From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Thursday 25th January 2018 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 24 Jan 2018
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Thursday 25th January 2018
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Isn’t She Special Plate – Class III – Distance :-1600M
ELEGANT BEAUTY :- 5 year old mare with a nice pedigree, she began her career with S.K. Sunderji before moving to Malesh Narredu and has a decent record of 3 wins from 14 starts. Her first two wins came over 1400M but her last win was over a mile on this track in March off a mark of 55 when she beat Glorious Eyes and Nelson’s Blood. She has had 4 runs since then, 2 apiece in Pune and this season without making much of an impression, last time out ending a faraway 4th to Auburn. The only thing attracting some interest is that the in form apprentice H. Zeeshan has been booked to ride and will claim a valuable 3 ½ kilos so she can race at a more galloping weight and connections may be fancying their chances today. She has yet to show some spark on the track but can be considered and could be a frame contender as she should be fit enough. She also has a tendency to start slowly which should be factored in.
DROGO :-5 year old colt trained by Imtiaz A Sait, he has also run 14 times and is a winner twice, gaining back to back victories first over this course back in April in Class IV company when he got up late to beat Ventura and Kiss from a Rose and then on his first start in Pune over 9 furlongs where he impressively beat Olly Boy by 4 ¼ lengths. Since being promoted he has been placing quite regularly and has finished 2nd in each of his previous starts this term. He was runner up to Big Sur over 9 furlongs earlier in the season and then finished a close 2nd when favourite, ¾ length behind Samarjeet over 2000M and he should hold Aspen on that running. P.S. Chouhan has been booked to ride and dropped back down to a mile now and working well, he looks a good each way prospect here.
BUNTING :- Progressive 4 year old filly from the M.K. Jadhav yard, she has run 6 times till date, winning back to back races in Pune over 6 and 7 furlongs respectively. Both her victories have been narrow ones, her maiden win by ¾ length over Take Five and then holding on by a whisker against Kodiak Queen and Marvel in Class IV company. She ran an excellent close 3rd over 1400M on her seasonal reappearance behind Cambridge and Bottega Louie which looks strong form and was well fancied over 1200M next time out but failed to pick up and could only finish 9th behind Excellent Gold but only beaten 4 lengths in total. That run was about 5 weeks ago and she only seems to have gone one easy piece of work since then which is a slight concern. However, her style of racing suggests that she should appreciate more galloping ground and she is worth trying over this longer trip. She still appears to be improving and with A. Sandesh up, should be one of the principal contenders if she is fit and well.
MOUNT MCKINLEY :- Interesting 5 year old trained by AdhirajsinghJodha, he is a owner mate to Bunting and will be ridden by Neeraj Rawal. He has been very highly regarded by his connections right from his debut run where he was an impressive 7 furlong winner but he had a setback after that and did not race again for another year. He returned this season in Pune where he ran a promising first race in Class IV company where he was in the firing line and then probably lacked a bit of fitness and weakened to finish 5th behind Zanzibaar but only 1 ¼ lengths behind the winner. He was well fancied next time out upped in grade but ran disappointingly over a mile when only managing to finish 4th of 5 to Odessa with Zanzibaar again finishing ahead of him. He had a lung opener this season over 1400M in the lower class, finishing mid division. He still has plenty of question marks about him and whether he retains his ability and he is now upped in Grade to Class III. He looks a dark horse who could upset if regaining his old form but is probably best watched today until he can show some improvement.
CARNIVAL :- Improving 5 year old grey trained by Pesi Shroff she has raced 6 times as well and seems to be progressing steadily with each run. After not making much of an impression in her first 3 starts, she ran an impressive 2nd to Unforgettable You in the Independence Million in Pune and was an odds on favourite next time out over 2400M but seemed not to stay the longer trip and finished 2nd again to Swiftness. She was well prepared for her seasonal reappearance here and competing in Class IV, she gained a bloodless maiden victory although tiring in the last part and holding on narrowly from Sumaaq and Red’s Revenge. The last named has been a winner since so the form looks strong and she has not been harshly penalized. She should improve for the run and strip fitter and with S. Zervan in the saddle again, she is very strongly fancied to provide a quick encore.
CONCLUSION :- Carnival looks to be progressing nicely and is expected to build on her last run and score again here. Bunting appears to be the main danger as she is likely to relish this step up in trip and ran an excellent 3rd over 1400M on her seasonal debut.
Race No. 2 :- The Maple Star Plate – Div. II – Class IV – Distance :- 1000M (No Whip Race)
FABIO :- Speedy but inconsistent 5 year old gelding from the Sanjay Kolse yard, Fabio has raced a total of 16 times over trips varying from 5 furlongs to a mile but has not yet been able to add to his debut success which came over course and distance way back in December 2015. Since then he has managed to make the frame on 7 occasions and finish 2nd twice but has not yet added to that success. He has been out of form for some time now but looked on the way back to finding some form last time out when he finished on to be a fair 3rd behind In The Stars and Roosevelt over 1200M.He did finish a very close 3rd over this trip last April off a mark of 41 and he is now rated 37 so he looks well handicapped on that score. However, his inconsistency is a slight deterrent so although he does come into consideration and should be involved, it may be more prudent to fancy him from a place perspective with S.J. Sunil once again taking the ride.
SPEEDO :-6 year old gelding trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha, he is a veteran of 30 races but he too has managed to win only once, back in April 2016 in Class V off a mark of 22. He has had several good placed efforts to his name since then and 5 furlongs appears to be his trip He went very close a couple of times during the last Pune season and has managed to make the frame on both starts this term as well, last time out ending up a close 3rd to Wilshire and Captain where he had Abraxas well back in 4th. 5 kilo claimer D.R. Shubham takes over from S.A. Amit in the saddle which is a slight deterrent but he looks in good touch at present and looks likely to place again with a small win chance given to him also.
MALAVIKA :-Maiden 4 year old filly trained by Altaf Hussain, she has run 7 times till date without success but looks to have a good chance to change that in this field today. She has raced mainly in maidens till date except for one run in Class IV and after being untried on her first 3 starts, she ran 3 good races on the trot over this trip in Pune, her best effort being when ending up a 1 length 2nd to Rishab’s Pet. She was a warm favourite on her penultimate run but ran below par as Stunner who had finished behind her on the previous occasions reversed the form and she has been given a lung opener here to make her fitter. She has moved well in her preparatory gallops since that run and H. Zeeshan who is in excellent form this season has been booked to ride. She appears to stand an excellent chance to shed her maiden tag in this company and is strongly fancied.
ADELE :- 5 year old mare trained by Nazak Chenoy, she is also an 8 race maiden but found some good form during the recent Pune season and has been knocking on the door in her last several starts. She has finished either 2nd or 3rd on each of her last 4 starts and was desperately unlucky not to score on her seasonal reappearance last time out when held off by a nose by the front running Zion. Santosh G returns to ride her, taking over from H. Zeeshan in the saddle and although she is upped in grade now, she is in good form, has been working well and looks one of the principal contenders to score.
ABRAXAS :- Speedy 4 year old who recently moved out of Dallas Todywalla’s yard and into the stable of Narendra Lagad and has been running some forward races over this trip without quite seeing it out as yet. She is winless in 6 starts till date so still has scope to improve, 4 of those runs coming in quick succession this term, and she finished runner up to Blitzkreig in a weak Class V contest a couple of starts ago. She has led before fading in her last 2 runs since, last time out ending up 4th to Fine Tune and races again very quickly with N.B. Kuldeep in the saddle. She is likely to blaze a trail in front again today but needs to finish her races better and looks more of a place contender
CONCLUSION :-Altaf Hussain appears to have his string in good order at present and the 4 year old Malavika appears to have found a good opportunity to shed her maiden tag with the in form H. Zeeshan in the saddle. The consistent Adele appears to be the main danger along with the experienced Speedo.
Race No. 3 :- The Singapore Turf Club Trophy – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1200M
MASAR :- Dean’s Kitten colt who comes from the stable of S.A. Waheed and is a full brother to Khartoum who has run twice till date and finished 3rd on both occasions. Racing over 5 furlongs in the first 2 year old race in Pune in October, he ended a faraway 3rd to Desert Pride and showed improvement on his earlier run here this season when upped to this trip and making late headway to be 3rd to Silver Locket. He has been kept fresh since then and is likely to improve again and appears to have the best form of the already raced horses. P.S. Chouhan has been booked to ride today and he is likely to figure in the frame and is given a small chance to win although place seems a safer option. He should eventually come into his own when stepped up in trip with plenty of stamina in the pedigree.
MOUNT OLYMPUS :- Win Legend Colt trained by Narendra Lagad who has been showing plenty of speed in the morning gallops and appears to be working the best of this lot although most of his work has been over 1000M and he has to show that he has the stamina to last out the 6. He is a full brother to Pretty Gal who has won 3 of her 8 starts in Madras and Ooty all over 5 furlongs so there appears to be speed in the pedigree. Dashrath Singh the stable jockey takes the ride and he looks a forward sort who is likely to give a good account of himself on debut and appears one of the chief contenders.
SAVAGE KINGDOM :- Warrants respect as being from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard and is a half brother to Savage Beauty who won over 2400M in Western India so he appears to be likely to do better over galloping trips in due course. Like many from the yard, he has just been given a few easy workouts and is unlikely to be fully wound up first time out but the field does not appear to be a very strong one and he could be good enough to make a winning debut. David Probert is a big positive to be in the saddle first time out and he looks a very strong contender.
FANFARE :- Comes from the yard of S.K. Sunderji and has had an introductory run over this trip, finishing up 4th of 5 behind Octavius on her debut and is likely to improve for that effort. She has been working well since the run suggesting that she has improved and is likely to give a much better account of herself today with C.S. Jodha taking the ride.
CONCLUSION :-A modest looking maiden field and the two which make the most appeal are the unraced duo of Mount Olympus and Savage Kingdom. The former appears to have the better trackwork while the latter is more likely the better long term prospect. Fanfare also has an attractive pedigree and is expected to run a better race today.
Race No. 4:- The Smashing Plate – Class IV – Distance :- 1800M
LADY BE GOOD :- Progressive 4 year old from the yard of Malesh Narredu, she showed good improvement when stepped up to distance trips and was a maiden winner over 2000M on her penultimate start, easily accounting for Swiftness and Zanara who were both subsequent winners. She attempted 2400M next time out on her handicap debut but appeared not to stay when 3rd behind Swiftness and Carnival and now drops back to what would be a more suitable trip. She appears to have been well prepared for her reappearance run here and Suraj Narredu takes over in the saddle for the first time. She has top weight to defy her but seems to have improved over the break and hence must be given a strong chance to continue her progression and must be respected in spite of the heavy impost.
RELENTLESS PURSUIT :- 6 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait, he is a seasoned handicapper who has managed to win one of his 14 starts, that win incidentally being over course and distance last season off a slightly lower mark when upsetting Star of Harmony. He did not race the entire Pune season and has had 2 runs this term to try and regain some fitness and was fancied last time out over 1400M but finished midfield. He is worth considering now stepping back up to his winning distance with C.S. Jodha taking over in the saddle from Y.S. Srinath and looks to have an outside chance.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY :- Another 6 year old gelding who is from the yard of Shazaan Shah and is coming into this race in prime form, bidding for a hattrick after 2 smart wins over a mile and 9 furlongs the last twice. After having struggled to find form earlier in his career, he seems to have been galvanized by his most recent trainer and is unbeaten this season. He has now been promoted into this higher grade and is taking on younger opposition as well but seems to be in great heart at present and is dangerous to ignore with the in form H. Zeeshan taking over from P. Trevor and claiming a valuable 3 ½ kilos.
ADONIJAH :- Improving 4 year old trained by Pesi Shroff, he has taken his time to come to hand and appears to still be improving after just 5 starts. After doing nothing of note in his first 3 runs, he showed signs of some ability on his first run this season over 7 furlongs when flashing home late from the rear of the field to be an excellent close 3rd to Priceless Art and Collegium. He was a hot favourite next time out when upped to 2000M but although finishing on again from the rear, he could not make any impression on the front running Sagittarius and had to be content with finishing a well held 2nd. The slight drop in trip might suit him and A. Sandesh replaces P. Trevor in the saddle now. He looks to be improving still and is a leading fancy.
MANDRAKE :- Well bred 4 year old who is one of three runners from the Shroff yard and is also looks to have tremendous scope to improve after just 2 starts. He also appears to be a backward sort, making his racing debut as late as October and clearly needing the run over 7 furlongs when finishing tailed off. He had his 2nd start a month ago in a mile maiden and ran a little better finishing 6th behind Kimberella and about 5 ½ lengths behind Sagittarius. There does not appear to be much to choose between him and Adonijah taking a common line through Sagittarius and he appears to have the greater scope to improve between the pair. The additional furlong is likely to suit him as well and with S. Zervan in the saddle, he looks to have a strong chance to improve and could very well strike now.
MASERATI :-Got abroad 4 year old who is 3rd runner from the Shroff yard and looks to be more fancied than Mandrake as David Probert has been declared to ride him. He has a similar profile to Mandrake having raced once apiece in October and December but unlike Mandrake, he has finished well beaten in both his starts although he did run a forward race last time out. He is also an unknown quantity who could be anything and should not be left out of consideration although he needs to show some spark on the track.
CONCLUSION :- This looks competitive but it may be worth taking a chance on the lightly raced Mandrake. He does not seem to have a lot to find to get the better of his more fancied stable companion and has more scope to improve. Adonijah looks to be the more obvious option but may not be value at a short price. The top weighted Lady Be Good should not be ignored either
Race No. 5 :- The Marchetta Plate – Class III – Distance :- 1000M
ASCENSION :- Speedy 4 year old filly trained by S.K. Sunderji, she has been consistent pretty much throughout her career so far, finishing in the first 3 in all her runs since her debut and winning on 2 occasions. She shed her maiden over this trip back in September coming with a strong run to collar Stunner and Malavika and has been holding her form well since then. She comes into this fresh off a win in the lower class where she narrowly got the better of Rishab’s Pet and a 5 kilo penalty for that win looks fair. She seems to have maintained herself well since the last run and with C.S. Jodha in the saddle, she looks a strong contender to continue her progression and add yet another win.
CYCLONE :- 5 year old gelding from the yard of Sanjay Kolse, he has performed consistently over sprint trips for most of his career and after placing on several occasions was rewarded with 2 wins over this trip in the last Mumbai season, coming from well off the pace and finishing on late. His overall record reads as 2 wins from 9 starts and after finishing 4th in this class last March, he did not race during the Pune season and was understandably rusty last time out when finishing 9th over 1200M and returning from a long lay off. He should be much fitter and sharper for that run and the drop back to 5 furlongs will suit. S. Zervan has been booked to ride and he would have a great chance if running upto the best of his form but has to show that he still retains the old ability .
FLAMBOYANT FLAME :- Also 5 years of age and with a good sprinting pedigree, she was formerly in the care of Dallas Todywalla but moved midway through her career to her current yard where she has managed to score 1 of her 2 wins – that win coming in Class IV last December where she scored an impressive 5 length win. However, since that run her form has been very poor except for one good effort on the opening day of the last Pune season where she ended up a good 2nd over 1200M to Makino. Her runs since then have been inconsistent but her last run hinted at some sort of a revival where she ended up a fair 5th behind Oracle over this trip. That was her first run of the season so she could strip fitter now and the booking of Suraj Narredu suggests that connections are quite serious today. She is not without a chance if at her best but is not consistent and hence enthusiasm is dampened somewhat.
GLORIOUS LAND :- Another Dallas Todywalla cast-off, this sprightly five year old mare with a nice pedigree is now in the care of Adil Dajeeand appears to have been on a weight reducing mission bringing her down close to her last winning mark, that victory coming at the top of Class IV in March where she edged out Fabio and El Tycoon in a tight finish. She has run a forward race in both her starts this season and looks likely to attempt start to finish tactics again with Neeraj Rawal in the saddle but may be vulnerable to the closers and looks to have an outside chance at best until showing some more improvement.
LOCARNO :- Aged 7 year old mare from the Mansoor Shah stable, she has dropped down to a reasonable handicap mark and has run some good races in defeat over the last couple of seasons without being able to earn another bracket. She has run well in her last 2 starts this season, just failing to get up by half a length against Backstreet Bay over 1000M and then leading for a long way and ending up a close 3rd over 1200 t Hidden Soul, both times in older company. She runs off a low weight with in form H. Zeeshan in the saddle but looks to have it all to do against younger progressive sprinters and looks to be a rank outsider in this company.
CONCLUSION :-A competitive sprint affair but Ascension is the selection to continue her fine recent form and earn another bracket over her pet trip while Cyclone appears to be a very live danger but has to show that he is back to his best since returning from a long break. Flamboyant Flame appears to be coming back to form as well and must be respected with Suraj on board
Race No. 6:- The Seth Ramnath Daga Trophy – Class I – Distance :- 1200M
GOLDIE’S PET :- Speedy 4 year old filly from the Dallas Todywalla yard who has developed into a crack sprinter and rapidly progressed up the handicap ranks winning her last four races on the trot and coming into this contest in sublime form. The point to note here is while she has run some excellent races over 1200M and finished runner up on a number of occasions, all her wins have been over the 5 furlong trip and she may be just a little vulnerable over the extra furlong in this company. She is no doubt in great form and the presence of David Allan in the saddle is a big plus so she is expected to run well and be in the thick of things but may just find one or two too good today in this highly competitive event.
MYGRATOR:-Quality 4 year old colt who was in red hot form and was unbeaten during the last Pune season, completing a sequence of 4 wins on the trot and gradually stepping up in trip from 1000 – 1400M. He was being prepared for the 2000 Guineas so finished runner up to Ruffina over 7 furlongs on the opening day but found the opposition too strong in the classic and ended up 2nd last behind Castlebridge. He has been rested and given time to recover from that exertion and now returns to sprint trips. P.S. Chouhan his usual rider is on board and although he would clearly have a good chance on the best of his form, his speed may have been blunted a bit being trained for the Guineas and he has to demonstrate that he retains his former spark. Considered but might be found wanting in this company.
ANACAPRI :- Another progressive and speedy 4 year old from the Pesi Shroff yard, she was in rousing form last summer, winning 3 races in a row in Bangalore and Ooty and was brought to Western India to campaign this season. She was understandably rusty over 1000M on the opening day after a gap of almost 5 months and went down fighting to Goldie’s Pet but she is better placed on the scale with that rival today and should reverse the form. She went on to win fluently over Allora last time out and is likely to relish the step back up to 6 furlongs over which she has done most of her winning. She seems to be fit and well, looks like continuing her progression and should be a force to reckon with, with S. Zervan replacing P. Trevor in the saddle.
EXCELLENT GOLD :- He too has shown tremendous improvement with each of his successive runs and this Narendra Lagad trained 4 year old has been going from strength to strength and is also unbeaten in his last 4 starts, last time out showing a gutsy attitude to get the better of Summer Rays who is a winner since then adding strength to the form. His last 3 wins have all been over this trip, he looks unstoppable at present and with Dashrath Singh retaining the ride, he looks a very strong fancy from the foot of the weights.
CONCLUSION :- With as many as 4 of the 7 runners in this race being progressive 4 year olds who are all in terrific form, this promises to be a very tough contest. It appears that the 2 to concentrate on appear to be Anacapri and Excellent Gold with a slight edge given to the Pesi Shroff trained filly. Goldie’s Pet looks a little high in the weights and may find the 6th furlong stretching her while Mygratorhas to prove he still retains the speed after having been trained for a mile.
Race No. 7 :- The Academic Plate - Div. I – Class IV – Distance :- 1400M
RINCON :- 4 year old half brother to Sky Mine who had been acquitting himself well in maiden company without finding the necessary improvement to win but stepped up on his previous form last time out over course and distance when holding on bravely from Arrecife to score by half a length. He is making his handicap debut off top weight in Class IV but the handicapper has given him a chance and he should have gained confidence from the win. C.S. Jodha who has been riding him all along takes the ride again today and he must be respected and should try hard for an encore.
TANJO :- Progressive3 year old from the Nosher Cama yard, this half sister to 7 furlong winner Perfect Legacy looks to be improving with each of her starts and was a stylish winner last time out, upsetting the fancied pair of Lesrel and WabiSabi to win most convincingly. The form of that race has worked out extremely well with both Elixir and Fine Tune winners next time out and Tanjo looks likely to improve again and appreciate the extra furlong. She has a stiff 8 kilo penalty to contend with but still looks to be ahead of the handicapper and with further improvement likely and P.S. Chouhan in the saddle again, she stands an excellent chance to repeat and is greatly respected.
CELESTIAL LIGHT :- Inconsistent 5 year old Rebuttal mare trained by Imtiaz Sait, she has managed to win 2 of her 17 races till date but has given many patchy and uneven performances in between that time. Her last victory came over a mile in Class IV back in March where she beat the reopposing Irises comfortably and after a string of poor efforts since then, she showed signs that her turn was not far away on her seasonal debut last time out when coming with a strong run along the inside to finish runner up to Lady In Red over this trip. That run came in November so she is returning from a short break but if she can build on that last run then she stands a good each way chance with Dashrath Singh in the saddle replacing P. Trevor.
PRICELESS ART :- Well bred and lightly raced 4 year old owned by the Poonawalla family and trained by Malesh Narredu, she comes from a good Indian family being a half sister to Southern Bay who won the Bangalore 1000 Guineas and Oaks and the Golconda Derby and was runner up in the Mysore Derby and 3rd in the Invitation Cup. She made her debut barely a month and a half ago, finishing a bottling 2nd over an inadequate 5 furlongs and then stepped up to this trip last time out, came with a strong run to score over Collegium and Adonijah. She is sure to improve again on just her 3rd career start and has only been penalized 5 kilos for the win so may have plenty more to give. She has been working very well of late, Suraj Narredu takes over from Yash Narredu in the saddle and she looks to have an excellent chance to continue her progression and looks a leading contender to win again.
DIBABA :- 5 year old filly from the Sanjay Kolse yard, she has developed into a consistent handicapper over middle distances and has been running well in similar contests since gaining her 2nd win in 16 starts back in August. She has finished 4th on both her starts this term and last time out was 4th behind Priceless Art with whom she is now weighted to gain revenge. She looks to have a good handicap chance here with S.J. Sunil in the saddle and is worth considering each way but she looks more exposed than some of the more progressive younger 4 year olds and may find a couple too strong for her here.
COUNSELLOR :- Once raced 4 year old from the Pesi Shroff yard, he looked very green and inexperienced on debut over this trip when sluggishly away and in the rear early on but he picked up in good style once the penny dropped and finished on late to be 4th behind Rincon. He is expected to improve substantially from that run and strip fitter and although the switch from David Probert back to A. Sandesh may actually be a slight negative, he is open to plenty of improvement and is expected to be in the thick of things today.
SHE’S A TIGER :- 5 year old filly trained by Nazak Chenoy who is a full sister to Phoenix Tiger but seems to have fitness issues and has been nursed along in her 5 career runs so far. She looked to be coming into form towards the end of the last Mumbai season with two good placed efforts but just had one unplaced run in Pune after that. She showed further improvement on her reappearance run here with Trevor up for the first time when finishing on to be a close 3rd to Untitled over 1200M and is expected to improve for that run and appreciate the extra furlong. Trevor is in the saddle again and she could be a danger to all from the bottom of the scale
CONCLUSION :- This again looks highly competitive on paper and the well bred Priceless Art is the selection to build on her gritty last win as she has been given a chance by the handicapper. Counsellor should leave his maiden running well behind and looks to be a live danger while Tanjoalso won nicely last time out and looks to have more to give.
Race No. 8 :- The Maple Star Plate – Div. I – Class IV – Distance :- 1000M (No Whip Race)
WALK ON BY :- Half sister to champion sprinter Bee Quick and seems to be developing into a useful sprinter herself, having won 2 of her last 3 starts. She was an impressive winner last time out over 1200M when easily accounting for Mighty Warrior and she should not mind the drop back down in trip to the minimum. She appears to have maintained her form well judging from her recent trackwork and her rider’s 5 kilo claim will practically negate her penalty. She looks a strong contender remaining in the same grade and is strongly fancied to repeat.
ROCK N RIO :- 5 year old gelding from the Narendra Lagad yard who has managed to win just 1 of his 23 starts till date although he has placed on 9 other occasions and seems to be struggling with the handicapper at present. His overall profile is unconvincing from a win perspective but he did run a couple of good placed races in Pune but has run poorly in his 2 starts on this track this term. The booking of H. Zeeshan though catches the eye taking over from M. Ayyar in the saddle and in this field, he can be considered each way in this field.
STUNNER :- 4 year old filly from the yard of Dallas Todywalla, she has run 10 times till date and seems to be best at this 5 furlong trip, scoring her maiden victory in October after a string of placed efforts in 5 furlong maidens. She has run twice this term in similar contests and has finished 4th on both occasions, last time out not beaten a long way when 1 ¾ lengths behind Invictus Maneo. She seems to be the type to continue to progress with her racing and Raghuveer Singh is a good 5 furlong rider so expect her to be prominent throughout and she could win from end to end and must not be ignored.
PRICELESS GIRL :-Speedy 6 year old mare trained by C. Rajendra, she has a similar profile to Stunner with 1 win from 10 starts till date and she has been running well since winning her maiden back in Pune where she convincingly beat Grappa and Adele when making all in Class V. She followed that up with an excellent close 3rd to Renato and Ascension on the opening day but hold up tactics did not suit her last time out when running a below par 4th and she could do much better with a return to forcing tactics. M. Ayyar takes the ride and she is worth considering.
BIDSTONE HILL :- Out of form but speedy 6 year old mare from the small but shrewd stable of Vineshshe has been skilfully brought down in the scales to a workable mark, and is now rated below her last winning mark. She has had 2 runs this season so she should be fit enough and with Parbat Singh claiming an additional 5 kilos, she could be a danger to all from the foot of the weights
CONCLUSION :-Walk On By is confidently selected to gain a quick repeat success still kept in the same class and with her penalty practically negated by her rider’s claim. The other 4 year old Stunner appears to be the main danger while the speedsters Priceless Girl and Bidstone Hill also appear to be possibilities
Race No. 9 :- The Academic Plate - Div. II – Class IV – Distance :- 1400M
HOPEILICIOUS :- 4 year old gelding from the yard of NiradKaranjawala, he has raced 7 times till date without success over sprints and now attempts this longer trip for the first time. His best performance till date has come over 1000M on his first run of the season when he finished a half length 2nd to Stallone but he has subsequently run poorly over 1200M last time out. He has had just one run in a handicap so far so is still unexposed in that sphere and S. Zervan is an encouraging jockey booking. He looks to have each way claims if unlocking further improvement over this new trip and is worth considering here.
MY PRECIOUS :- 4 year old filly from the stables of Karthik G, she has a lovely pedigree by Excellent Art of Class I sprinter Evatina but has yet to pass the post first in her 7 runs till date and she does not appear to be totally straightforward. She has finished runner up over both 1000 and 1600M so her ideal trip is yet to ascertained and she has run a few poor races in between those starts. She has had a lung opener this season to blow away the cobwebs and makes her handicap debut today although the switch from Y.S. Srinath to Bhawani Singh is a negative. She is a dark horse who could spring a surprise and is worth keeping an eye on.
FENCING :- 5 year old filly trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha she has been relatively lightly raced with just 8 starts and scored a maiden victory over a mile back in October in the lower class coming with a strong run from the rear to score by a long neck from Eternal Dancer with Huzzah’s Grace and Deusky Siren finishing 3rd and 4th respectively that day. After a trial run over a mile on her first start this season, she looked like coming back to form when finishing on again to be a close 4th behind Carnival last time out. She looks open to improvement still although taking on younger horses now and is another worth considering each way with NirmalJodha retaining the ride.
HUZZAH’S GRACE :- Maiden 4 year old filly trained by Imtiaz Sait she is winless in 6 starts till date and has been making steady progress in her last few starts, having finished 3rd in 3 of her last 4 starts. She comes out better than Fencing on the Pune run and made late headway last time out to finish 3rd to Rincon. Dashrath Singh who rode her last time out retains the ride, she looks like she has yet to show her best and is one to consider each way.
KISS FROM A ROSE :- Well bred 5 year old mare trained by S.A. Waheed she has run 11 times till date and has managed to win once, scoring a fluent 7 furlongs success in the lower class when beating Firenze and Allegria. She has run poorly in several starts since then but has dropped in grade to close to her last winning mark and the booking of P.S. Chouhan today suggests that connections are fancying their chances. She has been working well and could possibly pull off an upset.
MASSIMO :- 4 year old colt from the Pesi Shroff yard he is another who has been given time to come to hand and after 2 unplaced starts during the Mumbai season, showed a little improvement when stepped up to a mile and a quarter last time out and finished a faraway 3rdto Zanara. He is having his first starts since September so may need this run after the break but could also have made some more improvement and the booking of David Probert is attractive. 7 furlongs may also be slightly on the sharp side but the field looks modest and he warrants consideration.
STAR ALIGNED :- Stable companion of Massimo who looks a nice sort on pedigree and makes her racing debut of what looks a relatively lenient mark. She has been judiciously prepared with this event in view and retained rider A. Sandesh has been booked to ride. She looks a good sort who is capable of winning first time out and looks a strong fancy if looking fit and well.
CONCLUSION :- The debutant Star Aligned looks an interesting sort and could be good enough to win this first time out if fit enough. Stable companion Massimo is also unexposed and warrants consideration along with Huzzah’s Grace who appears the best of the rest
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
