FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SUNDAY, 29TH OCTOBER 2017 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 28 Oct 2017
FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SUNDAY, 29TH OCTOBER 2017
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Shamu Chavan Trophy – Div. 3 – Class IV – Distance :- 1200M
SALVATORE MUNDI :-He is a well bred and lightly raced 4 year old gelding who began his career with Vishal Gaikwad but presumably had multiple problems and has now been sold into Asad Siddiqui’s yard. He made his debut last season on this track, running a fair race to finish 4th over a 1000M trip to Minstrel Heights. He was then fancied on his next start in Mumbai over this trip but could only finish 3rd to Bounty Queen after which he was put away. He reappeared in July over 6 furlongs where he finished 6th in a Class IV event in Bangalore and has now returned to Western India in still another ownership. He has been working very well of late and if his new Trainer has been able to sort out the problem, he has plenty of potential and could very well win this. He bears watching with S. Sunil not the most encouraging booking.
GREGORIAN CHANTS :-Fully exposed 4 year old gelding from the yard of C.D. Katrak he has raced 16 times so far in his career and has run poorly in all but one of those runs. The only exception was a maiden victory which came over course and distance in September last year where he motored home from a rear position to beat Dolphin and the odds on favourite Normandy and score a shock win. He has done nothing since then to come anywhere close to that form but he did finish just outside the frame in his last start 3 weeks ago so he is worth keeping an eye on with his regular rider Amyn Merchant on board.
SAIL PAST :- 6 year old gelding from the stables of Narendra Lagad, he is a veteran of 33 races having won on 2 previous occasions but he has slipped back down in the scales to a very attractive mark and has been running with promise all season without a win. He finished an excellent close 2nd to Pretty Angel over 1400M on his last start with the same rider on board and is one of the few in this race having good current form. N.B. Kuldeep takes the ride again although he appears lesser fancied than VoulezVous on Jockey bookings.
VOULEZ VOUS :- Nicely bred Phoenix Tower 4 year old filly who also hails from the Lagad yard and has first Jockey Dashrath Singh up for the first time in a while suggesting that she is the best fancied of the yard’s runners. She tends to be lethargic in the early part of the race and frequently loses ground at the start but she had finished on late to be 4th in each of her last 2 starts over this trip, suggesting that she is getting ready to strike soon. She looks relatively well placed on the scales at present and with Dashrath now taking over from a claimer, she looks a strong contender to gain an overdue maiden success.
JULIANO :- 4 year old gelding from the yard of Sanjay Kolse, he has been sparingly raced with only 7 runs under his belt so far with his best effort being 4th in a 1000M maiden on this track last year. He returned from a long absence in August and has had 2 runs to get him fit. His recent track work has been quite good suggesting that he has improved and if putting his best foot forward, he is an unknown quantity who could spring a surprise. S.A. Amit who has been booked has been riding well this season and in a very open contest, he is worth considering.
SPARKLING THEA :-The 3rd runner from the Narendra Lagad stable, this 4 year old has been tumbling down in the weights since her maiden success over 1000M back in January and she has yet to give some indication of a revival. She has been unplaced in all her 4 starts this term in similar contests and although T.S. Jodha is a stronger rider than N.B. Kuldeep who has been up the last couple of starts, she can just be considered as a rank outsider and needs to show some spark.
ALOHA :- Decently bred 3 year old from the yard of S.K. Sunderji, she is apparently well regarded by her connections but the closest she has been to the winner in her 5 starts till date has been 11 lengths which does not augur well. However, she has been working quite well of late and the booking of C.S. Jodha catches the eye so if she has managed to come to hand then she is worth considering.
CONCLUSION :-Extremely open race to begin the card and is best left alone from a betting standpoint. VoulezVous with Dashrath Singh up and the rail draw looks to have the best chance to score in a race which lacks strength in depth. Salvatore Mundi and Aloha both look to have scope and are also worth considering .
Race No. 2 :- The Classic Rock Plate – Div. 2 – Class IV – Distance :- 1600M
HARMONY :-5 year old mare who has been stable hopping for a while and has finally settled into the yard of Narendra Lagad for whom she scored her first career victory on her penultimate start, coming with a strong late run to pip the reopposing Royal Éclair by a nose in the lower class. She did not run badly next time out on promotion finishing 7th but less than 4 lengths behind the winner although she should be held by Tomahawk on that run. Dashrath Singh returns to ride her but she looks out handicapped against a couple of these and may have to settle for minor honours today.
NIGHTFALL :- 4 year old gelding who used to be trained by C.D. Katrak and had Harmony back in 5th when scoring his maiden victory last time out back in August where he fought off Koal and Sweep Aside to score at a double figure price over this trip. He has since shifted to the care of Faisal Abbas and is running after a break of 2 months so he may just need this first outing for the new yard, a fact emphasized by the booking of Bhawani Singh rather than C.S. Jodha who is the yard’s first jockey. However, he is coming into this race fresh off a win, may have just come to hand and has to be respected under just a 5 kilo penalty.
ROYAL ÉCLAIR :- Aged 6 year old mare from the stables of Subhag Singh, whose overall profile is unconvincing, having won just 1 of her 26 starts till date but she has been in good form of late in similar contests. She was nabbed right on the post by Harmony on her penultimate run and is weighted to reverse that form now and last time out also she ran well when a late finishing 3rd to the unexposed Pilatus. She looks in good nick at present and T.S. Jodha retains the ride so she merits each way consideration and looks capable of winning as well.
STAR SCHOLAR :-4 year old colt owned and trained by Dallas Todywalla, he began this season with a hard fought win over Silver Edge over 1800M but he has struggled in his subsequent starts and needs to bounce back after a handful of poor runs. His last couple of starts in similar contests have not been encouraging but Prashant Dhebe takes over in the saddle now which could make a difference and he has possibilities if he can rediscover his best form.
TOMAHAWK :-This 4 year old gelding trained by NiradKaranjawala is still a maiden after 11 starts but he ran a most suggestive and promising race last time out over this trip when covering plenty of ground from a rear position to come and finish a notable 2nd to Pacific Dunes over this trip. That run was just 3 weeks ago so he is likely to improve for it and if he can build on that effort, then he looks hard to beat with NeerajRawal taking over in the saddle. He must be given an excellent chance.
WILSHIRE :- 3 year old gelding from the S.K. Sunderji yard, he has had no show in 3 maiden races over 6 and 7 furlongs and now steps up to a mile for his handicap debut. He may have been given those runs in order to be allotted a reasonable mark and his recent workouts have been encouraging. C.S. Jodha takes the ride and if appreciating the longer trip, he has the scope to improve.
CONCLUSION :-Tomahawk ran an eye catching race last time out, covering a lot of ground from a near impossible position and normal progression give him leading form claims with Neeraj in the saddle. Wilshire is a scopey 3 year old with potential on his handicap debut while Nightfall may have also turned the corner and bears considering.
Race No. 3 :- The Democraticus Plate – Class V – Distance :- 2000M
DIXIELAND :-Well bred 3 year old filly from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard who has only had 2 starts till date and still appears to be coming to hand. After making her debut in Mumbai way back in January where she was unplaced over 7 furlongs she was given time to improve and reappeared only in September over a mile where again she was well held finishing 4th of 5 behind Selfie Star. She is upped even further in trip now but it is significant that she is now taking on Class V opposition and her recent track work has indicated that there has been some improvement. It is interesting that H. Zeeshan has been booked to ride utilizing his 5 kilo claim and although she has yet to perform on the track she has to be respected in this grade.
GDANSK :-Comes from the yard of S.A. Waheed and has raced 7 times till date and has been performing modestly over middle distances without really showing a lot of progression. He has run thrice already this season and after 2 modest maiden runs, he ran a lot better on his handicap debut when finishing just outside the frame to be 6th over a mile and not beaten too far behind the winner Pacific Dunes. He is now eased in grade, the longer trip should be to his advantage and A. Imran Khan has been booked to ride. He is expected to improve in this easier company and looks a strong contender in this field .
DAZZLING EYES :-Thrice raced 3 year old from the ImtiazSait yard she has been working well on track for most of the season but has been disappointing in her 2 runs so far. She was possibly in need of the lung opener over 1400M on her reappearance and last time out she was taken on a start to finish mission over 1800M but weakened rapidly after leading till the bend. She has continued to show out well in morning track work and may slowly be coming to hand. Y.S. Srinath takes over in the saddle today, she is upped further in trip and she too is eased in grade and bears close watching.
HUNAYN :- 4 year old gelding from Trainer Himmat Singh’s yard who showed the first glimpses of some form on his 10th start over a mile last time out where he surged into the lead at the top of the bend and was just pipped by Star Ace close home. He is now weighted to gain revenge on that rival although it is unsure if the additional 400M will be to his advantage. J. Chinoy who rode him last time keeps the ride and if he can build on that last effort then he stands a good chance of opening his account.
STAR ACE :- Well bred but erratic 5 year old mare who finally gained an overdue maiden success last time out when benefitting from her rider’s prowess to get up and collar Hunayn right on the line. Penalty will make life tougher for her and the extra distance is also unknown but she could gain some confidence from the win and with NeerajRawal retaining the ride, she should make a bold bid to repeat. However, she is quite exposed and is vulnerable to any of the improving 3 year olds.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY :-Fully exposed 5 year old gelding trained by Shazaan Shah he has raced 24 times till date over varying distances but is still without a win and has become quite frustrating to follow. He did manage a 2nd place finish on his penultimate run over course and distance although he was well beaten by It’s A Deal and Dashrath Singh who was on that day gets a leg up again. He does merit some consideration and will try hard but again looks vulnerable to potential improvers and place appears to be a safer option although not totally reliable.
DAZZLE N DAZE :-6 year old gelding owned and trained by Magansingh P Jodha, he has won over course and distance before and has slipped to well below his last winning mark which was 24. He has been totally out of form for a long time now so a leap of faith is required to support him but if he can rediscover some form, he stays well and could be a shock upset with Nirmal Jodha up.
CONCLUSION :-A tricky race as the older handicappers appear to be quite exposed and devoid of much improvement and the 3 year olds have yet to show any spark on the track. Gdansk showed some promise over a mile on his handicap debut last time out and is taken to score in this easier grade. Hunayn is probably the best among the older horses while the lightly raced and unexposed pair of Dixieland and Dazzling Eyes both have the potential to score and must be considered as well.
Race No. 4 :- The ShamuChavan Trophy – Div. 2 – Class IV – Distance :- 1200M
GOOD THING :-4 year old Win Legend filly from the yard of AdhirajsinghJodha, she was quite well regarded in her juvenile days and was a smart maiden winner over this trip in a decent field back in January 2016. She appeared to have a setback on this track last August and has been very sparingly raced since then, having 2 runs apiece in Mumbai and this term and not showing any of her old spark. However, she must be thrown into the mix on the best of her form and with D.S. Daman in the saddle, she looks an interesting outsider.
LILIBETH :-3 year old filly from the Narendra Lagad stable, she has raced 6 times till date and began the season with a fluent win over this trip when she came with a strong late run to collar Silk Baby. She was not suited by the step up to 7 furlongs next time out but was disappointing on her last run 3 weeks ago back down to this trip where she could only manage 4th of 6 to Beshiktash. She continues to show out well in the morning trials but now appears to have something to prove and will need to find some further improvement if she is to be a factor. Dashrath Singh is up again and from a good draw, she looks an each way player.
PHILADELPHIA :-4 year old filly trained by Dallas Todywalla, she is still a maiden after 9 starts having raced mainly over the minimum trip. She has been tried with blinkers and without and different tactics have been employed but the closest that she came was when beaten just ½ a length by Beneficial back in Mumbai. Her 3 runs this season have all been modest efforts and she was upped to this trip last time out when she finished 5th to Powerhaus. J. Chinoy now takes over from Vishal Bunde in the saddle and she is another for whom a case can be made if she shows some improvement but is probably best watched until she delivers.
RENATO :- Fashionably bred debutant from the MaleshNarredu yard, he comes from the excellent family of 1000 Guineas winner Free Radical who has already thrown several classy types such as Nora, Rosalind and more recently Perfect Star. He has been judiciously prepared with this event in view and has had 2 Mock Races recently so is expected to be fit. He looks a classy type on paper and with in form SurajNarredu in the saddle, he looks the one to beat.
GRAPPA :-Well bred 4 year old from the yard of A.M. Jadhav, he has appeared to find form this season and has run well on his last 2 starts. He looked a winner over 1000M back in September before being overwhelmed close home by Tally Ho and last time out under a 5 kilo claimer, he finished runner up to Priceless Girl in a similar contest. He does not look likely to be troubled by the additional furlong, S.A. Amit takes the ride today and he has good current form and is expected to be one of the main contenders again.
HIGHLAND WIND :-3 year old from the Rehanullah Khan yard who has run only 4 times till date and still has the potential to make some improvement. He ran 2 decent races over sprint trips in the Bangalore Summer and has had a lung opener last month over 1400M where he finished last of 6 to Kramer. He has been kept fresh since then but is now making his handicap debut off a decent mark and it is interesting that the yard’s apprentice B. Nikhil has been declared rather than a full rider. He may still need some time to come to hand but could be another interesting outsider.
CONCLUSION :-As is the case with most of the races today, winner picking appears very tricky. Renato looks a smart type on paper and if he is fit and ready to go then he could have the measure of this lot. The well bred Grappa has been running quite well and appears to be the main danger.
Race No. 5 :- The Classic Rock Plate – Div. 1 – Class IV – Distance :- 1600M
CELESTIAL LIGHT :- Inconsistent 4 year old filly trained by ImtiazSait who has won 2 of her 15 starts but does not seem to find much consistency and both of the wins have been well spaced. She has run 2 poor races this term but last time was back from a break and she should strip fitter. Y.S. Srinath in the saddle is also encouraging and she is worth giving an each way chance to if she is in a galloping mood .
IRISES :-Very highly regarded filly who seems to have gone wrong and has raced just 5 times but still has a lot of potential if her trainer manages to get her right. She was an impressive winner on debut on this track but then seemed to lose her way and her solitary run last month came after an extended absence so she can be forgiven the poor effort. She should come on for the lung opener and strip fitter but her well being is still uncertain. If back to her best she stands an excellent chance to score but perhaps she is better watched today with D.S. Daman taking the ride.
EIGER’S TIGER :- Battle hardened 4 year old who has raced 16 times till date over varying trips but has just 1 run to his name although he has been knocking on the door this season and appears to be in good condition. He has placed in his last 3 starts over distances between 1400 and 1800M, last time out finishing on late to be 2nd to Pilatus. This mile trip will probably suit him best and with Dashrath Singh on board again, he may finally be able to gain that elusive 2nd success .
MASTER OF TRINITY :-Another very well regarded 5 year colt who has gone wrong and is trying to regain some form. He gave a glimpse of his ability when scoring a decisive over 1400M back in April but then ran poorly 2 weeks later against similar opposition. He returns from a short break having had just a solitary run back in August and is likely to be fitter and sharper now. He still retains immense potential and could bounce back with in form Neeraj in the saddle.
IT’S A DEAL :- Unexposed 4 year old from the yard of Faisal Abbas, he showed good ability when tried for the first time over 2000M, taking advantage of his lenient mark to trounce the opposition. He was then upped to 2400M but may not have stayed that far, ending up 4th to Baby Face after travelling well for much of the journey. He now drops back to a mile which should suit him better and can strike with C.S. Jodha in the saddle .
COOL EYES :-Improving 3 year old from the yard of C.D. Katrak who has run 4 times so far and has been improving steadily with every run. After 3 indifferent runs over 1200, he showed some improvement upped to 1400M when finishing on late to be a good 3rd behind Collegium last time out and he should be able to build on that effort. The extra furlong looks likely to suit him better, he has been working very well and with P.S. Chouhan in the saddle, he looks to have a great chance to shed his maiden tag receiving weight all around.
CONCLUSION :-The maiden 3 year old Cool Eyes looked promising over 1400M last time out and should improve again over the extra furlong making him the selection here. It looks very competitive among the older handicappers with Eiger’s Tiger and Master of Trinity looking the main dangers.
Race No. 6 :- The Aquaguard Championship RWITC Ltd. Gold Cup (Grade 2) – Terms – 4 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 2000M
COLUMBIANA :- 5 year old colt trained by Malesh Narredu who has already established himself as a Class Performer and appears to be running over his ideal trip. He has his quirks, often not jumping out cleanly but has been in good form this season and looks a strong contender. He was a convincing winner of the Eve Champion Trophy beating Germanicus by a length so he needs to improve a bit to confirm the form with that rival. He then chased home Temerity in the Idar Gold Cup and last time out over an inadequate 7 furlongs, ended just 1 ¼ lengths behind Phoenix Tiger. The pair should be closely matched again today but the fact that Phoenix Tiger is not totally sound plus the distance of 2000M tilt the scales slightly in Columbiana’s favour. He will be ridden by NeerajRawal and looks set for a strong performance.
PHOENIX TIGER :- One of the best milers in the country when in his prime and fluent winner of the Indian 2000 guineas but he was beaten by Columbiana in the Ruia over this trip when both were in their prime. He recovered from a setback which had him off the track for over a year and last time out, looked on the way back to his best when making Your Royal Majesty pull out all the stops and going down fighting by a nose. No doubt he can improve again from the run but the 2000M trip will stretch his stamina slightly so it should be very close between him and Columbiana again today. SurajNarredu retains the ride and he looks one of the main contenders
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GERMANICUS :-Flies the flag for the current Classic generation and has been a loyal servant to connections winning the Hyderabad 2000 Guineas and Derby and finishing runner up in the Pune Derby last year. He finished a length behind Columbiana at level weights in the Eve Champion but he had a fitness edge over his rival that day and he is not certain the reverse that form. He returns from Hyderabad where he finished a disappointing 3rd to Booker Jones in the Nizam’s Cup and needs to bounce back from that. He is working well, will be ridden by A. Imran Khan and should be in the mix.
B FIFTY TWO :- Solid and consistent 5 year old gelding trained by ImtiazSait he too is quite versatile with regards to trip and ran a cracker in this race last year, finishing a good 3rd behind Costa Del Sol. He has had just one run this season where he finished a close 3rd to Alaindair and Your Royal Majesty and ties in very closely with Phoenix Tiger on that form. He has been rested and well prepared and is expected to run a big race with Y.S. Srinath up.
ASTER ROSE :-Deserves her place in this line up although she is rated below the best of these and comes into this full of confidence after a facile win in the Fillies & Mares stakes where she won with a bit in hand. She stays the trip quite well, has been holding her own in Bangalore before coming to Pune and is likely to be involved in the finish with Dashrath Singh booked to ride today.
CONCLUSION :-This promises to be an exciting race with all the principals very closely matched on paper and a blanket finish is anticipated so this race is probably just best enjoyed from the stands. Columbiana is just a tentative selection but any one of the five mentioned above could easily win this at their best
Race No. 7 :- The Dakshin Maharashtra Sub-Area Cup – Class III – Distance :- 1400M
GAZINO :-3 year old colt trained by NosherCama who has taken gigantic forward strides this season and still appears to be ahead of the handicapper. He is bidding for a hattrick of wins after 2 facile victories over 1200M this term, winning by a large margin and clocking a good time on both occasions. He first scored a bloodless maiden win back in August and followed that up with even more emphatic victory in class III back in September where he clocked an excellent time of 1.10.04 seconds. He has been penalized a further 8 kilos for that win and steps up a furlong in trip now but appears to have maintained his condition and with P.S. Chouhan up, looks a strong fancy to complete a hattrick.
JUGGERNAUT :- 3 year old from the Narendra Lagad yard who has been making steady improvement with his racing and after looking an out and out 5 furlong horse early in his career, he scored a gutsy win over 1200M last time out beating Miss Moneypenny by 1 ¼ lengths. He is not certain to stay this additional furlong on his pedigree but seems to be improving with every run and is worth taking a crack at this trip with Dashrath Singh on board. He looks in good form and could be involved if having the stamina.
SPIRIDON :-Consistent 4 year old from the stables of Altaf Hussain, he has 2 wins to his name from 9 starts till date and has been quite effective over this trip so far. He has run 3 times so far this season, and bounced back from an indifferent run on his penultimate start to finish 3rd behind Texas Gold and Nelsons Blood a couple of weeks ago. He appears to be in the grip of the handicapper at present though and will need to pull out some more improvement if he is to progress further. D.S. Daman retains the ride but he looks to be more of a contender for the minor places.
SILKEN EYES :- One time Classic hopeful when in the care of C.D. Katrak, she has run promisingly on almost all of her 9 starts winning one race over 1400M in July last year before going on to finish 4th in the Pune Derby. After a midfield finish in the Indian 1000 Guineas, she finished 4th over 1800M on the Derby weekend and has been off the track since and shifted to Rehanullah Khan’s yard. She has been judiciously and painstakingly prepared with this event in view and has been given 2 Mock Races in which she has been seen to be moving very well and her last couple of workouts have been excellent. Y.S. Srinath has been booked to ride her and a very big run is anticipated in spite of the lengthy absence.
MONTE GRECO :- Another highly regarded 4 year old this one trained by M.K. Jadhav, he is also working his way back into form after a setback and has had 2 runs this term, last time finishing midfield over 1200M but not beaten too far. Both his previous wins came over 5 furlongs so this longer trip is an unknown but he too has been working well and if taking to this new trip then he has the potential to spring a surprise with T.S. Jodha in the saddle.
POWERHAUS :-This 3 year old filly from Narendra Lagad’s yard has been in fine form all season and has won 2 of her 5 starts, placing on the other 3 occasions. She is coming off a 6 furlong win last time out but may find this 7 furlong trip stretching her stamina and she was beaten close home by stable companion Knight’s Quest the last time that she attempted this trip. She seems to have maintained her form and fitness and should make a bold bid with Dashrath Singh in the saddle but she may have to be content with minor honours today.
CAMBRIDGE :-Highly regarded 3 year old colt from the yard of Pesi Shroff, he too is reappearing after a long absence having had both his career runs in Mumbai. He caught the eye when unfancied on debut but still finishing on strongly to be 2nd to Kramer over 1200M and duly built on that a few weeks later when scoring a smart maiden win over this same trip, easily accounting for Sereno. He has been quietly prepared and given time to improve since then and looks a potential 2000 Guineas candidate for the yard. His prep work has been excellent, he should be fit enough and with NeerajRawal in the saddle and in receipt of 8.5 kilos from Gazino, he appears the one that they all have to beat and must win this if he has Classic aspirations.
CONCLUSION :-2000 Guineas hopeful Cambridge faces a stern test against good opposition but is still selected to come out trumps. Hattrick seeking Gazino and the well prepared and potentially smart Silken Eyes should give him the most to do.
Race No. 8 :- The Masoom Master Trophy – Maiden 3 Year olds – Distance :- 1000M
QUESTIONABLE :-Smart looking debutant from the C.D. Katrak yard, who catches the eye on pedigree and has been working reasonably well in the morning gallops. T.S. Jodha is a surprise booking for the yard and he not drawn the best in Stall 12 but he is taking on a relatively ordinary maiden field and could be good enough to win first time out.
ARC SHINE :-Has the highest rating in this field and is also one of the most experienced runners having run 6 times overall and finished 2nd in each of her last 3 runs this term all over this trip. She was beaten by potentially smart debutantes the last twice but NeerajRawal sticks with her and although the draw has not been kind to her in Stall 17, she could finally be able to go one better today.
MALAVIKA :-Speedy looking 3 year old filly from the Altaf Hussain yard, she has been progressing nicely with her racing and seems to be improving with every run. She has run 5 times overall but showed a marked improvement when dropped to sprinting and looked like she was a future winner last time out when leading for a long way over this trip and collared only late on by the well backed and hard ridden favourite. She should confirm the form with Stunner who finished 3rd that day and looks a leading contender to win this with A. Imran Khan in the saddle.
STAR ANISE :-Twice raced 3 year old filly from the yard of Faisal Abbas, she had a lung opener back in the Mumbai season and then just a solitary run over this trip on the opening weekend where she finished 6th to Shamwari, beaten about 7 lengths. The form of that race has worked out quite well with all the horses in front of her subsequently doing well and she has been given time to come to hand. Her last couple of workouts have been impressive and with C.S. Jodha up she looks one who could improve and cause an upset.
STORM STAR :- Smart looking debutant from the AdhirajsinghJodha yard, she is a half sister to the well performed Caesars Star and a full sister to Cactus Cash who was a decent handicapper for the same yard. She looks the type to eventually come into her own over distance trips but the booking of Dashrath Singh on debut is notable and connections look to be hoping for a big run. She looks an interesting outsider.
STUNNER :-This 3 year old from the Dallas Todywalla yard is another who has consistently been running into a place over this trip but has not found the required improvement to win one of these. She finished 3rd behind Malavika last time out and looks tough for her to reverse that form. She looks likely to run into a place again with P.S. Chouhan up but may have to be content with minor honours.
CONCLUSION :- Malavika showed good promise when runner up last time out and should be able to improve enough to win this and is selected here. Star Anise has been working very well and is unexposed so she looks the main danger rather than the exposed pair of Arc Shine and Stunner.
Race No. 9 :- The ShamuChavan Trophy – Div. 1 – Class IV – Distance :- 1200M
SLAM DUNK :-4 year old colt from the H.J. Antia yard, he has been the epitome of consistency since scoring his maiden win over this trip back in March. He has raced thrice so far this season, over 5, 6 and 7 furlongs and has finished 2nd on each of the 3 occasions. He ran an excellent close 2nd to Domination when upped to the higher class last time out and now eased in grade and with M. Ayyar claiming a valuable 5 kilos, he looks set to run another good race and could very well go one better today so must be respected.
TRIPLE THREAT :- Relatively unexposed and speedy 4 year old from the Mansoor Shah yard, she has probably not given off her best this season after an excellent reappearance run where she finished a good 2nd to Goldie’s Pet over 1000M in the higher class. Her last run was slightly better in a similar contest where she finished 4th to Powerhaus with the same rider up and she is worth considering each way off a similar mark.
SMART CHOICE :- 5 year old filly who is a reject from the Pesi Shroff yard but has done well for Vijay Kasbekar, last time out scoring a shock front running win over 1200M when completely unfancied. She has a 5 ½ kilo penalty to contend with for that win and Raghuveer Singh claims 3 ½ kilos which practically negates that penalty. She is taking on a tougher field today but seems to be in good heart and would be no surprise if she were to go in again.
KNIGHT’S QUEST :- Comes from the in form stable of Narendra Lagad and has been running well mainly all season but is starting to look handicapped upto the hilt at present and may need some respite before he can progress again. After winning over 7 furlongs a couple of starts ago he has finished 4th in each of his next 2 starts and the drop to 6 furlongs should not make much of a difference. Dashrath Singh gets a leg up today which is a positive and he should be involved in the finish.
LADY IN RED :- 4 year old filly from the Dallas Todywalla yard who has run just once this season back in September when returning from a long lay off and finished 3rd to Miss Moneypenny. She should improve for that run and strip fitter and her last couple of workouts have been quite pleasing. She could possibly be just coming to hand now and must be respected with NeerajRawal in the saddle in spite of the wide draw .
RISHAB’S PET :- Improving 3 year old from the stable of Faisal A Abbas, she returned from a short break about 3 weeks ago to score a battling maiden success over 1000M, gradually wearing down Malavika who runs earlier in the card and will give an indicator to the form. She did not appear to be stopping that day and should not be bothered by the additional furlong. C.S. Jodha retains the ride and in spite of the larger field and the stronger opposition, she is strongly fancied to provide a quick encore .
WALK ON BY :-Another potentially smart and improving 3 year old, she has raced only thrice by comparison and showed a smart turn of foot to win readily over 1000M in the hands of apprentice K. Nazil. She has not raced again since the win which is a slight concern but appears to have maintained her form and fitness judging from her recent workouts and with Nazil up again, she looks another who should make a strong attempt to earn her 2nd consecutive win .
CONCLUSION :-Another highly competitive event with the winner likely to emerge from Rishab’s Pet, Walk On By, Lady in Red and Slam Dunk
Race No. 10 :- The Cielo Ray Plate – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1200M
BEDROOM EYES :-Nicely bred debutant from the yard of C.D. Katrak who has been showing out very well in the morning trials and looks to have been given enough work to be ready to go on debut. Has a very good draw in Stall No. 1 and with NeerajRawal in the saddle he looks a strong contender to begin his career with a win.
CAMOUFLAGED :-Has raced 4 times till date and showed some zest for racing last time out when finishing 4th to Gran Paradiso over this trip in early September. Has been brought along steadily since then and his last couple of workouts have been most impressive so if he has improved further then he looks one to consider seriously with stable jockey C.S. Jodha in the saddle.
ACE TWO THREE :-Nicely bred filly from the NosherCama yard who was given an educative run back in April where she finished an easy 4th to Cambridge and she is sure to have improved for that run and stripped fitter. She is running after a long lay off and her recent trackwork suggests that she is not yet fully fit but she looks a nice sort on paper and must come into consideration with P.S. Chouhan booked to ride.
AURELIA :- Has an attractive pedigree and has raced fairly well on both her starts so far, finishing 4th on her debut over 1000M and filling that position again last time out when 4th to Collegium over 1400M. She has been working extremely well since that run and now dropped down to 1200M and with Santosh G up, she looks to have a fine chance to make it 3rd time lucky.
WABI SABI :-Twice raced Sedgefield filly from the yard of AdhirajsinghJodha who was faced with a tough task last time out in the Villoo C. Poonawalla Million and did not run badly in much tougher company finishing 6 ½ lengths behind the winner Gallant Knight. She looks to have improved for that run now, this opposition is much easier and with Dashrath Singh on board she looks to have a very good chance to strike now.
CONCLUSION :- A nice competitive finale and a chance is taken on WabiSabiwho ran well in the face of much tougher opposition last time out and should improve for the run. Camouflaged and Aurelia have both been working very well and are also respected along with the well bred debutant Bedroom Eyes
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
