration with the yard in good form of late.
WINDHOEK :- 4 year old filly trained by Sanjay Kolse she too looks fully exposed and has been tried over a variety of trips but is still winless from 16 starts and has not looked a future winner on any occasion. She has run thrice this season, twice over this trip and once over 2000M and has done nothing to suggest that she is worthy of consideration here. However, her mark has been plunging as a result and with N.S. Parmar up, she rates as a rank outsider who could cause a stunning upset if in a galloping mood .
SIR SONG :- Is another 6 year old veteran from the yard of AdhirajsinghJodha, he has raced 34 times till date and has just managed a solitary success, although he has several good placed efforts to his name, most of them coming over this trip and off similar marks. He has run thrice already this season and his last effort was promising when he made good late headway to finish 3rd to Harmony. Both Jeena and Pretty Angel who finished behind him that day have run well since so the form looks strong and he appears to be on a decent handicap mark at present. S.A. Amit who was on that day is up again today and he looks to have a strong each way claim here.
STAR ACE :- She is a well bred 5 year old mare from the yard of Dallas Todywalla, who has run 18 times till date without a win over trips ranging from 1000 – 1600M. She has slowly been coming to hand with her racing this season and in her last couple of efforts over 1200 and 1400M, she has finished quite close to the winner. Her best run till date has come over a mile and the booking of Neeraj Rawal catches the eye. She is another who could trouble them all from the bottom of the weights and although unreliable, comes into consideration.
CONCLUSION :- The 3 year old Magical Script is the selection here with the maximum scope to improve, Dashrath Singh on board and excuses for her run last week where she was badly hampered. Silver Edge looks the best of the rest along with the well handicapped Sir Song.
Race No. 3 :- The Roedl & Partner Trophy – Class II -Distance :-2000M
FROSTY :- 4 year old Cape Cross filly trained by Pesi Shroff she is returning from a long lay off, having last raced back in March but has some useful form to her name, winning 2 of her 9 starts and running an excellent 2nd in the Hyderabad Oaks. Fitness might be an issue back from such a long lay off, but otherwise she appears to have strong claims and looks well placed on the scales with Vulcan on their couple of meetings in Mumbai. A paddock check is advised and if she looks fit and well then she runs with a very good chance with A. Imran Khan taking the ride.
HIGHLAND BREEZE :- This 4 year old gelding trained by Rehanullah Khan is another classic hopeful who came up short in his Classic endeavours but has a decent record otherwise, with 3 wins to his name from 13 starts, all coming over middle distances. He had a lung opener already this season which was his first run after finishing 10th in the Indian Derby and he should strip fitter for it. His recent trackwork looks quite solid, C.S. Jodha has been booked to ride and he looks another who has an excellent chance to return to the winner’s circle with this trip looking ideal.
VULCAN :- 4 year old AdhirajsinghJodha trained gelding who has a similar profile to Frosty and Highland Breeze and has clashed a couple of times with Frosty during the Mumbai season and is slightly worse off at the weights today. He comes here after having been outclassed in the Indian St. Leger and although he does have a win to his name over 2400M before that, there is a suspicion that he will find one or two of these progressing past him. NirmalJodha takes the ride and he looks more of a place prospect.
IN MY DREAM :- Lightly raced 4 year old filly trained by C.D. Katrakwho was also very highly regarded as a potential classic type but has not gone on to fulfil expectations just yet. She has been upped in grade but given a significant drop in weight after having had a couple of placed runs off top weight in the lower class, last time finishing an average 3rd to YannaRascala over 1400M. She has been kept fresh since being withdrawn on her intended last start a month ago and running off a low weight now, has the potential to bounce back with Neeraj Rawal taking over in the saddle but she still needs to show more spark on the course before being confidently nominated. Possibilities.
SIMON SAYS :- Well bred 5 year old son of Ikhtiyar trained by HosidarDaji, he really appears to have come into his own this season, with 2 fluent wins over a mile and then a mile and a quarter, decisively beating Derby prospect Lord of the Sea before finishing 4th on his last run over 1800M, behind Daffodils. He too has been upped in grade to gain a drop in weight, has been working extremely well since his last run and in his current form, could prove to be a big danger to all with Dashrath Singh being booked to ride.
CONCLUSION :- A small field but this still looks quite competitive with several of the runners having a similar profile. Frosty is most fancied provide she is fit and ready to go after the long break but if she is not upto the task, it may pay to side with the in-form Simon Says who may have found weight a stopper last time out. In My Dream is likely to be well supported but does not inspire confidence in her current form.
Race No. 4 :- The F A and K A Irani Trophy -Div. II – Class III – Distance :- 1200M
MISS MONEYPENNY :- Small in stature but clearly possessing ability, this wonderfully named 3 year old Excellent Art filly from Imtiaz Sait’s yard has won 2 of her 5 starts so far and won her only previous start this season where she was hard pressed by Godsent, but showed a good attitude to fight back and win narrowly over course and distance. She is sure to improve substantially from that run and her trainer has not given her much work and kept her relatively fresh since then. She is now upped in class but Vishal Bunde who has been riding well has been booked and claims a valuable 3 ½ kilos which will offset her penalty. She appears to be in good shape and should make a strong attempt to repeat.
JUGGERNAUT :- Speedy 3 year old gelding from the stable of Narendra Lagad and partnered by likely Champion Jockey Dashrath Singh, he has raced mainly over 1000M, scoring a pillar to post win over Elysee on the opening day but then running 5th on his first start in this class, about 5 ¼ lengths behind the winner Goldie’s Pet. He finished 4th over this trip last time out, always prominent and keeping on in the straight behind Mygrator. He looks fit and capable of running into a place again today but will find winning tough in this company.
FRANZ FERDINAND :- Very highly rated but sparingly raced got abroad colt from the Pesi Shroff yard, his career has been plagued by injuries and fitness problems and he has had plenty of gaps between his races. He has finished a close 2nd on his last 2 starts over this trip, last time out just failing to reel in Jimbo back in April and he again returns to the track after an extended absence. He has been well prepared for his comeback and has been working well although N.S. Parmar is a strange booking. He should be observed in the paddock and if looking fit and well, appears to be the one they all have to beat and is a leading contender as he is clearly better than his current mark.
JARAMA :- 5 year old grey filly trained by S.A.Waheed, she has won twice from her 17 starts, both times looking like she was far ahead of the handicapper including last time out when coming with a strong late run to score fluently in older company. On her previous victory, she failed to build on that effort and lost her way and she is upped in grade and tackling younger horses now so she needs to progress again. S.A. Amit replaces Vishal Bunde in the saddle and she appears to have maintained her condition and will try hard to repeat.
QUIXOTIC:-Another speedy 4 year old from the MaleshNarredu yard who lost his way after a promising start to his career but appears to be finding his way back and just last week scored a pillar to post win over his more fancied owner mate, winning over 1000M at a long price. He is turned out again quickly under a statutory penalty which is practically negated by his rider’s 5 kilo claim and although he has an extra 200M to travel today, he could well have come back to his best and could be very dangerous if allowed an easy lead.
ANNIVERSARY GIRL :- 2nd of the Narendra Lagad runners in this field and passed over by Dashrath Singh in favour of Juggernaut suggesting she is the lesser fancied of the pair. She has run 7 times till date and scored her maiden success over this trip last time out beating Rincon by a length. That form leaves her with plenty to find in this much tougher company and although she appears to have maintained her form and fitness and J. Chinoy has been booked to ride, she may struggle here . She has each way claims and can add some spice to the finish.
SAFDAR :- 4 year colt trained by Rehanullah Khan he has been relatively lightly raced with just 1 win to his name from his 9 starts till date and he too appears to be finding his way back from a setback. His last run over 1000M was a step in the right direction when he finished 3rd to Wild Fire and Lincoln over 5 furlongs and if he is able to progress and build on that last effort with the extra furlong in his favour then he could be in the thick of things with the in form C.S. Jodha in the plate.
CONCLUSION :-Franz Ferdinand looks better than his current mark suggests and is selected in spite of running after a long lay off as he has been well prepared although the choice of N.S. Parmar raises a couple of eyebrows. If he is found lacking fitness, the 3 year old Miss Moneypenny looks a good alternative. Last outing winners Jarama and Quixotic are also respected
Race No. 5 :- The Jeremiah Plate – Div. I – Class V – Distance :- 1600M
HUZZAH’S GRACE :- 3 year old filly from the Imtiaz Sait stable, she has had 3 of her 4 career runs this season, and showed some promise on her penultimate start in Class IV, where she finished on well to be 3rd to Knight’s Quest and Powerhaus, who has gone on to win twice since. She ran poorly on her last start but that was in maiden company and she now returns to handicaps and is eased in grade into the lowest class. Y.S. Srinath is an eye catching booking at with her style of racing suggesting the extra furlong will suit, she looks a very strong contender and should be seriously considered.
MAGIC DUST :- Another 3 year old, this one from the yard of Narendra Lagad, he has run 8 times till date over varying trips without much success, save for one good run in Mumbai over 1200M where he finished 2nd to Orion’s Belt. He finished 7th over 1200M just last week and is now dropped into the lowest class and is tackling this longer trip for the first time. Good apprentice S.A. Amit is on board and he can be involved if showing some improvement for this longer trip.
ABBEYROAD :- 4 year old filly from the Sanjay Kolse yard who is unplaced in 7 starts till date and often loses her chances by being sluggishly away from the gates. She has made some late progress to finish close to the frame on a couple of occasions and did manage to finish 4th of 7 over 2000M albeit 8 ½ lengths behind impressive winner It’s A Deal. The point of interest is the booking of C.S.Jodha to ride for the first time which is a positive and she looks a dark horse who can upset if everything goes her way.
PANATELA :- 3 year old filly trained by Altamash A Ahmed who has had just 4 starts till date, the first three over sprints but she showed some improvement on the step up to 7 furlongs last time out when not given too hard a time and finishing 5th to Rain Dance. She looks capable of improving on just her 5th start and N.S. Parmar takes over from whipless apprentice so if she unlocks some additional improvement over this extra furlong, then she could prove to be a thorn in the side of her rivals and is another interesting runner who must come into calculations.
JEENA :- Tough and exposed 5 year old mare trained by NiradKaranjawala she has won 2 of her 28 career starts but has several good placed efforts to her name. In the past she has managed to win when brought back down to this mark and hinted that her turn was not far away when finishing an excellent close 3rd over 1400M last week to Pretty Angel. She lacks the scope to improve over the younger horses but has proven form over this trip and booking of A. Imran Khan shows connections fancy their chances.
ETERNAL DANCER:-4 year old filly who comes from the stable of Rehanullah Khan and has done nothing to note in 10 starts till date but has found her handicap mark plummeting as a result. She did appear to be finding some form towards the end of the Mumbai season and she had been given a lung opener here to blow away the cobwebs. She steps up to this longer trip for the first time and Neeraj Rawal takes over from 5 kilo claimer in the saddle so she could possibly be an end of season surprise and is a dark horse who could strike at a long price.
CONCLUSION :-An open looking Class V contest with several chances. Huzzah’s Grace is the selection with Y.S. Srinath up in the hopes of her building on her penultimate run in handicap company where she finished a good 3rd. Jeena looks the best among the older horses but for those looking to take a chance at good odds, it may pay to side with Eternal Dancer. She is tackling this trip for the first time and Neeraj Rawal has been booked to ride so she could be the medium of a quiet gamble and bears close watching
Race No. 6 :- The F A and K A Irani Trophy – Div. I – Class III – Distance :- 1200M
ARAKAWAH :- Speedy but enigmatic 5 year old gelding from the Altaf Hussain yard who has won twice from 17 starts and ran a cracker last time out when leading for a long way over this trip and only finding the progressive and smart Mygrator too good, ending up a creditable 2nd. That was his first run of the season and he is sure to improve as indicated by his subsequent good work. He should have the measure of Hedwig and Maduro who finished behind him that day and with Vishal Bunde retaining the ride, he looks a strong contender to go one better and must make the short list.
HEDWIG :- 5 year old grey who has been quite consistent off her current mark and is trained by Rehanullah Khan. She has 2 wins to her name from 16 starts and ran twice this season in quick succession, returning from a stint in Bangalore. She chased home Uncle Scrooge over 1400M on the first occasion and then a week later, finished on late to be just behind Arakawah over this trip. Its looks tough to reverse the form with Arakawah on that last run but she is working well and is the first ride for P. Trevor back from his stint in Australia so she is given a good each way shout.
MY BLESSINGS :- Progressive 4 year old filly trained by MagansinghJodha, she is yet to finish out of the first 3 in 6 career starts till date and has been in excellent form over 1000M this season, coming into this off a fluent win in the lower class, easily beating Silk Baby in the process. She is better handicapped than Arakawah on a line through Mygrator, is in excellent form at present and came from off the pace last time out so should not be troubled by the extra furlong. S.A. Amit takes over in the saddle today and she is greatly respected in spite of being upped in grade now.
MOTHERLAND :- 4 year old filly who was formerly with Dallas Todywalla but has recently been sold into Adil Dajee’s yard and had a lung opener last week on just her first start since April. She has a good overall record of 3 wins from 10 starts and has managed to win over this trip before. She has been working quite well, has S.J.Sunil in the saddle and could fight it out for minor honours although she may need to show some more spark before being considered for a win.
MADURO :- Represents the same connections as Panatella earlier in the card and is also a scopey and in form individual who appears to have his best runs over this trip. He did not appear to be at his best when only 6th behind Arakawah and Hedwig last time out but had run good races the previous twice and could very well bounce back. He has the services of N.S. Parmar in the saddle today, and if that last run is ignored, then he should be in the firing line.
EXCELLENT GOLD :- Very highly regarded 3 year old from the Narendra Lagad yard who contested two of the top juvenile races in Mumbai without success but then looked well ahead of his current mark last time out when scoring a facile maiden success over 1000M, winning with plenty to spare. He has been handed quite a stiff opening mark on the looks of it but clearly is an improving sort and receiving weight all around here, he looks the one to beat with Dashrath Singh on board.
CONCLUSION :-The 3 year old Excellent Gold looks a smart prospect and should prove too good for this lot receiving weight all around. The consistent and in form My Blessings looks the main danger along with Hedwig and the speedy Arakawah
Race No. 7 :- The Animal Welfare Board of India Trophy – Class V – Distance :- 1200M
ISINIT :- 5 year old mare trained by S.N. Joshi, she has been knocking at the door for some time now but remains a maiden after 18 starts with several close calls. She has had 3runs this season and after 2 lung openers, ran an excellent close 2nd to Winds of Change last time out in an older horses contest. That run was in the higher class so she is now eased in grade and M.Ayyar has ridden some good races this season and claims a valuable 5 kilos. She has top weight to defy here and can be considered but her overall record suggests that she is more likely to place again today.
ANGEL’S HARMONY :- 3 year old who has raced just thrice till date and appears to be have been given a chance by the handicapper as she enters this grade after just 2 unplaced runs this season. She made a very promising debut back in Mumbai when finishing 4th in a much stronger maiden than this and her recent trackwork suggests that she has improved. Vishal Bunde is in good form this season and she looks a leading fancy against this opposition.
GLORIOUS THUNDER :-Has not yet benefitted from a change of ownership and name and he remains a maiden after 10 starts mostly over this sort of trip. After 2 unplaced efforts this season in similar events, he showed signs of finding some form when dropped into this grade last time out and finishing a fair 4th to Name of the Game and the booking of the freshly returned P. Trevor is interesting. He must be respected and has a strong each way chance.
JACK DAN :- 5 year old untried gelding trained by NosherCama he has run 8 times till date and has run suggestively twice this season including when a close 5th last time out with the same rider up. He began this season by making late headway to be a casual 4th over this trip and then after 2 indifferent runs, finished a close 5th last time out behind Pretty Angel when dropped into this class for the first time. He still has plenty of scope to improve and can strike if in a galloping mood.
ASAHI :- The 8 year old from Rehanullah Khan’s yard is a veteran of 47 races having 2 prior wins to his name but having come back down to a workable mark. He usually likes to be delivered late off a strong pace but may encounter traffic problems in this sizeable field. He finished a flying late 3rd just behind Isinit last time out and with the stronger S.J. Sunil taking over from Raj Pawar in the saddle, he is another who is worthy of consideration in this competitive event.
COUNTRY’S EMPRESS :-5 Year old mare trained by Arif Patel who stepped up on her previous efforts when finishing a good 2nd to Make It Shine over this trip and looks likely to progress again. Still relatively unexposed so she is capable of making some more improvement and with whipless apprentice claiming 5 kilos she looks likely to try and win from end to end.
MILWALKEE :- 4 year old filly trained by S.S. Shah who has raced 12 times till date without much success. She returned from a decent sized break to finish a fair 4th over 1000M last time out and looks capable of building on that run and making some progression. The extra furlong should not be an issue and turned out again quickly with a stronger rider in the saddle, she could find some improvement and be involved.
BLACK JAGUAR :- 4 year old colt from the yard of NarendraLagad, he has run 18 times without a win so far but caught the eye on his penultimate run over 1000M where he was finishing on strongly to be just outside the frame. His last start upped to a mile is best ignored as he stumbled very badly right after jump out and could not raise a gallop after that. He returns to 1200M now and is going practically bareback with H. Zeeshan claiming an additional 5 kilos. If he can reproduce an effort similar to that penultimate run, then he can shock them all at a long price.
CONCLUSION :- These races are usually best left alone but it could be profitable to take a punt on the bottom weighted Black Jaguar. He finished full of running on his penultimate run and had excuses last time out when stumbling badly. He is going at a feather weight and could prove to be a handy winner at long odds. The 3 year oldAngel’s Harmony is the other with maximum scope to improve and is likely to be a warm favourite
Race No. 8 :- The German Unity Day Trophy – Class IV – Distance :- 1000M
LINCOLN :-Is a speedy and progressive Excelebration Colt from the powerful yard of Pesi Shroff who looks a potential improver. He has raced just 4 times till date and was an easy winner of the Sohna Stud Million on Derby Day. Last time out, he was clearly in need of the run when chasing home the speedy Wild Fire and is sure to have stripped much fitter today. His subsequent work indicates that he has improved again and H. Zeeshan has been booked to ride, claiming a valuable 5 kilos as he has been eased in grade. He has not bagged the best draw in Stall 12, but still looks a leading contender in this field.
ASCENSION :- Small but speedy mare from the yard of S.K. Sunderji, she has raced 7 times till date and finally gained an overdue maiden success last time when proving too strong for Stunner and Malavika. She looks well held by Lincoln on their earlier form and is more exposed than most of these so although she is expected to run well again, she could find one or two too strong today and appears to be a contender for the minor places.
SUPERSTAR SUPREME :- Comes from the MaleshNarredu yard and has run 3 times till date, finishing well beaten on the first two occasions but finding a dramatic improvement last time out when making every post a winning one to hold off Costa Brava and score over 1200M last time out. He should gain some confidence from that win and is a front runner so should not mind the drop to the minimum and Yash Narredu now takes over in the saddle from the feeble S. Mosin. He has not been harshly penalized for this win and should make a bold bid to repeat
GOLD FIELD :- Speedy chestnut from the AdhirajsinghJodha yard, she has run thrice till date and acquitted herself well on all occasions. After finishing a good 4th to Kramer on debut, she duly built on that with an impressive victory over Queen’s Best and Ascension and is quite closely matched with Lincoln on a line through that rival. She was clearly in need of the run on her seasonal reappearance and should be much fitter and sharper today. S.A. Amit takes over from inexperienced apprentice and although she is drawn alongside Lincoln in Stall 11, she rates as one of the main dangers.
LORD COMMANDER:-4 times raced gelding from the BezanChenoy yard, he began his career impressively, finishing runner up the speedy God’s Own and then scoring an emphatic maiden success next time out, easily beating Manzanita and Shamwari. His 2 starts this season have been disappointing in contrast and he faded away tamely when strongly fancied last time out to finish 6th behind Gran Paradiso on handicap debut. His recent track work suggests that he has left that running well behind and it is still early days so with Santosh G replacing A Imran Khan in the saddle, he is worth giving another chance to.
CONCLUSION :- Lincoln appears to be the class act in this field and in spite of top weight and a wide draw, is the confident selection to score. The speedy Gold Field appears to be the main threat and Lord Commander also looks dangerous if returning to his earlier form
Race No. 9:- The Suresh Mahindra Trophy – Class I – Distance :- 3200M
RAEES :- This 4 year old gelding from Imtiaz Sait’s yard has already developed into a smart stayer and has won 4 of his 13 starts till date, with his form hitting a different level once he was upped to staying trips. He warmed up for this race with a facile victory over 2400M last time out and currently looks in the pink of condition. He looks quite capable of staying this gruelling trip and looks outstanding in this field with C.S. Jodha in the saddle.
SQUARE MOON :- The 6 year old trained by AdhirajsinghJodha has been woefully out of form of late and finished way behind Raees last time out so it looks practically impossible to reverse that form. The only thing going in his favour is he has proven form in this race and stays this far, having finished a close 2nd to Severus in this race last year and perhaps a return to this gruelling trip will see him in better light but he looks up against it.
STAR OF HARMONY :- Is a quirky but progressive filly trained by MaleshNarredu who comes from the excellent staying family of Veena’s Pet and should be able to stay this galloping trip. She too was a winner over 2400M on her last start where she outstayed Bold March to win stoutly. She is in receipt of 6 kilos from Raees which is a big advantage over the 3200M trip and that might help to make this competitive. P.S. Chouhan takes the ride and if she can control the gallop to her advantage in this small field, then she has the potential to take this.
CONCLUSION :- Raees easily looks the best of this quartet and should win this quite easily. Star of Harmony in receipt of 6 kilos could make a fight of it if controlling the gallop from the front.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
