From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday 18th February 2018 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 17 Feb 2018
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday 18th February 2018
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Velvet Rope Trophy – Class I and II – Distance :- 2400M
PALATIAL :- Dickey legged and late maturing 7 year old gelding earlier trained by C.D. Katrak but recently shifted to S.A. Waheed, he is a winner of 6 of his 22 starts and is most effective over staying trips. He was a facile winner over Square Moon over 2800M on his last start but is now worse off on the Terms with that rival. He currently looks in fine form and is easily the best horse in this field but he has to concede quite a bit of weight to his 3 rivals. He still looks a very strong contender with P. Trevor up again and could very well defy the handicap and go on to win this.
PHENOMENAL MEMORY :- Nicely bred 6 year old gelding who was formerly owned by the Poonawalla family and did most of his racing in the care of Dallas Todywalla for whom he won 4 races from 16 starts. Most of his wins came over this trip when ridden from off the pace and he has had 3 runs for his current yard and now steps up to this trip for the first time and will be ridden by Dashrath Singh. His last win came over this trip back in August 2016 off a mark of 80 and he is now rated 86 so theoretically should be able to strike. He needs to prove that he retains his old ability still but he should get a strong pace with 2 confirmed front runners in the field and is capable of bouncing back.
SQUARE MOON :- Well performed 7 year old who is one of 2 runners for Adhirajsingh Jodha and has a good record overall with 5 wins and 7 seconds from 29 starts. He did win over 2000M earlier in the season, sneaking home from Eternal Sunshine and just about holds Phenomenal Memory on that running before chasing home Palatial in the Byculla Club Trophy. He was well beaten that day but was at level weights and is now in receipt of 10 kilos so looks better placed on the scales. He could very well make all today and looks to have a good chance on handicap with S.A. Amit in the saddle.
VULCAN :- 2nd runner from the Adhirajsingh Jodha stable but is the youngest of this quartet and he likes to dominate so this small field and his ability to dictate should play to his strengths. Overall a winner of 5 races from 16 starts, he comes into this fresh off a win over course and distance, nosing out Big Sur by a whisker. He stays well, has in the form P.S. Chouhan in the saddle, and although he needs to improve on the bare form, he is dangerous to ignore off the low weight.
CONCLUSION :- A trappy looking opener with all the four able to stake a claim to success. Palatial looks the best horse in the field but has to concede plenty of weight. At the predicted odds, it might be worth taking a chance on Phenomenal Memory who looks to be well placed on the scales and relishes small fields over this trip. He seems likely to have a good pace to aim at with Vulcan and Square Moon both front runners and could prove to be the value here.
Race No. 2 :- The Secret Halo Plate – Div. II – Class V – Distance :- 1400M
SOLO MISSION :- Well bred maiden 4 year old gelding from the stables of Karthik G who has run 8 times so far without success but his best run has been over this trip when finishing a faraway 2nd to Cerrado as a juvenile. He has come down significantly in the weights as a result and although he has yet to show any spark of form in his 2 runs this term, he has the potential to improve and bears watching in this lowest grade with Bhawani Singh in the saddle.
PANDEMONIUM :- Another unexposed 4 year old filly, this one from the yard of M.K. Jadhav she has run well down the field in 5 runs so far over sprint trips but had a lung opener a couple of weeks ago with Sandesh in the saddle. She has been eased into this lowest grade, should strip fitter after the run and steps up to this more galloping trip for the first time. Sandesh retains the ride which is a positive, she has been working well and is another unexposed type who could find some improvement if taking to the longer trip and is worth considering.
ADVANCE TO CONTACT :- 8 year old veteran from the yard of S.N. Joshi, he has run a total of 44 times, with 3 wins to his name and although we have to go back to January 2016 for his last winning effort, it came off a mark of 40 and he is now rated 18 so he has come down a long way in the scales and looks very well placed on the pick of his form. He has had 2 runs this season and finished on to be just outside the frame when a fair 5th to Milwalkee last time out suggesting that he was getting ready. He is capable of upsetting if running upto his best and should be considered as an each way contender with Amyn Merchant on board.
GLORIOUS THUNDER :- Began his career in promising fashion but then fell away tamely and although he has placed on a number of occasions, he is yet to pass the post first in 16 attempts which is a bit disconcerting. He too has tumbled down the weights as a result and showed some ability on his penultimate run in similar company when he ran on take 3rd behind Tomahawk over course and distance. He was not so good last time out but did finish too far behind the winner and S.J. Sunil is a good apprentice who has been booked to ride today. He is usually a trier and is likely to make the frame.
DIWALI LIGHTS :- Another aged handicapper from the stable of H.J. Antia, this 7 year old has only managed one win in his 24 starts till date but it did come over course and distance off a mark slightly higher than this and that was the only time S. Zervan rode him and he is up again today so connections must fancy their chances. He too finished 5th to Centaurus last time out and is expected to strip fitter and run a big race today.
RICARDUS :- Well bred maiden 5 year old from the in form S.K. Sunderji stable, he has run 14 times so far, all over sprint trips and has managed to place on 2 occasions. He has had a lung opener this season to blow away the cobwebs and steps up to this trip for the very first time. He has been working well of late, C.S. Jodha replaces R. Ajinkya in the saddle and he looks set to record his first success and is a strong fancy in this field.
CONCLUSION :- The well bred Ricardus is selected to gain his first success with Derby winning jockey C.S. Jodha in the saddle. Diwali Lights with Zervan up is also likely to offer resistance.
Race No. 3 :- The Dr. Govind R. Gurbaxani Memorial Trophy – Class III – Distance :- 1600M
BRABOURNE :- Well bred and lightly raced 5 year old mare trained by Imtiaz Sait, she has run 9 times till date and has won twice but appears to be recovering from a setback since finishing a close runner up to Odessa in Pune back in September with Zanzibaar 3rd and Mount Mckinley 4th that day. After having a run early in the Mumbai season she finished a close 5th over 1400M last time out to Aurelia which indicated she was coming back to form. P Trevor takes over from S. Zervan in the saddle today and although she may need a run or two more to hit peak form, she is respected in this field and should make the frame.
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ZANZIBAAR :- Consistent 5 year old handicapper trained by Nirad Kiranjawala he has won 2 of his 22 starts so far but seems to have been in the handicapper’s grip since scoring over 1400M back in September and he has had several placed efforts since then without quite looking like winning. He appears to be held by Brabourne on their Pune meeting and has run 4 times already this term, last time out finishing 4th with Mount Mckinley in 2nd behind Drogo over this trip. He will be ridden by P.S. Chouhan but appears to be more of a place contender and winning looks tough in this company .
GRAND VITESSE :- 6 year old gelding trained by Hosidar Daji, he is an experienced handicapper having had 26 starts already with 2 victories, the 2nd of those coming over 1400M this season in the lower class with the same rider up and he has run well both times since, suggesting that he is holding his form. He finished a 5 length 3rd to Auburn and Gloriosus last time out which looks strong form and with K. Nazil back in the saddle and claiming 5 kilos, he could be an interesting outsider.
BRAINSTORM :- This 4 year old gelding from the Pesi Shroff yard appears to be a late blooming sort having made his racing debut back in December and he duly built on his debut effort by scoring an authoritative win over this trip on Derby Day, getting up late to beat Goshawk in a competitive event. He has been handed a stiff 8 kilo penalty for that win but appears to have plenty of improvement left in him and is taking on mainly exposed handicappers. David Probert who was up that day retains the ride and he looks the one to beat and should score a quick encore/
MOUNT MCKINLEY :- Very highly regarded 5 year old trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha, he was thought to be a potentially classic prospect after his impressive debut win over 1400M but he suffered a setback after that run and was off the track for almost a year. He ran fairly well in 2 runs in Pune since reappearing but still looked vulnerable under pressure and was given more time to come to hand. Last time out over this trip he was allowed an easy lead and nearly pulled off a win, getting collared close home by Drogo and ending up a good 2nd. He looks likely to be able to make the running again today and if he can progress from that last effort, then he has an excellent chance to return to the winner’s circle with Neeraj Rawal retaining the ride.
CONCLUSION :- Brainstorm is the confident selection in spite of his stiff penalty as he looks to have the scope to improve past these exposed handicappers who all seem to have some niggle or the other. Mount Mckinley looks the main danger especially if allowed his own way up front while the top weighted Brabourne also bears watching with P. Trevor on board
Race No. 4 :- The Gracious Saldanha Memorial Million – Terms – 3 Years Old only – Distance :- 1200M
STAR INSPIRATION :- Well bred and improving son of Win Legend, this Malesh Narredu ward was runner up to Riquewihr over 1000M on debut, finishing well beaten but emphatically reversed the form in no uncertain terms next time out, winning as he pleased in receipt of 2.5 kilos. He now has to concede 3.5 to the Shroff filly so things should be a lot closer but he appears to have maintained his condition well and Suraj Narredu flies down especially to ride him. He is likely to really come into his own over further in due course but looks to have strong claims and may well confirm the form in spite of the penalty.
RIQUEWIHR :-Hugely impressive over 1000M on debut when not fully wound up but put firmly in her place by Star Inspiration next time out, beaten 7 lengths over this trip trying to concede 2.5 kilos. She now gets a 6 kilo pull in the weights as she will be receiving 3.5 kilos and there was a suspicion that she did not quite settle that day or give off her best. The small field may make it tough for her to settle again today but she looks to have a much better chance at the weights and could turn the tables once more with David Probert keeping the ride .
MADAGASCAR :- Another highly regarded debutant from the Pesi Shroff yard, this Phoenix Tower gelding has been working fairly well and has also been given a Mock Race so should be well prepared enough on debut. He looks to be taking on 2 good quality youngsters so in spite of the weight he receives he is entitled to need this run and should benefit from the experience.
CONCLUSION :- Star Inspiration and Riquewihr have traded places in their last two starts and with the weight difference today, it may be the chance of the Shroff filly to gain revenge but it should be close between the pair
Race No. 5 :- The Y.M. Chaudhry Memorial Trophy – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1400M
CHOSEN ONE :- Twice raced Surfrider colt from the S.K. Sunderji yard, he finished only 6th on debut behind Spitfire over 1200M but showed some improvement over the same trip next time out when running on late to finish 3rd to Dance The Dream on the Derby weekend. He looked like he would appreciate the extra furlong that day and is stepped up to it now with C.S. Jodha replacing A. Imran Khan in the saddle. Most of the progeny have excelled over 1400M with Leit Motif already an established mare, her best son being Beyond Belief. Chosen One is expected to run well and looks a good each way contender in this field although he may find it hard to improve past Spitfire.
IRON AGE :- Trained by Imtiaz Sait, this son of new stallion Strong Suit made an impressive debut over 6 furlongs when not looking fully wound up but still looking the only challenger to the odds on favourite Mount Olympus and ending up a good 2nd . That looked a weak field for the grade but he is sure to improve and should relish the additional furlong. S. Zervan who rode him that day retains the ride and he looks likely to improve and should run a big race.
SPITFIRE :- Comes from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard and created a good impression on debut when not given a hard time and running on casually to finish 4th behind Pioneer over 1200M. He looks to have improved considerably from that run judging from his recent trackwork and David Probert who gave him the educative run is up again today. He comes from a decent family with his half brother Mukhtar a winner of 8 races from 62 starts in Hyderabad while his other half sister Flowers of Music, won 2 races also in Hyderabad. He looks a leading fancy in this field and should progress enough to enter the winner’s circle.
FLAMMEUS :- Speedily bred debutant owned by the Dhunjibhoys and trained by Hosidar Daji, she is a half sister to Greek Goddess who was very effective over 1000M trips in Western India so there is a suspicion that she might find this a bit on the long side although Western Aristocrat may add some stamina influence. She has been solidly prepared for her debut run so should be fit enough and looks an interesting prospect on paper who warrants close consideration with A. Sandesh in the saddle.
SHAE :- Full sister to Rincon and Sky Mine, this debutant from the Malesh Narredu yard has been sparkling in the morning gallops and looks primed to make a very good impression on her debut. She has been working extremely impressively, will have the services of P.S. Chouhan in the saddle and the yard has already sent out some impressive youngsters. Owner Jaydev Mody has struck a purple patch of late and she appears the strongest of the unraced horses.
CONCLUSION :- Spitfire is the selection here having possibly benefitted from the experience and should get the better of smart looking debutants Shae and Flammeus with Iron Age appearing the best of the rest
Race No. 6 :- The Le Gris Cheval Plate – Class IV – Distance :- 2000M
GRAND ACCORD :- Well bred, lightly raced and improving 4 year old from the powerful M A M Ramaswamy yard, he made a good impression when finishing on strongly to score over a mile on his penultimate run, holding off hot favourite Khartoum with the pair clear of the rest and last time out upped to 2400M, he entered the straight on the bridle but then appeared not to get the trip, weakening to finish up 6th. The drop back to this 2000M trip appears ideal on that evidence and he is currently in good form. C.S. Jodha replaces A. Imran Khan in the saddle and having just his 6th start, he is likely to improve and looks a big danger to all in spite of top weight.
GOSHAWK :- Trained by M.K. Jadhav, this 4 year old son of Lope De La Vega was an expensive failure as a short priced favourite on his first 2 starts in Western India but upped to a mile and ridden patiently last time out, he finished on strongly from the rear and only found Brainstorm to be too strong, ending up a promising 2nd. The form of that race will be tested as Brainstorm competes earlier in the card but the additional 400M looks likely to suit him as well and A. Sandesh takes over in the saddle from N.S. Parmar. He is expected to improve for the additional yardage and is a leading fancy to strike here .
ADONIJAH :- 4 year old colt who has taken his time to come to hand and has been brought along patiently by Pesi Shroff but in spite of showing promise this term, has not managed to earn himself a bracket yet, finishing in place on each of his last 3 starts. He was outstayed by Sagittarius over this trip on his penultimate run and then again beaten by Lady Be Good and Happy Birthday dropped to 1800M last time out and now appears to have a bit to prove. David Probert has been booked to ride today with Sandesh switching to Goshawk and if he can eke out some improvement from the moody colt, then he could be a factor but does need to improve on the bare form.
KOMANDANT :- 7 year old gelding trained by S.Waheed, he has run 21 times till date with just a solitary success to his name and looks up against it with the younger horses. However, he looks to have a chance on the scale as he finished just a length behind Adonijah last time out and Neeraj Rawal who was up that day, retains the ride. He appears to be a place prospect here and could fight it out for minor honours.
HUZZAH’S GRACE :- Imtiaz Sait trained 4 year old filly who is winless in her 7 starts till date but has a couple of 3rd placed efforts to her name over middle distances, her best run being when a close 3rd over a mile in Pune to Fencing albeit in a lesser grade. She has run 2 fair races this season over 1400M and her come from behind style makes it worth trying her over a more galloping trip. The booking of P. Trevor catches the eye today and she looks to have a fair handicap chance at the weights.
CONCLUSION :- Goshawk and Grand Accord, the two improving 4 year olds appear to be the pair to focus on with slight preference for the former. Huzzah’s Grace with Trevor up should also do well over this longer trip
Race No. 7 :- The Fedora Plate – Class IV, 5Years & Over – Distance :- 1000M
LOCARNO :- Speedy and often front running 7 year old mare from the Mansoor Shah stable, she has been running consistently in defeat in some sprint contests this term, overall having managed to win twice from 30 attempts. She went very close a couple of starts ago in this grade when beaten just half a length into 2nd by unfancied Backstreet Bay and she had several of these behind her that day. Her last two runs have been in the higher class so dropped back into this grade and with in form apprentice H. Zeeshan taking over in the saddle, she looks a strong each way contender in this competitive field .
EL TYCOON :- 5 year old who comes from the small stable of Vijay Kasbekar, he has only managed to win 1 of his 20 starts till date but has been knocking on the door for some time and is likely to win one of these contests very soon. He has placed in both his starts this term and last time out, made good late headway with the same rider up to be a close 2nd to the younger Sereno. He has been showing out well in the morning gallops and with Amyn Merchant once again up he looks a strong contender in spite of the unfavourable 11 draw .
DOLPHIN :- Well bred 5 year old mare who was earlier trained by Faisal Abbas, she had her share of problems and was moved to the yard of S A Waheed and immediately showed some improvement this term, first finishing runner up to Alyaties who has gone on to win again and then herself gained a maiden success last time out, coming with a strong run to beat Blazing Steps and Cherry Blossom over 1000M. She has not been harshly penalized for that win, appears to be progressing nicely for her new connections and with C.S. Jodha up and a good draw in Stall 2, she should make a brave attempt to repeat.
GLORIANA :- 5 year old mare from the stable of Nazak Chenoy, she has raced 7 times till date without a win but she too has been threatening to strike this season. She ran poorly when a short priced favourite on her penultimate start but then bounced back last time out over 1200M when finishing on late to be runner up to Chaplin. She is not certain to be suited by this drop down to the minimum but the in form P. Trevor is in the saddle and she has been working well so could be closing late and pick them all up at the finish. Each way contender .
BIDSTONE HILL :- Exposed 6 year old mare from the small stable of Vinesh, she has managed to win 2 of her 22 starts and has now dropped to a mark which is below her last winning one she is looking well handicapped at present. She has had 3 runs this season so she should be fit and ready to go and the booking of Neeraj Rawal today catches the eye and suggests that connections are fancying. She displays good early speed and could very well win from end to end.
CONCLUSION :- Tough older horses sprint in which several appear to have chances and is best left alone from a betting standpoint. El Tycoon is a tentative selection in spite of a bad draw.
Race No. 8 :- The Secret Halo Plate – Div. I – Class V – Distance :- 1400M
GOLDEN TOWER :- Unexposed 4 year old filly trained by Imtiaz Sait, she has had 2 unplaced runs till date, the last of those coming in December and is now eased in grade into the lowest class. She has been given time to come to hand, has a better rider booked today in the form of S. Zervan and looks an interesting outsider who could run well in this grade if looking well in the preliminaries.
TILL END OF TIME :- 4 year old filly trained by M.K. Jadhav, she has run thrice till date and showed steady improvement with each run and caught the eye on her last start over an inadequate 1000M where she was seen making good late headway from the rear to end up a close 3rd to Fine Tune. This additional step up in trip looks likely to suit her to a tee and she should improve on just her 4th start. T.S. Jodha who has ridden her the last twice is up again today and she looks a strong contender to score in this company.
ANGEL’S HARMONY :- Unexposed 4 year old filly trained by Altaf Hussain, she has run 7 times till date and has showed promise on a couple of occasions, her best effort being when 3rd to Aurelia and Wabi Sabi over 1200M in Pune. She has had 2 runs this season to get her fit and P.S. Chouhan takes over in the saddle today suggesting that she is ready to strike. Whether this trip will suit her is an unknown but she has scope to improve and must come into the reckoning.
DIXIELAND :- Another well bred 4 year old from the Pesi Shroff yard, she has done little of note in her 3 career starts so far and is returning from a break, having last raced back in October. She finished well down the field over 2000M that day so has been dropped in trip and appears to have been solidly prepared for this belated reappearance. The presence of A. Sandesh in the saddle for the first time is a positive and although she has no previous form to recommend her, she could be a danger to all and must be respected .
GALTERO :- 5 year old gelding trained by C. Rajendra, he is winless in 14 starts to date but has taken advantage of his plunging handicap mark and has been knocking at the door in his last couple of starts. He has narrowly been beaten into 2nd the last twice in similar contests succumbing to Jeena by a short head last time out. S.A. Amit takes over from S. Zervan in the saddle today and he must be considered an in form horse who is a danger to all
CONCLUSION :- Till End of Time went into the notebook last time out with a strong finishing effort and is selected to get the better of the consistent Galtero. The unexposed duo of Dixieland and Angel’s Harmony are also respected.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
