From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 9th December 2018- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 08 Dec 2018
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 9th December 2018
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Lady In Lace Trophy – Div. II – Class V, 4Years & Over – Distance :- 1400M
CUPIDO :- Lightly raced and relatively unexposed and untried 4 year old gelding from the yard of Faisal Abbas, he has run 8 times so far without a win to his name but appears to have only been serious tried on 1 occasion when favourite in a similar contest in Mumbai and getting pipped on the post by Sir Song. He had only 2 well spaced out runs during the recent Pune campaign, running 6th over 1200M on the opening day and reappearing only on the final weekend where he was seen making good late headway to finish up 4th to Arrowfield over this trip, just behind Cristo Boss. He has been eased in grade into the lower class now, his last couple of workouts have been impressive suggesting that he has improved and A. Sandesh now takes over in the saddle from Amyn Merchant, all of which are positives. He looks to have a strong chance in this weaker grade and seems to have an excellent opportunity to get off the mark here.
CRISTO BOSS :- Relatively exposed 5 year old handicapper from the stable of Vijay Kasbekar who has been knocking at the door for quite some time now but remains a maiden after 25 starts in spite of having gone close on quite a few occasions. He was quite inconsistent early on in his career but appears to have run quite consistently in his 6 starts in Pune, going closest when runner up to Angels Harmony on the opening day. He ran well again last time out when finishing on to be 3rd to Arrowfield just ahead of Cupido. T.S. Jodha who has been riding him of late keeps the ride, he looks capable of scoring off his current mark and is likely to make the frame again but a leap of faith is required to back him from a win perspective. Looks certain to place though.
DRAGONMOSS :- Got abroad 4 year old gelding trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha, he was quite highly thought of as a juvenile and campaigned in a lot of top 3 year old races but failed to live upto expectations and has been struggling in handicap company as well. He has managed to score once in his 15 starts so far, the win coming a year ago over course and distance and off a similar mark when he beat Star Ace by 1 ¾ length but he has been struggling since being promoted to Class IV. He returns to Class V for the first time since his win so looks to be on a handy mark and the booking of P. Trevor catches the eye. He has yet to prove that he retains some ability as he finished down the field in 2 runs in Pune but he could conceivably go well fresh and is likely to be well fancied in this company.
ALSACE :- Untried 4 year old gelding owned and trained by Mansoor Shah, he has run 10 times so far without making any impression but has dropped down considerably in the weights as a result and he showed signs of ability last time out when leading for a long way before weakening to finish 5th to Joplin over 1000M. This step up in trip does not appear to be sure to suit him but he bears close watching with H. Zeeshan retaining the ride and could be a rank outsider who could surprise if suited by more galloping ground.
ROMANTIC EYES :- Well bred 4 year old filly trained by Imtiaz Sait, she is still a maiden after 10 starts, beginning her career in the care of C.D. Katrak before moving to Imtiaz midway through her career. She ran a couple of promising races over longer trips earlier in the Pune season, finishing runner up to Aloha over 2000M on her penultimate run but subsequently running poorly and returns over a middle distance trip now. Irish jockey Robbie Downey now takes over in the saddle so he may be able to extract some improvement and although there is no obvious form to commend her chances, she has potential on her attractive bloodlines and looks capable of scoring if coming into her own. One to keep an eye on.
ANGEL COIN :- Maiden 4 year old filly from the yard of S.N. Joshi, she is winless in 17 runs so far having been tried over a variety of trips without much success. Her best effort did come over this trip last season when finishing runner up to Raise A Grand but she was beaten a long way by the winner and has run poorly in the subsequent Pune campaign. The only thing which makes her worth mentioning here is that she is running off a weather weight and after several runs with a feeble rider, there is a positive Jockey switch with K. Nazil taking over today. She could have a small each way chance at the low weight and is considered as an outsider.
CONCLUSION :- The unexposed Cupido seems to have improved judging from his recent workouts and looks to have found a good opportunity to get off the mark against weak opposition. Dragonmosscould prove to be a threat with Trevor up having come back down in grade while the well bred Romantic Eyes with Robbie Downey in the saddle could also surprise
Race No. 2 :- The Nawabzada Rashiduzzafar Khan Trophy – Class II & III – Distance :- 2000M
UNCLE SCROOGE :- Quirky and unpredictable 6 year old gelding from the M.K. Jadhav yard, he has proved versatile with regards to trip with 4 career wins from 32 starts so far having also placed on a number of occasions. He did seem to go off the boil midway through the last Mumbai season and has been off colour in his last several starts so needs to bounce back. He warmed up for this with a 7 furlong race earlier in the season where he was seen finishing on to be 5th behind Costa Brava with the same rider up. This trip is likely to suit him much better as may the small field but he looks to have his work cut out for him against the younger horses. He is likely to make the frame again in this small field but winning looks tough in this company.
GOLD BOND :- One of 2 runners in this field for trainer Imtiaz Sait, this 4 year old gelding has been steadily progressive in his limited career so far, making a steady climb up the handicap ranks and winning 4 races on the trot at this centre before a slight blemish on his record when travelling to Mysore and running unplaced over 2000M. He has proved versatile with regards to trip, winning over 2400M and 1600M as well as distances in between, his last win over 2000M where he beat Frivolous by a long neck with Zanara back in 4th but only beaten a length conceding 3.5 kilos. He can be forgiven his Mysore run as he may not have been suited by the new track but has looked very progressive in Mumbai and is likely to bounce back. P. Trevor takes over in the saddle from Neeraj Rawal, and if able to come back to his earlier form, he stands a strong chance to resume his upward curve in this small field.
GLORIOSUS :- Stable companion of Gold Bond, he has been a consistent handicap performer as well and secured his 3rd career win in 15 starts last time out, scoring an impressive 5 ½ length victory over Lucky Luciano over course and distance and is turned out again quickly in the space of 1 week. He clearly is very well within himself at present, Robbie Downey who scored his first victory in Western India aboard him keeps the ride and with not too much opposition and a statutory 6 kilo penalty to contend with, he looks to have an excellent chance to score a quick encore and is strongly fancied.
ZANARA :- Solid front running 4 year old handicapper trained by Dallas Todywalla, she is at her best when allowed to bowl along in front and has won 3 of her 17 starts so far as well as finishing runner up on 4 occasions. All her 3 wins have been front running performances and she is likely to be able to dominate off bottom weight in this small field. She has already had a lung opener this season, finishing 4th to Costa Brava over 1400M and that run should put her spot on for this. She is also 5 ½ lengths better off with Gold Bond on the scale on their last meeting so looks to have a strong chance on the handicap. Neeraj Rawal is back in the saddle replacing S. Jadhav who rode last time and with conditions likely to suit her, she looks to have a very strong chance and is respected.
CONCLUSION :- Although Imtiaz Sait appears to have a very strong hand in this with both Gold Bond and Gloriosusstrong contenders, I would elect to go with the bottom weighted Zanara. She should be able to control the gallop from the front in this small field, is much better placed on the scales than Gold Bond on their last meeting and has a fitness advantage having already had a run this season.
Race No. 3 :- The Kejriwal Trophy – Div. I – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1200M
MOUNT OLYMPUS :- Front running Win Legend gelding from the yard of Narendra Lagad, he has won 2 of his 9 starts so far, both of his wins being front running efforts, the last of them over 1400M in Pune in September where he was an unfancied pillar to post winner with the same rider up, beating Charles Bridge and Oriana comfortably off a mark of 36. He went on to finish 3rd to Lethal Steps and Bounty Queen over this trip on his last run in Pune but finished well behind Between the Waters on the opening day so he has work to do to reverse that form. He should strip fitter for that run and is likely to attempt to make all again but has top weight to defy and against some good 3 year olds, he may find it tough to do so today. Each way player.
BETWEEN THE WATERS :- Highly regarded 3 year old Surfrider gelding trained by S.K. Sunderji, he has performed quite well in his 3 runs so far and has the scope for further improvement. An impressive debut winner over 1000M last season, he took a long time before reappearing in Pune in September where he was a warm favourite but clearly looked in need of the run finishing a quite disappointing 4th to Nextstar over 1000M. He looked much improved when reappearing here on the opening day, sent off favourite over this trip but finding the unexposed Arabia way too strong and having to have to be content with the runner up slot. He should improve for that run and strip fitter and with Arabia fancied in the 1000 Guineas later in the card, his form looks quite strong. Neeraj Rawal takes over in the saddle from P. Trevor today and with the fitness advantage, he looks a leading contender to return to winning ways.
STORMY ATLANTIC :- Improving 3 year old Strong Suit gelding trained by Pesi Shroff, he has been campaigned exclusively over sprints so far and has made steady progress in his 4 runs to date. He was comfortably held by Shivalik Queen over 1000M on his penultimate start but looked much improved last time out when upped to this trip and showing good speed to win convincingly from Chosen One and Jetfire. He is expected to have made further improvement and gained confidence from that win and P. Trevor retains the ride. His recent workouts have been quite pleasing, he has been handed a fair mark on his handicap debut and looks likely to make a bold bid to repeat having been well drawn in Stall 2.
SHIVALIK QUEEN :- Another promising 3 year old filly, this one in the care of Faisal Abbas, she has run 5 times so far, breaking her maiden when an easy winner over 1000M in Pune, comfortably beating Stormy Atlantic (improved since) on that occasion. However, she was very disappointing on her last run in Pune back in September where she was an odds on favourite upped to this trip but never looked to have a chance at any stage and ended up a dismal 5th of 9 behind Wabi Sabi. She has been rested and given time to recover from that run and can be forgiven one poor effort at such an early stage in her career. She has been moving quite well in her last couple of workouts and if she is able to get back to her winning form, then she could be a danger to them all. A. Sandesh who has ridden her the last twice is back up again today and she must be respected if overcoming the minor blip last time out.
CONCLUSION :- With most of the older horses in the field appearing to be out for an airing today, this looks to be between the 3 year olds and Between The Waters is selected to get back to winning ways with a fitness advantage over the others and a promising run behind Arabia last time out. Stormy Atlantic appears to be the main danger but Shivalik Queen is also feared if bouncing back from her poor effort last time out.
Race No. 4 :- The Uttam Singh Trophy – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1600M
KIMBERELLA:-4 year old filly trained by Imtiaz Sait who has won 2 of her 10 starts so far and her trainer has always had a high opinion of her but she does not appear to be totally straightforward. She showed promise when shedding her maiden tag on just her 2nd career start and her first run on this track, scoring a fluent victory over a mile but then ran poorly in her next 3 starts. After 3 poor performances, she suddenly bounced back to winning ways on her last run of the season, again over this trip, beating Momentum by 1 ¼ lengths conceding 2 ½ kilos. She began her Pune campaign with some promise, finishing 2nd to In It To Win It and going on to finish 4th the Independence Million but then struggled on her last 2 starts although upped in Grade into Class III. She returns back down to Class IV now so should find the opposition a little easier and Robbie Downey takes over in the saddle from Dashrath Singh. She has been working well in her preparatory work and should have been freshened up by the break. She is taking on some promising looking 3 year olds but is effective over this trip and looks capable of scoring if in a galloping mood. Unpredictable.
GOLDEN HIND :- 3 year old half brother to Normandy in the care of trainer Vishal Gaikwad he has been quite consistent in his 4 runs so far, finishing runner up on the first 3 occasions but keeps finding one too good and does not seem to be improving much. Runner up to Dazzling Star over 1200M on debut back in March, he went on to finish a close 2nd to Hammersmith in Pune upped to 1400M but then failed to take advantage of what looked a good opportunity over a mile next time out, going down fighting to Fleur De Lys by a length. He was given a run on the opening day over a mile to blow away the cobwebs, running a forward race and finishing 4th behind Lucky Luciano and should be fitter for that effort. A. Sandesh takes over today from Leigh Roche who switches to Kennedy and he is expected to run well again today but may find one of the lightly raced Shroff duo improving past him.
MOMENTUM :- 4 year old gelding who is one of 2 runners for Pesi Shroff here, this half brother to Tiger Tops looks to be a late maturing sort and has been given plenty of time by his trainer to come to hand having had just 2 runs so far and being withdrawn on 2 intended appearances in Pune. Given an educative run on debut, he showed some ability on his last start over this trip when finishing runner up to Kimberella beaten a length and a quarter so he is slightly better off at the weights. He clearly does have fitness to prove as he did not race in Pune and Akshay Kumar takes the ride today. He has to first go into the gates as he was withdrawn the last twice and is likely to be rusty and need this run so although he does come into consideration, the yard seems to have a stronger contender in Kennedy.
KENNEDY :- The 2nd runner from the Pesi Shroff yard, this 3 year old gelding looks an exciting prospect on paper, being a half brother to the mighty Jacqueline and is expected to run a very big race on his belated racing debut. Well backed on his plan first run in Pune, he was withdrawn at the start but has been steadily prepared by his trainer since then and is likely to have made some more progress. He will have the assistance of Irish ace Leigh Roche in the saddle today which is a big positive, looks to be fit enough first time out and is expected to begin his career in bright fashion and win at the first time of asking.
GRAND CHIEFTAIN :- Another 3 year old gelding this one from the yard of Karthik G who seem to have begun the season in top form, he is a 6 race maiden but has appeared to be coming to hand in his last couple of starts. After some ordinary efforts in maidens in his first 4 starts, he nearly pulled it off on his handicap debut upped to this trip when pipped right on the post by Shivalik Skies, ending up a very close 2nd. He went on to end up a faraway 3rd to Tasawwur and Mystic Flame last time out and has been working quite well here. Bhawani Singh taking over from A. Imran Khan is a slight negative, he looks to have less scope than some of the others to improve and is likely to battle it out for minor honours.
CONCLUSION :- With several of the runners not seeming to be the most consistent, Jacqueline's half brother Kennedy is selected to make a winning debut in the hands of Leigh Roche. He has been well prepared for his belated racing debut and looks a promising sort on paper. Golden Hind sets the form standard here and shapes as the main danger having already had a lung opener this term while the moody Kimberella can also be involved if she has her galloping shoes on
Race No. 5 :- The M.N. Nazir Trophy – Class III & IV, 4 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1200M
QUEEN CREDIBLE:-Exposed but effective 5 year old mare trained by Rehanullah Khan who has proved versatile with regards to trip but appears to be best over this 6 furlongs. She has developed into quite a consistent handicapper, winning 3 of her 24 starts and finishing in the places on 9 other occasions and she has been running quite consistently without winning in her last few starts. She looked in good nick in all her 4 runs during the Pune season, finishing runner up to the promising La Magnifique over this trip on her penultimate run and again making late headway to finish 3rd to Masterofbalantrae over 1400M last time out. She has top weight to defy today but has been working well of late and has blinkers snapped on today to help her to concentrate. Y.S. Srinath is an eye catching booking taking over in the saddle from A. Sandesh and as she likes to be delivered late, she should be doing all her best work in the closing stages. Danger to all and likely to be involved.
BESHIKTASH :- Well bred but quirky 4 year old from the S.K. Sunderji yard, he has a good overall strike rate with 3 wins from his 10 runs so far but is not the easiest of rides and seems to run alternate good and bad races. 2 of his 3 wins though have come over this trip including his penultimate run in Pune where he got up late to steal the race from Gallant Knight and although he finished 7th behind Queen Credible (3rd) last time out, he was not beaten a long way. Stable apprentice R. Ajinkya gets the ride today replacing the missing C.S. Jodha in the saddle and he did finish a good 2nd the only other time that he has ridden him. He looks to have a good each way chance here and must come into consideration.
LESREL :- Bang in form and improving 4 year old gelding trained by Vishal Gaikwad, he looks in threatening form in his current mood and comes into this bidding for a hattrick after 2 runaway wins in his last 2 starts, one each in Mumbai and Pune. He proved far too strong for the opposition when cantering to victory over course and distance about 2 weeks ago and even the stiff 7 kilo penalty may not be enough to stop him in his current mood. Leigh Roche takes over in the saddle today from P. Trevor, he seems to be in great heart at present and looks very likely to complete his hattrick .
COLLEGIUM :- The 2nd runner from the S.K. Sunderji yard and the mount of P. Trevor today, he has developed into a consistent handicapper winning 2 of his 19 starts so far with several good placed efforts as well and he seems to be good over this trip. His last win was back in April on this track and he had a relatively quiet Pune season but gave signs that he was returning to form when running a good race on the opening day, finishing a good 3rd to Spitfire and should strip fitter for that run. He is another who appears to have strong each way claims and is expected to run well.
GOLDEN WEAVER :- from the family of Renee and Cresendo, this 4 year old filly trained by HosidarDaji clearly has ability and has won 3 of her 9 starts so far including 2 in the last Pune season. She appears to be most effective when delivered late from off the pace so the long straight should suit her but she has done all of her winning on the Pune track and her 3 previous runs in Mumbai have possibly been her worst three so she has to prove that she can tackle the Mahalaxmi track. She finished 6th behind Flag Flying on her last run but got up late to get the better of Tenerife the time before that and has moved very well in her couple of workouts on this track. Good apprentice K. Nazil who gets on very well with her is in the saddle again today and she could be a big danger to all if running upto her best. Dark horse.
BOUNTY QUEEN :- 5 year old mare from the Adhirajsingh Jodha yard she began her career in very promising fashion, winning 3 of her first 5 starts but then seemed to go badly off the boil for a long time and just appears to be rediscovering her form. After a string of poor performance which saw her tumble down in the weights she caught the eye when making good late headway from the rear to finish runner up to Lethal Steps on her last run in Pune and showed that she was indeed regaining form when again running promisingly last time out,finishing on well to be 3rd behind Arabia and Between The Waters who runs earlier in the card and can give an indication of the form. Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle from S.A. Amit today and from the bottom of the scale she looks a very live danger.
CONCLUSION :-In his current form, it is very hard to oppose Lesrel and he looks all set to complete his hattrick with Leigh Roche in the saddle. Top weight Queen Credible and the bottom weighted Bounty Queen look to be the main dangers
Race No. 6 :- The Sir Homi Mehta Sprint Challenge (Grade 3) – Terms, 3 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1000M
RUFFINA :- Brilliant 4 year old filly trained by Dallas Todywalla who will be reunited with David Allan with whom she enjoyed such tremendous success last season and she clearly looks the Class act in this field. Winner of 10 of her 12 starts so far and clearly the best sprinter in the land at present, she will be dropping down to 5 furlongs for the first time but the long Mumbai straight will be to her advantage. There will be many who will feel that conceding 8 ½ kilos to the speedy Lincoln over this minimum trip may find her out but David Allan is a wonderful judge of pace and class should have the final say. She looks very hard to oppose in spite of conceding weight all around and should win this easily barring a mishap.
DANCING PHOENIX :- Stable companion of Ruffina who was a quality sprinter in his heyday but is now 8 years of age and seems to have lost some of his old zip. Winner of 10 of his 37 starts, his last win came back in October of last year and he returned from a long absence to have 2 easy runs this term. He is most likely in the race to hassle the front running Lincoln, Neeraj Rawal takes the ride and he looks to be trying to pick up some valuable stake money and may sneak into a place.
LINCOLN :- Made Ruffina pull out all the stops in the Sprinters Cup last season and looked like regaining his old form last time out when showing terrific speed to score a fluent win over 1200M last time out, easily beating Perfect Star with 5 kilo claimer up. He will be better suited by this drop to the minimum and will be ridden by out station champ Akshay Kumar and be receiving 8.5 kilos from Ruffina. He is likely to attempt pillar to post tactics again but may have to surrender to the wonder filly close home.
CLYMENE :- Speedy 4 year old filly trained by Faisal Abbas who has done very well in her limited career so far but looks a shade out of her depth in this company. She ran a forward race last time out, leading for a long way before being collared by Wise Child and Charging Tigress and that form looks well below what is required here. However, she seems to be well within herself, gets a big drop in weights and Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle today. The field being small in size, she is capable of running into a place and should fight it out for minor honours.
WILD FIRE :- 4 year old filly who is very speedy in her own right and held the 5 furlong course record in Pune where she has done most of her winning. Trained by Narendra Lagad, she has won 4 of her 20 starts including a shock win over 1200M on her penultimate run but she has come up short in this company last time out. S.A. Amit takes the ride today replacing 5 kilo claimer and she is another who will vie for early command and try and win from end to end but may end up setting up the race for Ruffina. Rank outsider.
CONCLUSION :- In spite of the sharp trip, the brilliant Ruffina is hard to oppose and is confidently selected to add another feather in her cap. Lincoln has a small chance to upset at the weights with a fitness advantage and running over his pet trip
Race No. 7:- The Spartan Poker Indian 1000 Guineas (Grade 1) – Terms, 3 Year Old Fillies only – Distance :- 1600M
ARABIA :- Apparently the more fancied of the Shroff duo and to be ridden by Akshay Kumar, this lightly raced full sister to Myrtlewood is a potentially exciting sort although she is tackling a race of this stature very early in her career. Making her debut less than 2 months ago, she was well fancied for her maiden run over 1200M in Pune but looked in need of it, finishing 5th to Hyannis and not given a hard time once her chance had gone. She showed the benefit of that run when scoring a fluent win again over 1200M, easily accounting for Between The Waters who runs earlier in the card and may add to the form. The step up to a mile should suit her on pedigree and considering that this looks a slightly below par renewal, she could be good enough to be involved in the frame.
EYES FOR YOU :- Another progressive 3 year old with a nice pedigree, this half sister to Scarlet Pimpernel is trained by Rehanullah Khan and Y.S. Srinath has been flown down especially for the ride. She has had 3 runs so far, getting an educative run on this track last season and returning in Pune to score a fluent maiden success over 1200M, easily beating El Commandante by 4 ½ lengths. She was a strong favourite upped to 7 furlongs on the final weekend of Pune but came up short ending a close 3rd to Grand Tenton in Class IV. She will no doubt maker further progress and has been working very well. She too has place possibilities but it is difficult to envision her winning this on her current form.
ISN'T SHE LOVELY :- Arguably the filly with the best credentials in this line up and one of two prior Classic winners in the field, she is the highest rated runner and appears to be the most likely winner as well. Winner of 4 of her 6 starts so far, she was well ahead of both Oomph and Tic Tac Ipsy Tipsy in the Bangalore Summer Fillies Trial and warmed up for this with an impressive 7 furlong win in Class I. She stays the trip well, will have the services of the forceful David Allan in the saddle and looks the one that they all have to beat.
LA RONDINE :- Another lightly raced type with an attractive pedigree, this Vishal Gaikwad ward is a half sister to Serjeant At Arms and is the only unbeaten runner in the field, having won her only previous start in stylish fashion. Making her debut right at the beginning of this season in a 6 furlong handicap, she picked in good style in the closing stages and was drawing right away in the end comfortably beating Flaming Martini by 2 lengths and clocking a slightly faster time than Arabia on the same day. She will no doubt find considerable improvement for the run and it looks interesting that she is the choice of Leigh Roche who presumably had the pick between the Shroff and Vishal Gaikwad trained runners even over the better performed and more experienced Oomph. She looks a very exciting long term prospect and although having just her 2nd start, could have the class to have a say.
MERLOT :- Half sister to Tintinnabulation who has performed with credit in her limited career, with 1 win from her 4 starts so far, her best effort coming last time out though when runner up to Realms of Fantasy in the Golconda 1000 Guineas. Trained by Faisal Abbas, she was an easy maiden winner on debut over 1400M and finished 3rd to Truly Epic and Intense Stylist in the Rajendrasinhji before finishing runner up again to Intense Stylist in the Morvi. The travel to Hyderabad and back will no doubt have taken it's toll but she at least has some more experience than some of the others and her Guineas form does give her a realistic chance on paper. A. Sandesh takes the ride and she looks a strong each way contender.
OOMPH :- The 2nd runner from the Vishal Gaikwad yard and the one which seems to be flying the flag for the local contingent, she will be ridden by Suraj Narredu with Leigh Roche seemingly opting for La Rondine. She has run 8 times so far so has plenty of experience although surprisingly her shock win in the Bangalore 1000 Guineas 8 days ago was her maiden victory. Having strong juvenile form last season, she went off the boil finishing last as an odds on favourite in the Breeders Juvenile Fillies and ran poorly during the Bangalore Summer as well but seemed to rediscover form when runner up to Sakura in The Mysore Fillies Trial Stakes. Her Bangalore win was her first run back from an extensive lay off so she is likely to improve and should be the main threat to Isn't She Lovely on paper.
TIC TAC IPSY TIPSY :- Interestingly named and one of the most interesting contenders it will be a commendable training feat if she were able to win this as she is having her first run since mid June of last year. Trained by Prasanna Kumar in Bangalore, she has had just 2 previous runs. She won her maiden over 7 furlongs back in March last year and must have impressed her trainer so much that she was taken to Bangalore for the Fillies Trial Stakes in the summer and understandably found that too stiff a task and finished well behind Isn't She Lovely and Oomph. She has not seen the race track since but has been reportedly working extremely well since arriving in Mumbai and her connections are quietly confident. Robbie Downey is an interesting Jockey booking and she looks the Joker in the pack and could be the surprise element here.
CONCLUSION :- Isn't She Lovely appears to have ticks in all the right boxes and looks set to be the first Indian 1000 Guineas winner for S. Padmanabhan in quite a while as the veteran trainer seldom travels to Mumbai for this race. Oomph appears to the local hope while Tic Tac Ipsy Tipsy could also prove to be very interesting
Race No. 8 :- The Kejriwal Trophy – Div. II – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1200M
ANNIVERSARY GIRL :- Relatively unexposed 4 year old from the Narendra Lagad yard, she is a winner of 1 of her 13 starts till date and appears to have been skilfully brought down in the scales to what appears to be a workable mark. Winner over this trip way back in September 2017 off a mark of 27, she is now rated 31 and after a string of poor efforts, hinted at something of a revival last time out when finishing on nicely to be a close 3rd to Joplin last time out. She is expected to build on that last run and improve further and M. Ayyar who was up that day retains the ride. She looks to be on a handy mark at present and looks to have a strong chance to earn herself another bracket.
FLYING VISIT :- well bred 3 year old gelding from the Imtiaz Sait yard, he is making his racing debut of what looks a fair opening mark and looks a smart sort on paper. His siblings include the well performed Tammy O and Barrachus and Emotionless, the most recent foal just seems to be coming into her own. He has been given enough work to be fit and ready to go on debut and Robbie Downey takes the ride. He does not appear to be taking on a particularly strong field and if looking fit and well, should run a big race and can strike first time out.
WEEHAWKEN :- Well bred and very highly regarded 4 year old gelding in the care of Nosher Cama, he is expected to be a very good individual and has been working well for a long time now but seems a late maturing sort and has done nothing of note in his 2 race appearances so far. He has been working very well in the build up to this race and P.S. Chouhan takes the ride today. He is an unknown quantity who could be better than his current mark and stands a good chance to score if he can reproduce his excellent track work.
PLEIADES :- Another unexposed 3 year old this one from the yard of young NazakChenoy, he made his debut as recently as September and has already had 3 quick runs to give him some experience, all over sprint trips and the last two over 1000M. He has finished midfield on all 3 occasions but may have found some improvement over the break and is now stepped back up to 1200M. He may still take some time to come to hand but is an unknown quantity running in a potentially weak field and if finding some improvement, could run into a place with stable jockey Santosh G taking the ride.
GOLDEN HORDE :- Exposed 5 year old gelding trained by BezanChenoy, he has managed just 1 win from his 14 runs so far, although he did finish runner up on his penultimate run behind True Grit. He does not look to be too high above his winning mark and will be ridden by 5kilo claimer N.B. Kuldeep. He looks to have each way claims if running upto his best and can be involved
CONCLUSION :- A weak looking contest and it may be worth taking a chance on the debutant Flying Visit provided the odds are attractive and he could make a winning debut in the hands of Robbie Downey. Anniversary Girl ran well last time out and looks to be the form choice while Weehawken is also held in very high regard.
Race No. 9 :- The Lady In Lace Trophy – Div. II – Class V, 4 Years & Over – Distance :- 1400M
ARRECIFE :- Owned and trained by veteran trainer Zadmal Singh, this 4 year old filly has threatened to strike on a couple of occasions but seems to lack consistency and is still a maiden after 8 starts. She has placed a couple of times over middle distances before and ran promisingly on the 2nd of 2 runs during the recent Pune season to end up runner up to Abelour in a 3 horse photo over a mile. She has not run for almost 4 months now so may have fitness to prove but good 5 kilo claimer A.S. Peter has been booked to ride and she does merit each way consideration.
LA MOTTE :- Lightly raced and potentially smart 4 year old filly from the small stable of B. Prakash she made a promising debut last season when making eye catching late headway to be finish 3rd to Touch Me Not over 1000M on debut but suffered a setback after that and was off the track for around a year. Reappearing over 1200M during the recent Pune season, she was understandably rusty, finishing 12th of 16 and was found to have bled after the race. This is only her 3rd career start so she is open to improvement and the step up to 7 furlongs should help. T.S. Jodha has been booked to ride and she looks another interesting prospect who could spring a surprise.
CRAY CRAY :- Improving 4 year old filly who is trained by upcoming trainer A.M. Jadhav, she seemed to come into own during the recent Pune campaign, finishing 3rd on a couple of occasions and gaining her maiden success over this trip a couple of starts ago in what looked a decent race, holding off subsequent winner Aquarius to win narrowly. She finished 3rd behind Aquarius and Gold Medalist last time out and does have scope for some further improvement. H.Zeeshan who has ridden her on the last few occasions is up again today and she is another worthy of each way consideration.
EBONY :- Well bred 4 year old filly from the yard of Altamash Ahmed, she appears to be recovering after a setback and did show some promise early in her career, finishing runner up on 3of her first 4 starts. Her last good run was in March last year on this track and she appears to have been working her way back to fitness throughout the Pune season. She has been given a Mock Race to sharpen her up, seems to be working quite well since her last run and with Neeraj Rawal in the saddle, is expected to give a much better account on a track which seems to suit her better.
EIGER'S TIGER :- Exposed 5 year old handicapper trained by Narendra Lagad who has already had plenty of racing and has been trying hard to earn another bracket from the beginning of the Pune season but has come up short in spite of placing on a number of occasions. He has already had a lung opener this season over 1600M finishing on to be 3rd to Patriot's Day and is as effective over this shorter trip. Good 2 ½ kilo claimer K. Nazil has been booked to ride replacing A. Sandesh and he looks capable of being involved in the frame again although improvement looks unlikely.
SIA :- Well bred 4 year old trained by Nirad Karanjawala, she is a winner of 1 race from her 12 starts so far, the win coming on this track in April over 1400M when she got the better of Saffron Flower by 2 lengths. She has had 4 unplaced runs in Pune so far but seemed to be finding form again last time out when finishing just outside the frame when 5th to Arrowfield with a disinterested rider in the saddle. She has been working well since that run suggesting that she has improved, she is eased in grade back down into the lowest class and P.S. Chouhan is an encouraging Jockey booking. She looks to have strong each way chances here and is another who must be considered.
SILVER CAP :- Maiden 4 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait, who used to be known as Shakin Stevens before recently undergoing a name change. He has run 12 times so far without a win but seemed to have made a little progress during the recent Pune season, finishing a close 3rd on a number of occasions including last time out in a similar contest over 1000M where he ended a close 3rd in a 4 way photo. He is not certain to be suited by this step up in trip but looks to be on a good mark at present and Robbie Downey is up for the first time today. He looks to have good each way claims I taking to the longer trip and should run well.
CONCLUSION :- A messy finale which is probably best left alone from a betting standpoint. Silver Cap, Sia, Eiger's Tiger and Arrecife appear to be the ones to focus on and the winner should emerge from among them although this race has the strong possibility for an upset
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
