From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Thursday, 15th February 2018 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 14 Feb 2018
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Thursday, 15th February 2018
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No.1 :- The Emperado Plate – Class IV – Distance :- 1600M
SUMAAQ :- 6 year old mare trained by Faisal Abbas, she has managed to win 2 of her 23 starts till date but has placed on as many as 10 occasions and although she has not won for some time, her last win coming exactly 2 years ago off a mark of 39, she has been placing consistently in similar contests. She has run thrice already this season, the last 2 of those starts being over this trip and went extremely close on her penultimate run when finishing a half length 2nd to Carnival before running 4th to Grand Accord last time out. She has top weight to defy here against some 4 year olds with scope for improvement so although she must be considered with C.S. Jodha in the saddle, she looks more likely to place again in this company.
PRETTY ANGEL :- Exposed 5 year old mare from the stables of Karthik G, she has had 20 runs till date and only managed to shed her maiden tag on her penultimate start when she scored by a length from Sail Past over 1400M in the lower class on her last run in Pune. She had one run in this grade, very early in the Mumbai season finishing last of the 7 runners to Zanara over this trip and she has not raced since then and may need the lung opener. Bhawani Singh takes the ride here and she must be considered as one of the outsiders as she still has to conclusively prove that win was not a flash in the pan.
DRAGON MOSS :- 4 year old gelding in the care of AdhirajsinghJodha, he was quite highly campaigned as a juvenile, running in some top races without much success and managed to gain his maiden victory on his first start this season, easily beating Star Ace over 1400M in the lower class. He did not run badly when upped to this grade last time out, making late headway to finish a decent 4th behind Elixir again over 1400M and he should not mind this step up in trip. He has raced just 9 times so has the scope to improve and with NirmalJodha, who has ridden him on 2 previous occasions this season up again, he looks a strong contender to try and earn another quick success.
HONOURABLE EYES :- Unexposed 4 year old filly from the Imtiaz Sait yard, she is a full sister to Adrestia who was a winner of 5 races from 21 starts and placed 3rd in the Kolkotta Oaks and has been given two easy runs over 1200M towards the latter half of December and has been given time to come into her own since then. Her trackwork since then has been decent and the step up to a mile is likely to see her in a better light plus the switch in jockey from Kishore Kadam to P. Trevor is a big positive. She does not seem to be taking on very tough opposition and has plenty of scope to improve so if she can unlock some improvement over this more galloping trip then she has an excellent chance to score so must be seriously considered.
MASSIMO :- The first foal of Dragnet to race in Western India but the mare produced some decent types abroad the best of which was Lang Shining, a half brother who won 8 races in the UK. He has run 5 times till date and has been making gradual progress with his racing and appeared to have improved when reappearing from a 4 month break to finish on late and end up a close 2nd to Rain Dance over 1400M in a relatively weak Class IV field. He is likely to improve for that run and strip fitter, the extra furlong should be to his advantage and David Probert who rode him last time out retains the ride. He is expected to step up on that last performance, and in this field, appears to be the most likely winner if he can build on that last effort.
CONCLUSION :- Massimo looked to have improved from the Pune season when making late headway from the rear to finish a length 2nd to Rain Dance last time out and normal progression should see him emerge victorious today. The unexposed Honourable Eyes has scope if she can show improvement stepped up to this trip while the other danger appears to be Dragonmoss, already a winner earlier this season.
Race No. 2 :- The Sir Charles Forbes Trophy – Class II – Distance :- 1200M
EXCELLENT GOLD :- Progressive 4 year old trained by Narendra Lagad, his 2 runs as a juvenile were in the Gool S. Poonawalla and the Breeders Multi-Million so he was always held in high regard by his connections. Taking on maiden company in Pune, he was an effortless winner over 1000M and went on to win three more races in a row stepping up to 6 furlongs before that run ended last time out when he finished a close 4th to Abbey, beaten only ½ a length and not given the best of rides. Overall a winner of 4 of his 7 starts, he currently looks to be in fine fettle and now dropped back into Class II and ridden by his usual partner, Dashrath Singh, he looks set to resume his progress and return to winning ways although Kramer is slightly better on the scale.
GOVERNOR GENERAL :- Quirky 6 year old from the M.K. Jadhav stable, he has had several niggles throughout his career which has limited his racing but clearly has plenty of ability and has a fine record overall. He has only raced 14 times till date, winning 4 of those and finishing in the frame in all but one of his runs. He has run thrice this season, finishing 4th on all 3 occasions, twice over 1000M which is sharp for him and once over this trip when ridden by a 5 kilo claimer and ending 2 ½ lengths behind Summer Rays. Excellent Gold comes out roughly 3 lengths better than him on a line through Summer Rays but he has been working very well of late and A. Sandesh who had ridden him in 3 of his 4 wins is up today. This trip should suit him and he shapes as a danger.
KRAMER :- Trained by Malesh Narredu, this 4 year old son of Phoenix Tower began his career in sparkling fashion but seems to have gone off the boil a bit and needs to bounce back. He has won 3 of his 7 starts overall, one of them over this trip and added a facile 7 furlong victory to his name in Pune but has raced over 5 furlongs the last twice which has looked sharp for him so the additional furlong should be to his liking. He finished 5th to Anacapri on his only prior start this season, and comes out ¾ length better than Excellent Gold on that line so it should be close between the two today. He has been moving well on the race grass and P.S. Chouhan takes the ride. He looks a strong contender to get back to winning ways and is greatly respected.
CHARGING TIGRESS :- Aged 6 year old mare trained by Magansingh P. Jodha, she is much more exposed than most of these, with 3 wins from 24 starts and is versatile with regards to trip between 1000 and 1400M. Her last win came over 1400M back in December 2016 and this season she has finished in midfield in two runs over 6 and 7 furlongs. She looks to need a little help from the handicapper at present and in spite of bottom weight and S.A. Amit claiming 1.5 kilos, she looks an outsider here and could fight it out for minor honours.
CONCLUSION :- On paper this looks like a close fight between Kramer and Excellent Gold with the former going marginally better on handicap but having to prove that he has improved from his last run a month and a half ago while the former is currently in top form. The race is unlikely to go beyond the duo.
Race No. 3 :- The Trance Plate – Class III – Distance :- 1000M
ASCENSION :- Tiny but speedy 4 year old filly from the S.K. Sunderji yard, she seems to have gone from strength to strength since gaining her maiden success over 1000M in Pune although it took her 7 runs to do so. Overall she has won 3 of her 11 starts, placing on all but one other occasion so she is quite consistent and her form this season has been excellent. She finished a close runner up to Renato on the opening day and since then has won 2 races in a row and is bidding for a hattrick now. She first scored off top weight in Class IV, narrowly beating Rishab’s Pet and then followed it up with a pillar to post win over Glorious Land, scoring by 1¼ length and conceding 3 kilos. R. Ajinkya who rode her on her penultimate run is up again today and claims 2 ½ kilos and she has bagged the rail draw which suits her style of running. She is up another 5 kilos today and taking on what looks like stronger company but remains in good form and is dangerous to ignore.
CLYMENE :- Owned by the Dhunjibhoys and ridden by A. Sandesh, this 4 year old daughter of Western Aristocrat appears to be all about speed and has impressed on both her 5 furlong efforts so far in her 3 race career. She was a wide margin winner on her debut in Pune and was thought to be good enough to contest the F.D. Wadia Trophy next time out but found the 7 furlong trip to be beyond her. Rested and prepared for her reappearance run this season, she again looked classy when recording a 5 ¼ length win over Tenerife and Priceless Girl, both of whom have run well since. She has been handed a stiff 7 ½ kilo penalty for that win but clearly looks to be very much on the upgrade and can take the penalty in her stride. She appears to have maintained her form and fitness and looks set to provide an encore.
WISE CHILD :- Another tiny but well performed individual from the M.K. Jadhav yard, he has run 6 times till date and has finished runner up on 3 occasions, managing to win just once. He has finished 2nd on both starts this term over course and distance, first ending runner up to owner mate Shamwari early in the season and then reappearing after a short break to chase home Oracle last time out. P. Trevor takes over from S.A. Amit in the saddle today, he looks to be in good condition at present and must be respected as a danger to all.
LOIRE:-4 year old filly from the Narendra Lagad stable, she recorded back to back wins over this trip in Pune but has struggled on her 2 runs this season in this grade, and needs to find some improvement before she can progress again. She was well beaten over course and distance last time out and although she has Dashrath Singh in the saddle and is closely matched with Wise Child on their prior meeting this season, she looks more of a place contender and could battle it out for minor honours.
MISS MONEYPENNY :- 4 year old from the Imtiaz Sait yard, she has run 8 times till date exclusively over sprint trips although most of her runs have been over 6 furlongs and this is only her 3rd attempt at a 5 furlong trip. She has done quite well on her previous 2 attempts, winning her maiden as an outsider beating the likes of Lincoln and Elysee and then finishing 4th to Oracle with Wise Child 2 ½ lengths ahead of her in 2nd. Both those runs came last season and since then she has campaigned over 1200M, winning once in Pune and finishing a decent 3rd on her reappearance behind Excellent Gold. She has to bounce back from a poor effort last time out but might be suited by returning to this trip and looks to have a handicap chance if back to her best with H. Zeeshan claiming a valuable 3 ½ kilos.
GLORIOUS LAND :- 5 year old mare who moved midway through her career from Dallas Todywalla to Adil Dajee and has managed to win 3 of her 14 starts but none of those wins for her current yard. She has been slowly finding form for her new connections and last time out finished a good close 2nd to Ascension with the same rider up. She does not look as progressive as some of these but is given an each way chance on the handicap and with Neeraj Rawal up, does look to have a chance to surprise.
CONCLUSION :- On paper this looks quite a tight handicap with most of the horses closely matched with each other but the improving Clymene is selected to continue improving and get the better of these. She impressed immensely on her return last month and is sure to go on improving. Wise Child looks the obvious danger with Miss Moneypenny also interesting dropping down in trip.
Race No. 4 :- The M.D. Mehta Trophy – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1000M
BUDDYHOLLY :- This Stern Opinion colt from the MaleshNarredu yard was sent off a warm favourite on his debut over course and distance but after showing early speed to lead into the straight, he faded out to finish 6th behind Divine Power in a race which has not really worked out all that well. He will no doubt have learnt from the experience and should be fitter and sharper for the run and P.S. Chouhan taking over from Yash Narredu in the saddle is a positive. He needs to make further progress but is expected to run a much better race today and looks to have a strong each way chance in this field.
CLARK KENT :-Stable companion of Buddyholly who looks the lesser fancied of the yard’s 2 runners with P.S. Chouhan jumping ship and S. Mosin taking over in the saddle and had a modest debut finishing 5th just behind Julio Cesaro in the race won by Columbianaprincess on Derby weekend. He too is expected to improve for that run and could find a place in the frame but the yard appear to have a stronger candidate in Buddyholly.
WHITEWALKER :- Yet another son of Stern Opinion, this one trained by Dallas Todywalla, he made his debut in comparatively better company in the Gool S. Poonawalla, running a forward race before ending a faraway 3rd to Star Inspiration but he too should strip fitter for that run and be suited by the drop to the minimum trip. He is an owner mate to Buddyholly and Clark Kent so it would be interesting to see whether P.S. Chouhan has opted for the MaleshNarredu ward having ridden Whitewalker on debut. P. Trevor is no mean replacement though and he appears to be the pick on form.
GODSWORD :- One of three runners from the Narendra Lagad stable in this race and clearly appears to have the best credentials of the trio although J. Chinoy has been opted for instead of stable jockey Dashrath Singh. She ran an eye catching race on debut a couple of weeks ago, jumping awkwardly and in the rear until the bend but making up good ground in the straight to finish 3rd ahead of Clark Kent. She will no doubt improve for that run and strip fitter although she looked well prepared that day as well and one is not sure whether the 5 furlong trip will prove to be too sharp again. Most of her siblings were Kunigal bred and owned with Zacara and Blossom both well performed while Magic Dust, trained by the same trainer has been disappointing so far. Godsword looks a strong contender in this field if she can improve and must be considered.
CONCLUSION :- Both JaydevMody and Narendra Lagad appear to have a strong hand in this race and the duo of Whitewalker and Buddyhollyare expected to battle it out. The former appears to have the marginally better form but retained rider P.S. Chouhan has opted for the latter so conclusions may be drawn accordingly. Perhaps a paddock check will be the final determining factor. Godswordmade a promising debut and is also considered but may find this a touch sharp.
Race No. 5 :- The Ice Magic Plate – Div. II – Class IV – Distance :-1200M
RIDGEWOOD STAR :- Experienced 5 year old gelding trained by Dallas Todywalla, his strike rate is unconvincing with just one win from 16 starts till date but he has been running well over sprint trips off this mark and has been fancied on all 3 starts this season. He finished a fair 4th on his previous attempt at this trip behind more fancied stablemate Chaplin and has P. Trevor up for the first time this season, taking over from Neeraj Rawal. His last couple of workouts have been good and this field looks less competitive than some of the other ones he has contested so he clearly merits each way consideration but it is hard to fancy him from a win perspective and he looks likely to place today.
ALYATIES :- 5 year old mare trained by Mansoor Shah who is relatively unexposed and had been brought down to a handy mark and she seems to have caught form and is going the right way this season. She gave an indication that she was coming to hand on her penultimate start where she ended a close 3rd behind Untitled and Royal Ace and duly improved on that next time out when scoring a fluent maiden success in the lower class with the same rider on board. H. Zeeshan’s claim offsets most of her penalty, she appears to be improving nicely and looks to have an excellent chance to provide a quick encore and is strongly fancied here.
ROYAL ACE :- Very smartly bred 5 year old gelding from the Faisal Abbas yard but he is still a maiden after 11 starts although he has been threatening to strike in his last couple of runs. He finished a length ahead of Alyaties on his seasonal reappearance when runner up to Untitled but it was a bit disappointing that he could not score as a hot favourite last time out when going down by a length to Milwalkee. Stable jockey C.S. Jodha is up for the first time taking over from A. Imran Khan in the saddle, he has been working well and clearly looks to be the main danger to Alyaties.
HUZZAH’S PHOENIX :- Untried and unexposed 4 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait, he has had 3 runs so far over 6 furlongs, 2 of them this season and has been well beaten on all 3 occasions but has had a feeble rider up every time. His last run was a month ago and he appears to have improved significantly from then judging from his recent trackwork and he will have a good rider up for the first time in the form of J. Chinoy. He is an unknown quantity who could have come to hand and is worth keeping an eye on as an interesting outsider who make surprise at long odds.
STORM STAR :- Another once raced and unexposed 4 year old, this one from the yard of AdhirajsinghJodha, he is a half brother to Caesar’s Star and a full brother to Cactus Cash who is likely to come into his own over further in due course. He has had an educative run towards the end of the Pune season and the only point of interest is that Dashrath Singh has been booked to ride today. A paddock check is advised to ascertain his fitness and he is likely to need this run and find it plenty sharp enough but could be another interesting outsider who could run well at a long price and is worth keeping an eye on.
AQUARIUS :- Maiden 5 year old gelding trained by M.K. Jadhav who has been unsuccessful in 13 attempts so far but although he is erratic and unreliable, he has gone close a couple of times over this trip in the past and looks to be on a handy mark at present. He has had a lung opener this season and T.S. Jodha now takes over from a whipless apprentice so he is another interesting contender who is worth keeping an eye on and could strike at any time.
CONCLUSION :- An open looking Class V handicap. Alyaties and Royal Ace appear to be the two to focus on with regards to current form but there are a host of other interesting alternatives like Huzzah’s Phoenix and Aquarius.
Race No. 6 :- The Secret Romeo Plate – Div. I – Class V – Distance :- 1200M
HUDSON :- Well bred and lightly raced 4 year old filly trained by MaleshNarredu, she has run 3 times till date returning after almost a year off to run a good 4th over 1200M behind Aurelia in a race which has worked out well. However, she ran below par last time out finishing only 10th behind Chaplin on Oaks day and she has been eased in grade into the lowest class now. She can be forgiven one poor run at this early stage in her career and is worth giving one more chance to on just her 4th start. She is conceding weight all around but looks scopey and is expected to run a much better race today.
SHAKIN’ STEVENS :- 4 year old Arazan gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait, he has run 4 times till date and was fancied on a couple of occasions but has done nothing of note so far, finishing well beaten on every occasion. He has been diligently prepared since his last run in Pune and his recent trackwork has been excellent so it looks like he has improved and went a decent Mock Race with juvenile winner Dance The Dream. Mansoor Khan is a very unusual booking for the yard as he seldom gets rides nowadays and he could be one worth keeping an eye on and should leave his previous runnings well behind today.
TALLY HO :- Began his career with MaleshNarredu before moving to Narendra Lagad midway through his racing career and scored a shock maiden win in Pune back in September on his first start for his new trainer, coming with a late run to score over 1000M off a mark of 24. He has been very inconsistent since then, running poorly in all his subsequent runs but his mark has dropped to not too high above his last success and he showed some spark last time out over course and distance when finishing on late to be 6th behind Arc Shine. He has been dropped back into this grade now, Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle and he could very well bounce back and merits each way thought .
EXOSPHERE :- Lightly raced, improving and well bred 4 year old filly who seems to be coming on with her racing and hinted at some ability on her last start over 1000M when making late headway from the rear to finish an easy and unextended 4th to Art O War. She has been working very well since that run and the booking of C.S. Jodha today is a big positive. The extra furlong is likely to be to her advantage and with normal progression, she looks to be a strong contender to succeed today.
TIME OF MY LIFE :- Nicely bred 5 year old mare from the HosidarDaji yard, she is fully exposed and is still a maiden after 14 starts although she has placed on 6 occasions. She was very consistent over this trip in several starts in Pune and early in Mumbai so her last run was a shade disappointing when she finished well behind Alyatiesso she has a bit to prove now. She is fully capable of striking off her current mark with H. Zeeshan replacing S. Zervan in the saddle and is another worthy of each way consideration if she can shrug off the indifferent last effort.
CONCLUSION :- A chance is taken on Shakin’ Stevens who appears to have made significant improvement from his earlier form with Mansoor Khan who rarely gets a ride nowadays booked. There are several other possibilities in an open contest including Exosphere and the top weight Hudson
Race No. 7 :- The Ice Magic Plate –Div. I – Class IV – Distance :-1200M
PHILADELPHIA :- 5 year old mare trained by Dallas Todywalla who has a solitary success to her name from 13 starts, that win coming very early this season when she scraped home by a short head from the reopposing Rare Silver. She has finished a poor 3rd in both her starts since, last time out finishing 4 lengths behind Roosevelt and she looks vulnerable under top weight. Neeraj Rawal who has ridden her all season takes the ride and although she is consistent and capable of occupying a minor berth, she looks very unlikely to win unless getting some help from the handicapper.
LORD COMMANDER :-Lightly raced 4 year old from the Bezan Chenoy yard, he showed he has ability when scoring a fluent maiden success over this trip last March but seemed to lose his way during the Pune season where he ran poorly in 3 starts and looks to be finding his way back to form. He had a reasonable lung opener already this season when running on to finish 4th to Clymene over 1000M and his subsequent work has been very encouraging. P.S. Chouhan takes over in the saddle today and he is a leading contender to get back to winning ways now and must be greatly respected if back to his best.
AME :- Aged and exposed 6 year old gelding from the M.K. Jadhav stable who has run 34 times in total but has taken advantage of his lenient rating to run some good races this term. He managed to edge out Sudarshan Chakra and score over course and distance in the lower class and followed that up with a decent 2nd to Priceless Girl moved back up into this grade and he seems to have maintained his form and fitness. T.S. Jodha who rode him last time out takes the ride and although it looks tough for him to win against the younger horses, he can be involved in the minor places and is worth considering.
MAN OF WORD :- S.K. Sunderji trained 4 year old who has been threatening to score on a number of occasions but is still winless in 10 starts although he has placed on 6 occasions. Both his runs this term have been highly suggestive, finishing a close 3rd to Democrat over this trip on his reappearance and then running perhaps his best race over 1400M last time out, travelling strongly and looking a winner before being pipped virtually on the post by both Elixir and Rotterdam. The slight drop in trip is likely to suit him and P. Trevor now takes over in the saddle from whipless apprentice. He has the rail draw to help him, looks fit and well and has an excellent chance now to gain an overdue maiden success.
RARE SILVER :- Exposed 6 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait, he has managed to win only 1 of his 20 starts till date and after running a close 2nd to Philadelphia on the opening day he has been quite out of form in his last few starts and needs to spark a revival. The booking of C.S. Jodha for the first time this season offers some encouragement but his overall profile is unconvincing and he again looks more of a minor berth contender.
HARRIER :- As yet unraced 4 year old colt trained by HosidarDaji, he is making a belated racing debut have skipped his entire juvenile season but looks a decent sort and has been showing out well in the morning trials. He looks to have been handed a reasonable opening mark and A. Sandesh has been booked to ride. A paddock check is advised to ascertain his fitness but if he is looking fit and well, he may be good enough to win in this company.
CONCLUSION:-Man of Word ran a cracker in defeat last time out over 1400M and now dropped in trip and with P. Trevor in the saddle he is selected to get the better of Lord Commander who has been working exceptionally well of late. Debutant Harrier also looks interesting and completes the short list
Race No. 8 :- The Secret Romeo Plate – Div. II – Class V – Distance :- 1200M
MONTECASINO :- 4 year old gelding trained by MaleshNarredu, he has had 5 starts till date, all over sprint trips and is now eased in grade into the lowest class. He has failed to show early speed so far but has finished 4th on a couple of occasions and on his only previous run this term, he has finished 5th to Fine Tune in a similar contest but over 1000M, beaten about 4 lengths. He should improve and strip fitter for that run, has been working well since then and in spite of the heavy impost, looks to have a strong chance to get off the mark with P.S. Chouhan in the saddle.
MILWALKEE :- 5 year old mare from the stables of S.S. Shah, she has run 16 times till date and gained her solitary success on her penultimate start when well ridden by Zeeshan to outwit Royal Ace and score over course and distance. She ran poorly when entrusted to Dashrath Singh next time out and perhaps is better with whiplessapprentice’s on board so she is worth giving one more chance to with K. Nazil taking over in the saddle today. She is more exposed than most and unlikely to improve a great deal but if reproducing her winning effort, she could be in the firing line.
SYNCHRONICITY :- Nicely bred 5 year old mare from the Faisal Abbas stable, she is a half sister to Realmsoffantasy who is unbeaten in 2 starts in Hyderabad and also a half sister to the well performed Saker and The Ministerian. However, she is yet to taste success in 15 starts so far although she has finished 4th in her most recent 2 starts suggesting that she is getting ready to strike soon. She was about 3 ¼ lengths behind Isinit last time out in the race won by Lilac Time and will need to improve to reverse that form and she has also been drawn wide in Stall 12. Amyn Merchant replaces C.S. Jodha in the saddle which is a negative but she continues to work well and should be considered .
GOLDEN HORDE :- Lightly raced 5 year old trained by BezanChenoy, she has yet to produce her best and has been skilfully brought down to a very workable mark. She has run a couple of suggestive races over 1000M in the past and has been given a lung opener here to blow away the cobwebs. She should strip fitter and benefit from that run and with stable apprentice Santosh G taking the ride again, she looks a dark horse who can upset here.
ISINIT :- 6 year old mare from the small yard of S N Joshi, she is becoming frustrating to follow as her losing run has now reached 24, but she went desperately close last time out and was only collared very late on by Lilac Time. She appears to be in good form at present and with in form apprentice H. Zeeshan now booked to ride, it is hopeful that she will gain a long overdue success in this company.
CONCLUSION :- A trappy looking finale which is likely best left alone from a betting standpoint. Montecasino is a tentative selection dropping into this grade with P.S. Chouhan up.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
