FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR THURSDAY, 28TH DECEMBER 2017 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 27 Dec 2017
FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR THURSDAY, 28TH DECEMBER 2017
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Lady Moura Plate – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1600M
MOONSHINE :- She is an improving 3 year old filly from the yard of Karthik G who has looked very much on an upward curve during the current season and is bidding for her 3rd straight win in a row. She has raced 5 times in total and showed signs of some ability on her 3rd start in Pune when she finished on to be 3rd to Gazino over 1200M. She was made favourite for her first run of this season in Class V and got up late to beat Milwalkee and Yutaka, both subsequent winners since so the form looks strong. Upped to 7 furlongs next time out under a 5 kilo penalty she took advantage of the odds on favourite Roosevelt dropping his rider after jump out to beat the rest of the field quite easily, winning by 4 ¼ lengths from Rotterdam. She is up a further 7 ½ kilos and races over an additional furlong but she seems to be improving with every run and could still have more to give. She is a strong fancy with A. Imran Khan taking over from Neeraj Rawal.
LORD OF THE SEA :- This 3 year old colt trained by Pesi Shroff is having his first start since being gelded, having finished tailed off in the Pune Derby when last seen but he had looked quite progressive before that. He was a fluent winner of his maiden over 1800M back in April where incidentally Moonshine finished last of 6 although she has come a long way since then. He then finished runner up in Pune over 2000M to Simon Says in this class before his poor Pune Derby run. He has been working quite well since then and looks set to resume in good form although he may just need this first run after gelding which is a bit of a concern. Neeraj Rawal takes the ride .
GLORIOSUS :- Has a similar profile to Lord of the Sea having run 6 times, won once and placed second twice, winning his maiden over course and distance back in March beating My Precious and We Break The Rules before finishing a distant 2nd to Texas Gold. He seemed to be out of sorts in Pune and was given just one run where he finished way down the field but back on the Mahalaxmi track, he showed signs of returning to form when finishing on late to be a good 2nd to Albareto last time out in a strong race. He looks to have strong claims here if he can build on that last performance with P. Trevor booked to ride and the only slight concern is he is running again very quickly after just 10 days.
FIRENZE :- Nicely bred 4 year old filly from the Sanjay Kolse yard, she has raced 9 times till date and has won only once but has placed on 5 other occasions so she looks quite consistent. Her sole win did come over course and distance in Class IV back in April when she beat King of Killen by 2 lengths. She made a good reappearance in Pune when finishing a close 3rd to Zanzibaar and Pacific Dunes over 1400M, beaten only ½ a length but then finished 11th last time out so needs to bounce back from that. There does not appear to be any recent trackwork either but Dashrath Singh takes the ride and she merits each way consideration,
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CONCLUSION :- With Lord of the Sea returning from a gelding operation and Gloriosusturned out again very quickly after his last run, it is probably worthwhile to stick with the in form Moonshine who is selected to continue her good form and complete her hattrick. The Imtiaz Sait ward would be the main danger if not feeling the effects of a 2nd quick run after a long absence
Race No. 2:- The White Metal Plate – Terms Maiden 2 Year Olds – Distance :- 1200M
DANCING HOOVES :- Trained by Dallas Todywalla, this son of Arazan looks a nice type on paper with the dam Saffron Dancer already having produced some good types such as Shield of Achilles, Meraki who are both full brothers as well as Acrider and Forest Regent so the family has already performed well in India. He has moved attractively in the few workouts that he has undergone and looks likely to give a good account of himself on his debut. A paddock check is advised but he definitely must be considered .
HOPE AND GLORY :- One of two runners from the Vishal Gaikwad yard, this one is a got abroad out of Net Whizz who raced in UK trained by Jeremy Noseda and was a winner of one race over a mile but has a strong American influence in his pedigree while the dam Paula’s Girl is the mother of Tororosso so he definitely looks an interesting sort on paper. He appears to have been well prepared on track judging from his workouts and looks set for a bold show.
OCTAVIUS :- Comes from the yard of promising young trainer Altamash A. Ahmed and has been working better than Fundamental Right who made a good debut last week so also looks a pretty forward sort although he has had only 2 recent workouts so he may not be fully wound up. As with most of these, a paddock check is advised but he is definitely a promising looking sort and could very well be involved
BLUEBELL :-The second of the runners from the Vishal Gaikwad yard, this one is owned by the Shirke – Dhunjibhoy combination and is also a got abroad sired by top miler Paco Boy out of a Sadler’s Wells mare, Well Hidden who was trained by Micheal Stoute and was a winner of one of her 4 starts. She too has pleased in her preparatory work and looks a classy type. Neeraj Rawal has been booked to ride and she may just have the edge between the yard’s 2 runners.
FANFARE :- One of the first 2 year olds sent out by S.K. Sunderji this season, having had a cracker of a crop last term, this one is by China Visit and is the first foal of Veena’s Star who also raced in Western India. She too has worked quite well in the few workouts that she has undergone so far and will be ridden by C.S. Jodha.
CONCLUSION :-This looks a nice bunch of youngsters and it is very difficult to make a selection on the limited information available. Bluebell is just a tentative selection but any one of the five could win and things may become easier after noting them in the paddock.
Race No. 3 :- The Vallabhdas H. Adwalia Trophy – Class IV & V, 4Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1600M
KING OF KILLEN :- Consistent 4 year old gelding trained by C. Rajendra, he had been a perennial bridesmaid for a number of races before finally gaining his maiden success last time out over this trip, showing good resilience to come with a rerun and upset the hot favourite Angel’s Touch close home. He should have definitely gained confidence from that win and C. Rajendra appears to have his small string in top form at the moment. Masquerade who finished 3rd that day has won since so the form looks solid and with P. Trevor up and a modest 4 kilo penalty to handle, he looks a danger to all in spite of conceding weight all around.
SUMAAQ :- 5 year old mare trained by Faisal Abbas, she is a winner of 2 of her 21 starts and although she has not won for a while, she has been running quite consistently over this sort of trip. She found 6 furlongs short on her seasonal reappearance and was running on late to finish 5th to Divine Solitaire and she will be more at home over this mile trip. C.S. Jodha takes over in the saddle from Raghuveer Singh and while she is not totally convincing from a win perspective, she looks a strong contender to run into a place .
RARE SILVER :- Another 5 year old, this one trained by Imtiaz Sait, he has only managed to win 1 of his 18 starts, the win coming over 6 furlongs last March off a mark of 18. He has run a few good races since then without looking like adding to his tally and went desperately close over 1200M on his reappearance here when nabbed right on the line by Philadelphia. He then ran unplaced over 1400M last time out and steps up to a mile for the first time so is entering unknown territory. A. Imran Khan has been booked to ride and if taking to the longer trip then he could spring a surprise but looks more of an outsider here.
CARNIVAL :- Sparingly raced 4 year old grey filly trained by Pesi Shroff, she is a maiden after 5 starts but has finished runner up in her last 2 races albeit over much longer trips. She made a good reappearance in Pune when finishing 2nd to Unforgettable You in the Independence Cup which looks good form and was a bit disappointing when failing to hold off Swiftness over a mile and a half last time out. She has been rested and allowed to improve since then so is returning after a 3 month gap but her preparatory work has been pleasing and she looks a leading fancy with S. Zervan in the saddle.
RED’S REVENGE :- Began his career with C.D. Katrak but has recently moved to Rehanullah Khan’s yard and this nicely bred half brother to Falcon looks a moody sort who is yet to taste success in his 10 runs till date. However, he did show signs of improvement for his new yard last time out when finishing on strongly to be 4th to Albareto over 1200M and this longer trip will be much more suitable. Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle from B. Nikhil and if he is able to build on that promising last run, then he stands an excellent chance to gain a deserving first victory.
FENCING :- Lightly raced 4 year old who has had just 7 starts till date, she showed she has ability when coming with a rattling late run to beat Eternal Dancer over this trip but was withdrawn on her intended first run here and finished well beaten last time out in a similar contest. She is likely to have stripped fitter from that run and S.A. Amit retains the ride but she looks a rank outsider who is given a tiny chance to score with this opposition looking too strong in her current form.
CONCLUSION :- This should be mainly between the 2 potential improvers Carnival and Red’s Revenge with the latter possibly enjoying a slight fitness advantage and getting the nod on that score from the Shroff filly who may need the run back after a 3 month absence. The consistent King of Killen should also be considered and can add some pep to the finish.
Race No. 4 :- The Edgar DeSylva Trophy – Class II & III – Distance :- 1400M
CARBONARA :- Well bred 4 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait, he has a fine record of 5 wins from 15 starts and was in top form in Pune where he defied the handicap to score back to back victories quite convincingly, on the last occasion beating Charging Tigress who is weighted to gain revenge. However, he was withdrawn on his last intended start in Pune and seems to be coming back from a setback so in all probability, he may need this as a lung opener. A. Imran Khan keeps the ride and he is conceding weight all around but if he can resume in the same vein as he was in Pune then he is a big danger and must be respected .
YANNA RASCALA :- Improving and progressive 4 year old gelding trained by Pesi Shroff, he is yet to finish out of the first three in his 5 starts till date having won 3 of them for an excellent strike rate of 60%. He seemed to find 6 furlongs on the short side last time out when chasing home Gazino and only began to pick up in the closing stages so this additional furlong should suit him right down to a tee. He was unbeaten in 2 starts during the last Pune season, has been working very well since the run and with the in form P. Trevor to guide him, he looks a strong fancy to get back to winning ways.
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STAR COUNCILLOR :- Well bred and gritty front running 4 year old gelding trained by Karthik G and sporting the colours of Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, he has been lightly raced winning one of his 9 starts till date and last time out clearly needed the run when reappearing after almost a year off the track when finishing 4th some way behind YannaRascala. He is sure to have benefitted from that run and will be much better today and is likely to make the running. He still needs to show that he has returned to his best but could be dangerous if allowed an easy lead up front with S. Zervan an excellent judge of pace .
BATELEUR :- Highly rated 3 year old colt trained by Vishal Gaikwad, he began his racing only in September this year but has been kept very busy since then. He has raced 5 times in total, winning twice and finishing a gallant 4th in the Indian 2000 Guineas last time out, making late headway from the rear of the field. He has been on the go since his debut so there is a suspicion that he may just be having too much racing too soon and with Neeraj Rawal in the saddle, he is clearly respected although the drop in trip does not look ideal .
CHARGING TIGRESS :- Exposed but consistent 5 year old mare who usually runs quite consistently and has won 3 of her 23 starts but has made the frame on 12 other occasions over trips varying from 1000 – 1400M. She has had a lung opener over 1200M already this season and looks weighted to turn the tables on Carbonara from their last meeting. S.A. Amit takes the ride and she can be involved but in this small field, looks vulnerable to the younger horses and is likely to fight it out for minor honours /
CONCLUSION :- Yanna Rascalais selected to get the better of the 3 year old Bateleur who has been having a lot of hard racing since his debut back in September and may find this coming too soon after his run in the 2000 Guineas.
Race No. 5 :- The Spinoza Plate – Class V – Distance :- 1200M
AME :- 5 year old gelding trained by M.K.Jadhav, he is a veteran of 32 races but has only managed to win 1 of those which is a bit off putting. However, he seems to be on a handy mark at present and made a decent reappearance when chasing home Yutaka over course and distance last time out. P. Trevor takes over from S.A. Amit in the saddle, he seems to be in good nick at present and is worthy of each way consideration again although some of the younger horses may improve past him .
OUTSTANDING:-Nicely bred 3 year old filly trained by S.K. Sunderji who has been achieving fitness through her racing, having had 4 unplaced runs in Pune but looked like she had made some improvement in her last start when she finished a close 4th over 1000M to Mind That Bird beaten only a length with the same rider on board. She is expected to build on that effort and relish the extra furlong and running off what looks a very lenient mark in Class V, she looks a leading contender to shed her maiden tag now and is a strong fancy here .
SIMONA :- Nicely bred 5 year old mare trained by Sanjay Kolse, she is a winner of 2 of her 21 starts and has been brought back down to her last winning mark so looks neatly handicapped at present. She had a lung opener earlier this season over a mile where she finished 5th to Happy Birthday with an apprentice on board so the switch to S. Zervan looks quite interesting. She should strip fitter for the run and although she is usually effective over much further, she could be an interesting outsider who can spring a surprise so should not be ignored.
LILAC TIME :- Promising 4 year old maiden from the yard of Narendra Lagad, she has not quite fulfilled expectations in her 11 runs till date, placing 3rd on a couple of occasions. She was not beaten too far behind Moonshine over this trip on the opening day and the form of that race has worked out really well. Dashrath Singh retains the ride and in this weak field, she has to be feared as a potential improver .
SILVER RIVER :- Mainly untried 4 year old filly trained by Mansoor Shah, she has run 10 times so far without a win but did run some promising races towards the end of the last Mumbai season and was given one easy run early in Pune and has not raced since. She is returning from quite a long absence so has her fitness to prove but S.A. Amit being booked suggests that connections are fancying and she looks another dark horse who could make the finish quite interesting .
CONCLUSION :- The 3 year old filly Outstanding is the selection in the hope that she can build on her promising last run and prove too good for this field. Lilac Time appears to be the main danger while both Simona and the returning Silver River look interesting alternatives at a long price
Race No. 6 :- The Sprungli Plate – Class III, 5 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1200M
THE CIVILIAN :- 7 year old trained by A.M.Jadhav, he has managed to win 3 of his 29 starts but still possesses zest for racing and went perilously close on his penultimate run in Pune where he made the 3 year old Excellent Gold pull out all the stops to prevail by a neck and on the strength of that run, he is extremely well handicapped here. He had a decent warm up run on this track when 5th over this trip last time out and with S.A. Amit replacing Kishore Kadam, he looks to have a strong chance if running upto his best although he can prove to be moody at times .
HIDDEN SOUL :- 5 year old mare trained by S.S. Shah, she has a good record of 4 wins from her 25 starts and is usually quite effective over this trip. She has dropped back down to a mark which is close to her last winning mark and last time out looked well in the preliminaries and finished on to be 5th to Excellent Gold, about 2 ½ lengths behind An Jolie who she takes on again today. She has had 2 runs already this season so should be fit enough and with Raghuveer Singh taking a valuable 3 ½ kilos off, she looks a strong each way prospect who could be good enough to win this.
AN JOLIE :- 6 year old mare from the NosherCama yard, she looked to be rediscovering some form after several indifferent efforts when coming out of the pack last time out to finish runner up to Excellent Gold with Hidden Soul back in 5th. She has come back down to her last winning mark and if she is able to progress from that last run, then she stands a very strong chance to score here. Yash Narredu replaces P. S. Chouhan in the saddle but she looked well within herself last time out and merits serious consideration here.
HEDWIG :- 5 year old mare trained by Rehanullah Khan, she has won 2 of her 18 starts till date with 8 other frame efforts and has winning form over this trip although it has been some time since her last win. She finished 4th over this trip on her reappearance, just ahead of Hidden Soul and The Civilian and P. Trevor takes over from Neeraj Rawal which is a positive. Hedwig looks to be in good order at present and is another worthy of consideration in this competitive event .
SENSEX :- 5 year old Imtiaz Sait ward who has a similar profile to several of these, having won 2 of his 19 starts and was successful over 1400M on this course last April. He finished 5th over a mile on his reappearance run this season but may be suited by the strong pace expected over this shorter trip here as he likes to come from behind. C.S. Jodha takes over from T. S. Jodha in the saddle and he is yet another contender who is capable of winning at his best and must be considered .
FRINGE BENEFIT :- 5 year old gelding from the Mansoor Shah stable who was a ready winner over this trip on his penultimate start in Mumbai and made an excellent reappearance after a long break when finishing on to be 3rd behind Lady Sergeant last time out. He is sure to improve for that run and strip fitter now and with H. Zeeshan taking a valuable 5 kilos off and riding well at present, he looks to have an excellent chance to go in again in his own age group and must be respected.
CONCLUSION :-An extremely tricky and competitive affair with several chances and this race is best left alone from a betting standpoint. An Jolie and Hidden Soul both looked well last time out while the top weighted The Civilian is very well placed on a line through Excellent Gold and the feather weighted Fringe Benefit also ran an excellent race last time out.
Race No. 7 :- The Onassis Plate – Maiden 3 Year Olds Only – Distance :- 1200M
CHAPLIN :- Twice raced Excellent Art gelding from the Dallas Todywalla yard who made a pleasing debut when 3rd to Sereno over this trip in Pune but did not show the expected improvement on his first run on this track when only able to manage 5th to Intrepid last time out. This is only his 3rd start so he is clearly capable of improving and his track work has been quite excellent right from the start of the season. Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle from J. Chinoy and he is likely to run a better race today and has a good each way chance in this field .
GOSHAWK :-3 year old gelding from the M.K. Jadhav yard who was an odds on favourite to succeed over this trip last time out and after leading for a long way, possibly blew up in the final furlong and was collared by Aurelia close home. That was his first run after a long break so he is sure to strip fitter and with P. Trevor replacing A. Sandesh in the saddle, he looks very hard to beat in this field and should be the likely winner .
HOPEILICIOUS :- Comes from the yard of NiradKaranjawala and is quite experienced having run 6 times till date and has been making steady progress with his racing. He has placed in his last 2 starts with his last run being his best one when going down by just half a length to Stallone over course and distance. He will be ridden by A. Imran Khan today, appears to have maintained his form and fitness and merits strong each way consideration in this field .
ANDALUCIA :- Nicely bred Phoenix Tower gelding who makes his debut from the small stable of Zadmal Singh and looks a decent sort on paper. He may be a bit short on preparatory work but looks a good type and with S. Zervan booked to ride, looks likely to give a good account of himself on debut.
ARC SHINE :- Another vastly experienced 3 year old who is beginning to look a bit exposed now and is still a maiden after 9 starts, constantly finding one or two too good for her. She has already run twice this season, finishing runner up to Intrepid and ahead of Chaplin on her seasonal debut and then less time out finished 3rd 2 ¼ lengths behind Goshawk who looks likely to hold her again today. She looks a place prospect again with Neeraj Rawal up but will find it tough to win in this field .
NEMBE GREEK :-3 year old from the Faisal Abbas stable who has run 5 times till date and showed signs of coming to hand the last twice when finishing 3rd over 1000M but has not raced since September and is returning after a long break. C.S. Jodha the stable first jockey has been booked so she is clearly well fancied by connections but may just need this first run and could fight it out for minor honours .
CONCLUSION :- Having needed a lung opener last time out after a long absence, Goshawk is the confident selection to make amends and earn his maiden success. The consistent Hopeiliciousand the lightly raced Chaplin appear to be the main dangers.a
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
