From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Saturday, 27th October 2018- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 26 Oct 2018
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Saturday, 27th October 2018
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Cielo Ray Plate – Class III & IV – Distance:- 2000M
SUSSEX PRIDE:-5 year old colt trained by Subhag Singh, he is a proven stayer over the trip and looks to have come down to a workable mark at present. Overall a winner of 4 of his 28 starts, his last win came over this trip in Mumbai back in January in a small 4 horse field where he beat Samarjeet by 1 ¾ lengths. He has had 3 starts already this term and showed that he had zest for racing still on his penultimate run where he finished on to be 3rd to Drogo over 1800M. He has been eased in grade from the higher class, looks to be fit enough at present and although he is taking on some good younger horses, he definitely has each way possibilities and should make the frame with T.S. Jodha in the saddle.
KHARTOUM :- One of two runners trained by Pesi Shroff in this field, the 4 year old son of Dean’s Kitten looks to be a steadily progressive sort and has performed with credit in all his 4 career runs so far. Making his debut on this track a little over a year ago, he finished runner up in his first 2 starts but then went on to score back to back victories, scoring a steady maiden success over Artus back in March over this trip and going on to win again over a mile a month later, comfortably beating Jager Bomb who reopposes today. This will be his first start after a 6 month break so he clearly will be rusty and is likely to need this lung opener but he is clearly an improving type and cannot be left out of calculations. The booking of Kishore Kadam also suggests that the yard have a stronger candidate in Roberta but he is expected to run well and will clearly be better off for this run.
ARC SHINE :- 4 year old grey filly from the small yard of S.N. Joshi, she has been a creditable handicap performer in her 19 starts so far winning twice and placing on as many as 9 occasions, finishing runner up 6 times. After racing over sprints for the majority of her early runs, she has stepped up to middle distances in her last 6 or 7 starts and is attempting this longer trip for the very first time. She has had 4 runs this season, the most recent being a 4th place finish over 1400M behind Costa Brava with the same rider up. She appears to be well within herself at present but the longer trip is an unknown and she is better best watched today with C. Umesh up again.
GLORIOSUS :- One of 2 runners from the Imtiaz Sait yard and will be ridden by ace Hyderabad rider Akshay Kumar. The 4 year old has won 2 of his 13 starts so far but has done most of his racing in Mumbai with only 3 of his previous 13 runs being in Pune, 2 of them this season. His wins have been over a mile and 9 furlongs so he should stay this far and he finished a fair 3rd to In It To Win It on his seasonal reappearance over this trip. He has been working well and looks to have a decent each way chance today.
JAGER BOMB :- Veteran 7 year old handicapper who is a stable mate to Gloriosus and has had 37 starts so far with 3 previous wins to his name. He has been trying to regain his form this season and has finished 4th in his last 2 starts, his last run coming over 2400M 2 weeks ago where he finished 4th to Brazos in what looked a weaker set. Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle from C.S. Jodha today and he does stay the trip well but looks up against it in front of the younger horses. He can run into the frame but looks more likely to fight it out for minor honours.
ROBERTA :- Very well bred and highly rated 3 year old filly trained by Pesi Shroff who has raced just twice so far and looks open to plenty of improvement. Daughter of the brilliant Moonlight Romance, she made her debut in a strong mile maiden in Bangalore and finished on late from the rear to be 4th to Indian Pharoah. She then moved to Pune and showed plenty of ability when cantering home in a maiden race over this trip last month, scoring virtually on the bridle by 7 lengths from Benevolence with the pair pulling well clear of the rest. She is expected to improve for that run, has Classic aspirations and should be too classy for this bunch. P. Trevor has been booked to ride and she looks hard to oppose and should come in alone again.
CONCLUSION :- Roberta is thought to be a Classic Filly in the making and should win this easily after her impressive maiden win last month, the only slight worry being she was slowly away that day. She looks a classy type and should win barring a mishap. Stable companion Khartoum, in spite of running after a long lay off looks next best and should follow her home.
Race No. 2:- The German Unity Day Trophy – Div. II – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1400M
DAUGHTEROFTHESUN :- Nicely bred got abroad 4 year old filly trained by Malesh Narredu, she does not appear to have quite lived upto expectations so far, having just 1 win from her 13 starts with 4 placed efforts. She has been tried over a variety of trips but her best form so far has been over a mile and she should be effective over the 7 furlong trip. She has run twice already this season, both times over a mile, finishing runner up to Star Aligned on her reappearance and then finishing 4th to Till End of Time after leading until the bend. The form of that race has worked out particularly well in that Till End of Time has gone on to win again while the 2nd placed Valegro and the 3rd placed Zanzibaar have both won since so she appears to have strong form claims and the stronger D.S. Daman takes over today from Vishal Bunde who rode her the last twice. Her last couple of workouts have been pleasing and she looks a strong contender to earn another bracket with nothing in the field likely to take her on for the lead.
DIBABA :- Consistent 5 year old mare trained by Sanjay Kolse, she is a winner of 2 of her 22 starts but has also managed to place on 9 occasions and is best suited by middle distance trips. She has been threatening to score already this season, finishing a close runner up to Arabian Storm over this trip and then again finishing on late to be 3rd to the impressive Auroden, both over this trip. She has run all her best races with A. Sandesh in the saddle as he seems to know her well so it is significant that he is up again today, taking over from P. Trevor who rode her last time. She does seem to fare better in older company so may be a shade vulnerable against the younger horses but looks to be in good form at present and is another who is given a decent each way chance.
ARROWFIELD :- Promising 3 year old gelding trained by Pesi Shroff, he is a full brother to Dragon, winner of 4 of his 11 starts in Mysore including the Mysore Million and Dramatic Irony who won 3 races for Bezan Chenoy in Western India so looks to come from a good family. He has had 3 runs so far, and after 2 educative runs, over 1000M on debut in Mumbai and then over 1200M on this track, he showed promise in his last run again over 1200M when making good late headway from the rear to be a flying late 3rd behind better fancied owner mate Lethal Steps, in spite of rearing up as the start was given and losing considerable ground. His workouts since that run suggest that he has improved further and with P. Trevor now taking over in the saddle from S. Zervan and the extra furlong likely to be to his advantage, he looks to be a leading contender to score and is strongly fancied.
WEEHAWKEN :- Once raced extremely well bred 4 year old gelding in the care of trainer Nosher Cama, he catches the eye on pedigree coming from a very strong family being a half brother to the likes of In The Spotlight and Ray of Light and looks an exciting prospect on paper. He was given 1 educative run in Mumbai over 1400M back in February and was well fancied on debut but weakened to finish mid division behind Star of Thea. He has been given time to improve since that run and now reappears after a gap of 8 months so fitness will clearly be an issue. He has moved attractively in his last couple of workouts and looks to be on a decent mark for his handicap bow and is likely to be much better than his current mark. He definitely looks an interesting contender with retained rider P.S. Chouhan in the saddle but may find it tough to strike immediately after the long absence and is likely to need this run.
NIGHT WATCH:-Another well bred and unexposed 4 year old who is returning from a prolonged absence, this full brother to Kora Jade and half brother to Chizzler is trained by S.K. Sunderji and will be ridden by Dashrath Singh, also reappearing after a long lay off having last run on 25th of February. In contrast to Weehawken, he has had 2 runs in Mumbai, running a forward race on his 2nd start over a mile and leading till the bend before retiring. He has also been given more trackwork than Weehawken and has been impressing in the morning gallops. A paddock check is advised to ascertain his fitness and he too is entitled to need this after the long absence but if looking fit enough, could trouble the best of them and must come into overall calculations. Promising.
CUPIDO :- Maiden4 year old gelding trained by Faisal Abbas, he has run 7 times so far without success and after finishing 6th over 1200M on the opening day of the season, reappears on the final day of the season so is also returning from a break. He looked to be finding some form towards the end of the Mumbai season and was strong favourite over a mile in the lower class but was upset close home by Sir Song. He went on to finish 4th to Kimberella over a mile on his final run in Mumbai and is still quite an unexposed sort. He has been working extremely well over the last month or so and should be fit and ready to go with Amyn Merchant being booked to ride, taking over from Yash Narredu. He looks another who should be given a once over in the paddock to see if he is fit and well but looks a danger to all if he is able to reproduce his excellent track work.
CRISTO BOSS :- Enigmatic 5 year old gelding from the stable of Vijay Kasbekar, he has become quite frustrating to follow, and is still a maiden after 24 runs. He does not seem to be consistent but has gone close a couple of times in the past over this trip and looks handily placed on the scales at present. He has run 5 times this season, finishing a good 2nd to Angels Harmony on reappearance and a good 3rd behind Aurora Australis and Mystic Flame on his penultimate run and his rider did not appear too interested last time out so that run is best ignored. T.S. Jodha takes over in the saddle today from S.G. Prasad who rode the last twice and he does have the potential to trouble the younger horses if running up to his best.
CONCLUSION :-The lightly raced and improving Arrowfield is selected to complete a back to back double for Pesi Shroff and looks likely to score if progressing from his promising last run. The top and bottom weight Daughterofthesun and Cristo Boss appear to be the main dangers although the well bred duo of Weehawken and Night Watch also merit consideration in spite of running after a long break.
Race No. 3 :- The Irish Boss Plate – Div. I – Class V – Distance :- 1600M
GOLD MEDALIST :- 7 race maiden this Dean’s Kitten gelding from the S.K. Sunderji yard is beginning to look a shade exposed and has not created much of an impression in his 7 starts till date. He has been racing mainly over middle distance trips since his debut back in December over 5 furlongs and was consistently placing in maiden company without looking like progressing much, with 2 of those 3 efforts coming in 4 horse fields. He has run twice so far this season without catching the eye, last time finishing up 5th behind Bushtops over a mile. The things which are in his favour though are that he has been working extremely well since his last run a month ago, suggesting that he has improved, P. Trevor has been booked to ride today replacing C.S. Jodha and he has been eased into the lowest grade. It could be that he is finally coming to hand now and has a strong chance to succeed if he reproduces his excellent track work.
ACTIONABLE:-Made his debut in a weak 5 furlong maiden a month ago, ending up a modest 4th to Falconette and now takes a significant step up in trip to a mile and should benefit from the experience and improve for the run. Trained by Malesh Narredu, this half brother to Power Shadow may appreciate more galloping ground and has promising apprentice K.Nazil booked to ride, replacing Yash Narredu. His workouts since the run suggest that he has made some improvement and again being unexposed and running in this weak grade, he does have possibilities if progressing from his debut run and is worthy of each way consideration.
CRAY CRAY :- Nicely bred and comparatively unexposed 4 year old filly trained by young A.M. Jadhav, she has run 8 times overall but has needed the first 4 runs to come to hand and seems to have made her mark this season. She has run 4 times on this track so far, scoring a gritty maiden success over 1400M on her penultimate start, holding off a late challenge from the reopposing Aquarius to score by a length with the same rider up. She is better off at the weights with Aquarius after his runaway win last time out and although only 6th to Questionable last time out she still has scope to progress. The draw has not been kind to her in stall 16 but she looks in good touch and can make the finish interesting.
AQUARIUS :- Exposed 5 year old gelding from the yard of M.K. Jadhav who has been firing in the winners of late and he himself was a wide margin winner last time out over 1400M, beating Smoky Haze by 6 ¼ lengths to score a long overdue maiden success on his 23rd start. He has a 6 kilo penalty to contend with for that win but appears to have maintained his form and fitness and the booking of A. Sandesh to replace C.S. Jodha is an encouraging one. He will need to pull out some more improvement to reverse the form with Cray Cray whom he finished behind on his penultimate run but he looks in good form at present and should try hard to repeat.
DUSKY SIREN :- Maiden 5 year old mare from the small stable of Subhag Singh, she does not appear to be totally straightforward and has run 16 times so far without success in spite of being well fancied on a couple of occasions. She has placed over this sort of trip in the past and has run 4 times this season, doing nothing of note on the first 3 occasions but hinting that she was coming to hand last time out when finishing on like a rocket from the rear over an inadequate 1200M to be a flying 2nd behind Dance of Fire. She steps back up to a mile again today which should suit her better and T.S. Jodha who rode her last time out keeps the ride. She is not guaranteed to run upto the same level again this time but could be a force to reckon with if she does and merits each way consideration.
SHIVALIK SKIES :- Aged 7 year old mare trained by Vijay Kasbekar who has a poor overall record of 2 wins from 35 starts so far but has been in sparkling form this season and gained the 2nd of those wins last time out when getting up virtually in the last stride to pip Grand Chieftain by a hair’s breadth over this trip. She tends to be sluggish in the early part but finishes on very strongly and she did finish ahead of Cray Cray a couple of starts ago when runner up to Pathan over 1800M. She looks out handicapped with Cray Cray on that run but has been in top form this season and should gain confidence from the win. S.G. Prasad who has been riding her all season is up again today and she is another who till try hard to repeat under her 4 kilo penalty.
CONCLUSION :-Cray Cray looks well handicapped from among the older horses and Aquarius was an impressive winner last time out as well but either of the 3 year olds, Actionable or Gold Medalistcould be good enough to win this if they are able to unlock some improvement, the former having more scope to do so being less exposed. A tricky contest overall.
Race No. 4 :- The Masoom Master Trophy – Terms, Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1000M
CLARK KENT :- Speedy grey son of Stern Opinion, this 3 year old trained by Malesh Narredu has shown promise in his 3 runs so far and looks likely to progress again. Making his debut over 1000M in Mumbai, he finished 5th to Columbianaprincess in a strong Million race on Derby day and showed improvement for that run when unfancied next time out but finishing on well with a feeble rider to be runner up to Godsword. He was then off the track for 8 months before reappearing 2 weeks ago on his handicap debut in Class IV, showing early speed before understandably running out of gas and ending up 4th behind Lord Commander over this trip. He was clearly rusty and needed that run after the long absence and should be fitter and sharper today. He looks sure to progress for that run and back in maiden company and with P.S. Chouhan in the saddle, now looks a leading contender to score.
CORMORANT :- Trained by Faisal Abbas, this son of Phoenix Tower looked a promising sort in Mumbai, showing a good level of form in his 2 runs over sprints but is another returning from a long lay off. In spite of being very erratic on debut over this trip, he finished on strongly to be a close 2nd to Divine Power and was sent off favourite over 1200M on his next run in the B.K. Rattonsey Memorial Multi-Million but was disappointing and could only end up 4th behind Dance The Dream. He was put away for the rest of the season and now reappears on the final day of Pune after an 8 month break so looks likely to need this run. He has been moving well in his preparatory work and S. Zervan who rode him both times in Mumbai keeps the ride. A paddock check is advised to ascertain his fitness and although he brings good form to the table and is the highest rated in this field, he is likely to be rusty and is entitled to need this effort. Respected.
FLIPPER :- Debutant half brother to Cristo Boss who is trained by S.K. Sunderji and has been working well in the lead up to his debut run. He has been given enough work to be fit enough first time out and the booking of P. Trevor catches the eye. He may need the initial experience and should improve on whatever he does today but merits each way consideration and is capable of being involved.
JULIO CESARO:-Speedy but exposed gelding from the Narendra Lagad yard who has already run 8 times without a win and possesses early speed but does not quite see out his races, even in the short Pune straight. He has had 3 runs this season and showed a little improvement and ran his best race over 1200M last time out when keeping on to finish 3rd to stable companion Dance of Fire with inexperienced apprentice up. The return to this minimum trip and the switch to a stronger rider in the form of J. Chinoy will suit him and he looks to have each way claims but may find one of two of these to be too strong again and is likely to fight it out for minor honours.
HIGHLAND EMPRESS :- Comes from the stable of Rehanullah Khan and has been steadily progressive in her 4 starts so far, placing on the last 2 occasions including runner up over this trip last time out to classy Joplin. She looks to be an honest handicapper but her form till now is just modest and with A. Sandesh retaining the ride, she is expected to run well again and should be involved in the finish but may need to find some more improvement before she makes it to the winner’s circle.
CONCLUSION :- The speedy Clark Kent should be fitter from his lung opener 2 weeks ago and now looks to have a good opportunity to score. In spite of the long absence, Cormorant looks the main danger
Race No. 5 :- The Roedl& Partner Trophy – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1400M
CARBONARA :- Well bred but inconsistent 5year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait who has a good overall record of 5 wins from his 21 starts but has been out of form since scoring back to back wins on this track last season. He has been steadily making his way back into form this season, finishing just outside the frame in his 3 runs this term and has now been eased in grade into the lower class. He ended up a decent 5th to Masterofbalantrae last time out and should be fit enough after 3 runs this season. The booking of P. Trevor suggests that connections fancy their chances and he could prove to be dangerous in this lower grade although he has to prove that he still retains his ability.
CHARGING TIGRESS :- Enigmatic and versatile 6 year old mare trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha who managed to earn her 4th career win last time out when pitted against older company over 1000M last time out. She has only been penalized 4 kilos for the win although the step back up to 7 furlongs may not be ideal and this company looks a lot stronger. D.S. Daman who rode her last time out keeps the ride, she has been drawn wide in Stall 13 and should try hard to repeat.
FLAG FLYING :- Speedy front running 5 year old gelding trained by H.J. Antia who has been knocking on the door in his last couple of starts and is effective over both 6 and 7 furlongs. He has managed to win just twice in his 21 runs so far but has placed on 9 occasions, finishing runner up as many as 6 times. He made Costa Brava pull out all the stops over 1400M on his penultimate run and then finished runner up to Triple Threat last time out dropping down to 6 furlongs. M. Ayyar claims a valuable 5 kilos in the saddle, the return to 7 furlongs is likely to suit, he seems to be in good form at present and looks a strong contender to make it 3rd time lucky.
GOLDEN WEAVER :- Well bred and rapidly improving 4 year old filly trained by Hosidar Daji she is a winner of 3 of her 8 starts so far and appears to have come to hand this season, having raced very sparingly in her previous 2 seasons. She has won 2 of her 4 starts this season, preferring to be held up and be delivered from the off the pace, last time out getting up late over 1200M to beat Tenerife by a head. She has been working extremely well since that run, K. Nazil seems to get along well with her and a 4 kilo penalty may not be enough to stop her. The 7 furlong trip is unlikely to be a bother and she is a strong fancy to go in again and continue her progression and must be seriously considered.
AURODEN :- Another lightly raced and in form 5 year old who has been sparingly raced and appears to have some room to progress from off his current mark. Winner of 2 of his 11 starts overall, he showed significant improvement from his seasonal reappearance when scoring a fluent 3 ¾ length success over Yutaka over this trip last time out and looks to have maintained his condition in spite of the 6 kilo penalty. The switch from Akshay to A. Sandesh is a big positive, he looks capable of scoring again and must be respected.
MADAGASCAR :- Well bred unbeaten half brother to In My Dream who is returning from a long lay off having last raced in April but is unbeaten in his 2 starts till date. Scoring an impressive upset win on debut in a 3 horse contest, he upset more fancied stable companion Riquewihr over 1200M and then stepped up to a mile next time out, having to be shaken up before scoring by 1 ¾ lengths from Gold Medalist. He is returning from a 6 month absence so does have fitness to prove but has been painstakingly prepared by his diligent trainer and is clearly held in very high regard. S. Zervan who has ridden him in both his earlier runs is up again today, and he is strongly fancied to maintain his unbeaten record in spite of the long absence.
CONCLUSION :- In spite of returning from an extensive lay off, Madagascar is a potentially Classic sort and should be good enough to tackle this opposition and maintain his unbeaten record. The improving Golden Weaver is likely to give him the most to do while top weight Carbonara and the front running Flag Flying are also respected.
Race No. 6 :- The General Rajendrasinhji Million – Terms, 3 Years Old Only – Distance :- 1600M
INTENSE STYLIST :- Easily the highest rated horse in this field and best suited by the Terms of this contest, this Western Aristocrat gelding trained by S.K. Sunderji has been hugely impressive in both his starts this season, winning by a wide margin on both occasions and is likely to start a warm favourite here in spite of conceding weight all around. He first demolished a maiden field over 7 furlongs by 8 lengths and went on to repeat the dose to his Class IV rivals under top weight last time out, again scoring by almost 8 lengths over Timeless Deeds. He appears to be progressing very nicely with his racing, seems a classy prospect in the making and with S. Zervan taking over from C.S. Jodha in the saddle, looks likely to make a bold bid to make it 3 wins in a row.
EXCELLENT SORRENTO :- Trained by Malesh Narredu, this three year old colt made an impressive winning debut over 1200M last month, in spite of looking soft and under prepared, he was green and in the rear in the early stages, but picked up in great style when the penny dropped to sweep past Chosen One and Sharareh and win decisively. He has been working extremely well since that run and is sure to improve with the step up to a mile likely to be in his favour. He is totally out on the terms as he would be receiving 9 ½ kilos from Intense Stylist in a handicap and is only receiving 2, but is likely to be much better than his current mark and could defy the scale. Neeraj Rawal who has had an excellent Pune season keeps the ride and he is clearly a frontline contender who would not surprise if keeping his unbeaten record intact.
TRULY EPIC :- Possibly having the strongest form in the field having competed in all the top 3 year old races this term, he is more exposed than some of these having run 7 times but has been making steady progress through the season and ran a cracker in the Pune Derby a couple of weeks ago, bang there in the firing line before weakening close home. He may not have stayed the 2000M trip that day so the drop to this trip should suit and he has a change of equipment today being fitted with a cross nose band as well as a tongue strap. Akshay Kumar has been booked to ride today, he looks fit and well and brings strong form to the table and looks a big danger to all.
HAMMERSMITH :- Well bred and highly regarded 3 year old filly from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard, she was thought good enough to make her debut in a Regional Classic, sent off favourite for the Mysore Fillies Trial Stakes but understandably finding it too much on debut and ending up 4th of the 5 runners behind Sakura. Given time to improve after that run, she was given a more realistic task in a 7 furlong maiden but had to be stretched to overcome the front running Golden Hind by three parts of a length. That form does not look particularly strong and this is her first run since then so it will be interesting to see how she fares back against tougher opposition. P. Trevor has been booked to ride, her trackwork has been satisfactory but on what she has done so far, it looks hard to see her winning this.
MERLOT :- Trained by Faisal Abbas, this daughter of Saamidd was a very impressive winner on debut over 1400M 2 ½ months ago, coming with a strong late burst in the straight to peg back the runaway Notting Hill and score with a bit in hand. She will no doubt improve significantly from that run and has been working well since so looks likely to progress. A. Sandesh takes over from Yash Narredu in the saddle and although she too needs to improve significantly on the bare form, she is an unknown quantity who could be anything and must be respected in this fascinating contest.
CONCLUSION :- Like the Derby, very competitive in spite of the small field but Truly Epic ran a very impressive race in the Derby and was bang in the firing line with 2 furlongs to go. He is more battle hardened and experienced than most of these and may be worth supporting at decent odds. Excellent Sorrento was an impressive winner on debut and is likely to make significant improvement for the step up in trip. He looks the main danger. Intense Stylist has won both starts impressively and must be respected as well but the quality of opposition he faced did not look particularly threatening and he will be more tested today.
Race No. 7 :- The Irish Boss Plate – Div. II – Class V – Distance :- 1600M
WHO’SYOURDADDY :- Multidimensional 3 year old trained by Malesh Narredu who has had just 3 runs so far and does not seem to have quite come to hand but has the scope to improve and do better now eased in grade into the lowest class. Making his debut over a mile in the Bangalore Summer he was given an educative run and did not show much in his 2 starts this term, finishing a faraway 6th to Roberta over 2000M and then doing a little better dropped to this trip last time out. He has been eased in grade into the lowest class now and K. Nazil takes over in the saddle and claims a useful 2 ½ kilos. He has no form to recommend his chances but is respected as a 3 year old in the lowest class who has been working well and could strike if finding some improvement.
STORMBORN :- Has a similar profile to Who’syourdaddy, being a maiden 3 year old who has now been dropped into the lowest grade and has run 4 times so far, twice apiece in Mumbai and Pune with his best effort so far being a 3rd placed finish over 1000M to Frieze on his 2nd run. He has finished midfield in both his runs this term, both efforts coming last month over 6 and 7 furlongs and he is now stepped up to a mile which is unknown territory. He should be fit enough after his 2 runs, has the services of S. Zervan in the saddle and is another worthy of consideration in this field.
HIS MASTER’S VICE :- Enigmatic 5 year old gelding trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha who has dropped down to an extremely attractive mark in the scales and should be suited by this mile trip. He is still a maiden after 14 starts and although he has finished runner up on 3occasions, all those 3 runs came very well early in his career and he has been woefully out of form for some time now. However, his mark has come tumbling down as a result but he seemed to be finding his feet towards the end of the last Mumbai season and after 3 runs this season with feeble riders, he has Dashrath Singh up for the first time and is also stepped up to mile. He looks to be very well handicapped at present and although he has to prove that he retains ability, he can score if in a galloping mood.
DAZZLING EYES :- 4 year old maiden filly from the Imtiaz Sait yard who is winless after 10 starts till date but appears to be progressing gradually and slowly finding some form. After running disappointingly in her first few starts and finishing last as a favourite over 2400M in the Mumbai season, she has been steadily brought along by her shrewd trainer and has seemed to make a little improvement in her last few starts. 3rd to Artus over 1800M on her penultimate run in Mumbai, she again took the 3rd spot on her penultimate start over 2000M although well beaten by Finest Moment. She has had just 1 start this season over a mile in this grade, where she ended up a very close 4th behind Aberlour in a bunched finish and she has been working extremely well since that run suggesting she has improved. Akshay Kumar replaces work rider Akshay in the saddle today and if she has been able to build on that last effort, then she looks a strong fancy to finally enter the winner’s circle.
EMOTIONLESS :- Another well bred 4 year old filly who began her career with C.D. Katrak before moving to Nosher Cama and has been largely untried for a majority of her career. She has managed to finish 2nd just once in her 14 race career, but has come down significantly in the weights as a result and her recent trackwork has suggested that she seems to be coming to hand. After 2 lung openers this season, she did show some improvement when in the betting for the first time on her last run and she did finish up 4th behind Aquarius and can progress again. Her ideal trip is yet to be determined but on pedigree she should be suited by the mile, P.S. Chouhan keeps the ride and if she can build on that last effort, then she looks an each way contender.
CONCLUSION :- Dazzling Eyes seems to be improving steadily this season and is selected to get the better of another potentially well handicapped horse in Emotionless. The two 3 year olds Who’s your daddy and Stormborn are also considered.
Race No. 8 :- The German Unity Day Trophy – Div. II – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1400M
HUDSON :- Consistent 4 year old handicapper from the Malesh Narredu yard who has been running fairly well without quite looking like she was ready to add to her wide margin maiden success back in Mumbai. Winner of 1 of her 8 starts so far, she has been quite consistent since earning that win over 1200M and has managed to make the frame all 3 starts this term. She was runner up to Sassy Lass over this trip on her penultimate run but was a shade disappointing dropped to 1200M last time out when a relatively poor 3rd to Golden Weaver. For an average sized filly, she may struggle to carry the heavy impost of 62 kilos today and in spite of the forceful P.S. Chouhan in the saddle, she appears to be more of a minor berth contender.
AURORA AUSTRALIS :- Has been in rousing form this season, and comes into this race bidding for a hattrick after 2 stylish wins earlier this season. Having been skilfully brought down to a very attractive mark, she has been taking advantage this season, already scoring back to back victories over this trip, defying the handicap last time out to convincingly beat Kalina and she may yet be ahead of the handicapper. She has been penalized 6 kilos for her last win but appears to be in the pink of condition at present and is dangerous to ignore in her bid for a hattrick with Amyn Merchant enjoying being back amongst the winners, having ridden her to both her earlier wins. Strong contender.
DANCE THE DREAM :- Showed that she was a very exciting prospect when making a very stylish winning debut in the B.K. Rattonsey Memorial Million over 1200M and was a quiet fancy for the Poonawalla Million but something was amiss that day and she ran well below par. Reappearing as a short priced favourite early in the season over 1200M, she ended up a close 4th in a bunched finish behind Grey Flannel although Astral Flare and Till End of Time who finished just ahead of her that day have both gone on to perform creditably. She has been allowed to strengthen since then and has been well prepared for this run back from a 3 month break and also ran a good Mock Race recently. P. Trevor who rode her last time as well keeps the ride and a big run is expected from her today.
PERPETUAL WINNING :- Another potentially smart 3 year old who has to bounce back from an indifferent performance as failed favourite earlier in the season, this one is trained by M.K. Jadhav and has won 1 of his 4 starts so far. He was a fluent winner over this trip on his penultimate run back in Mumbai and was a hot favourite over 1200M on reappearance but ran well below par to finish just outside the frame to Epiphany although that race has also worked out well. He too is returning from a relatively long absence but has been working well of late and Neeraj Rawal takes over in the saddle from K. Nazil. The yard has been bang among the winners of late and he must come into consideration and can make the finish interesting.
EYES FOR YOU :- Nicely bred and progressive 3 year old filly from the Rehanullah Khan yard who comes into this race brimming with confidence having scored a facile maiden victory over El Commandante over 1200M last time out, winning with a bit in hand and looks sure to improve. In contrast to Dance The Dream and Perpetual Winning who have to bounce back, this filly seems to be going in the right direction and A. Sandesh who rode her last time out keeps the ride. Having just her 3rd start, she looks open to more improvement and is a strong contender to go in again.
CONCLUSION :- The two progressive and potentially above average 3 year olds – Dance The Dream and Eyes For You are expected to fight out the finish with hattrick seeking Aurora Australis also feared.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
