From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 30th December 2018- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 29 Dec 2018
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 30th December 2018
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Sir Rahimtoola Chinoy Trophy – Class II & III – Distance :- 1600M
ANGELS TOUCH :- Improving 4 year old filly from the in form stable of Karthik G, she has run 15 times so far and came to hand towards the latter half of her career, scoring all of her 3 career wins in the recent Pune season all 3 wins coming in succession over varied trips. After an indifferent last effort in Pune, she looked back on track on her opening run of the season when finishing on strongly from the rear to finish a good close 3rd to La Magnifique over an inadequate 6 furlongs. That run should put her spot on for this and the step up to a mile will clearly be in her favour. A. Imran Khan who has been riding her of late keeps the ride today and in spite of being top weight, she looks a leading contender here to continue her progression and return to the winner’s circle.
GOLD BOND :- 4 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait who has an excellent career record of 4 wins from his 12 starts till date and is another who has been making smooth progress with his racing. He has proved versatile with regards to trip, scoring all his 4 wins over different trips, all 4 wins coming in a row ranging from 1600M to 2400M. He ran poorly when making a brief trip to Mysore in October but seemed to get back on track last time out when finishing a good 2nd to stable companion Gloriosus over 2000M. He is a strong galloping sort so should not mind the drop to this trip and Robbie Downey now takes over in the saddle from P. Trevor. He has been working well since the last run and is another strong each way contender.
TEXAS GOLD :- Another 4 year old colt this one in the care of Hosidar Daji, he too has performed well so far, winning 4 of his 16 starts so far and is usually effective over this sort of trip. He was off the track for 6 months after scoring his last win over 1800M back in March and has been slowly working his way back into form since then. He has run well both starts this term and last time out finished on nicely to finish 3rd to Forest Fairy over 1400M suggesting he was coming back to form. He has a smart turn of foot and likes to be delivered late from off the pace. Promising apprentice K. Nazil gets a leg up today replacing Neeraj Rawal and he is likely to improve again and looks to have a good chance to get back to winning ways.
SAGITTARIUS :- Sparingly raced 4 year old gelding who has won twice and finished 2nd 4 times in his 10 races so far for a good record so far and is returning from a long break after having finished down the field in the Indian St. Leger last time out. He showed good improvement when upped in distance and switching to front running tactics, both his wins being pillar to post affairs and he will be running practically at a feather weight with Niranjan Parmar claiming an additional 5 kilos in the saddle. He comes out way better at the weights than Gold Bond if a line through Gloriosus is taken and may attempt to make all although he may be pressed for the lead by Zanara. He has fitness to prove back from the long break but could be dangerous if allowed to dictate his own pace from the front.
CONCLUSION :- This looks competitive in spite of the small field but we will side with Angels Touch who was in cracking form during the recent Pune season and looked on the way back last time out when finishing a good close 3rd. Gold Bond and Texas Gold both rate as clear dangers though with slight preference for the former.
Race No. 2 :- The Damodardas C. Shah Trophy – Div. II – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1200M
ARABIAN STORM :- Front running 5 year old gelding trained by Narendra Lagad after beginning his career with Pesi Shroff, he has managed to win 3 of his 24 starts so far and does not seem to be too much higher than his last winning mark so looks well in at the weights. His last win was in August over 7 furlongs in a 5 year old & over contest and he is now pitted against younger horses which is a bit of a dampener. He has had 3 forward runs this season, 2 of them in the higher class so clearly should be fit enough and one of the better 5 kilo claimers P.S. Kaviraj takes the ride today taking over from Aniket Karande. He appears to be the better fancied of the yard’s 2 runners and is likely to finish on board but may find it tough to overcome the younger horses and looks more of a place prospect today.
FLAMMEUS :- Lightly raced and progressive 3 year old filly trained by Hosidar Daji who was given time to come to hand and after doing nothing of note on her first 3 starts, seems to have come to hand and run well the last twice. She scored her maiden success over this trip on her penultimate run, sparing 2 lengths to Royston Rock who has gone on to win twice since then and followed that up with a decent effort upped to this grade last time out when 3rd to Safdar and Sporto. She is having her first start of the current campaign, looks open to further improvement and should have been freshened up by the break. K. Nazil who had ridden her the last twice keeps the ride and she looks a very strong contender to get back to winning ways and is respected.
EXCELLENT TIMES :- Very highly regarded sort, he is also by Western Aristocrat and is trained by S.S. Shah, who string has dwindled substantially in recent times. He has raced just once before but had been blazing the track in his preparatory work and impressed one and all in a Mock Race just before his debut, resulting in him being sent off a short priced favourite in a good Million race. He led until the bend but then packed up very tamely and finished a dismal last of the 5 runners behind Excellent Sorrento and the form of that race has not really worked out since but he was found to have bled later. However, that was his debut run so he is sure to have improved and he has been rested and given time to strengthen since then. His recent workouts have again been impressive and A. Sandesh has been booked to ride today. He is worth giving another chance to prove himself at this early stage and while the fear of bleeding again always looms large, he looks a strong fancy to make amends if all goes well.
HODSON’S HORSE :- Interesting looking debutant from the yard of Adhirajisngh Jodha who should be fit enough first time out and has been moving quite well in the morning trials. The booking of S.S. Baria suggests that connections may be sending him out for an airing but the field does not look a particularly strong one and he could be good enough to win first time out. A paddock check Is advised to ascertain his fitness but he could prove to be value at a price if looking fit and well.
ANNIVERSARY GIRL :- The second runner from the Narendra Lagad stable, this 4 year old filly looks moody and inconsistent and has managed to win just 1 of her 14 starts till date. After being out of form for quite a while, she hinted at a revival on her seasonal debut when making late progress to finish a faraway 3rd to Joplin and was fancied next time out but ran inexplicably poorly to finish last of the 11 runners. That run was just 3 weeks ago so she has a bit to prove at present and Sunny Chinoy takes over in the saddle now replacing 3 ½ kilo claimer M. Ayyar. She looks to be on a handy mark at present but is very unreliable but could be involved if she turns up in a galloping mood. Rank outsider.
CONCLUSION :- With the bottom half of the field looking potentially disinterested judging from the form and jockey bookings, it may be worth giving another chance to the potentially exciting Excellent Times. He was very strongly fancied on debut but bled in the race and has the scope for tremendous improvement and has been given time to recover. Flammeus sets the form standard and also shapes as the main danger while Arabian Storm and Anniversary Girl could add some pep to the finish.
Race No. 3 :- The Jehangir P. Dubash Trophy – Class III & IV, 4 Years & Over – Distance :- 1400M
ARASHI :- Vastly improved 4 year old filly trained by Vishal Gaikwad, she was won 3 of her 11 starts so far but has looked vastly improved in her last few starts and seems to be progressing nicely with her racing. She has won 2 of her last 3 starts, beating Bronx decisively over this trip a couple of starts ago and looking disinterested until it was too late when a flying late 2nd to Bronx on her penultimate run, finishing on late in spite of her winner’s penalty. She showed that she had resumed in the same vein here when finishing on nicely from the rear over an inadequate 6 furlongs and battling well to get the better of owner mate Bunting and she should relish the additional furlong. The forceful Leigh Roche who rode her last time gets a leg up again today, she seems to have a very strong level of form and looks to have an excellent chance to succeed in spite of top weight.
QUESTIONABLE :- Another progressive and improving 4 year old gelding, this one trained by S. Waheed he was unbeaten in 2 starts in Pune, taking his time to get going but very strong at the finish, winning both races over this trip in convincing fashion. He looked in need of the lung opener on his reappearance run here when only 5th to Awesome One and should be much fitter and better off for it. Retained rider P.S. Chouhan keeps the ride today, he looks set to resume his progress and is expected to run a very strong race today and looks a leading contender.
ZANZIBAAR :- Owner mate of Questionable, this 5 year old gelding is trained by Nirad Karanjawala and is usually quite consistent over this trip but has struggled in Class III in the past. He was in good form towards the end of the Pune season, winning when dropped into Class IV and had a lung opener over 1200M first time up but looks to be taking on some promising younger horses and seems to be up against it. Good apprentice A.S. Peter takes the ride and he could be involved in the frame but owner seems to have a stronger contender in Questionable and he is likely to battle it out for minor honours.
COLLEGIUM :- 4 year old gelding trained by S.K. Sunderji he has won 2 of his 20 starts so far and has also placed on 7 occasions so has performed quite well so far. He has had 2 runs already this season, finishing 3rd to Spitfire over this trip on the opening day and then running 4th behind Beshiktash when dropped to 6 furlongs last time out. He was 2 lengths behind Bounty Queen that day conceding 4 kilos so is a kilo worse off with that rival although the return to 7 furlongs gives him hope of reversing that form. C.S. Jodha is back in the saddle replacing P. Trevor who was up last time out and he looks to have a good each way chance and has been working pleasingly.
BOUNTY QUEEN :- Got abroad 5 year old mare trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha, she has won 3 of her 20 starts till date and after losing her way for a long time midway through her career appears to have come back to form and has been knocking on the door in her last few starts. She seems to be on a handy mark at present and has been consistent in her last 3 starts, beginning with a late finishing 2nd to Lethal Steps over 1200M in Pune. She followed that up with 2 good runs this season, finishing 3rd to Arabia and Between the Waters on the opening day, both of whom have run with credit since and last time out possibly was ridden too prominently when 3rd to Beshiktash as she likes to come from off the pace. Step up to 7 furlongs should not be a problem, Dashrath Singh keeps the ride today and if switching back to more patient tactics, she should be involved and could prove to be a danger to all.
SAFDAR :- Well bred and strong striding 5 year old gelding from the stable of Rehanullah Khan, he too has been rejuvenated in his last few starts, scoring the 2nd of his wins on the final day of the Pune season and following that up with 2 good efforts on this track, runner up to Lesrel over 1200M first time out and last time, upped in grade and trip, finishing on to be 4th behind Grand Tenton. He looks to be well within himself, Neeraj Rawal has been booked to ride today replacing S.A. Amit and he looks to have each way claims and could very well be involved.
CONCLUSION :- Arashi looks to have very strong form at the moment and seems to be improving at a rate of knots. She is the selection to continue her winning run with Leigh Roche in the saddle. Questionable and Bounty Queen are likely to give her the most to do.
Race No. 4 :- The Kusumben Dhirubhai Shah Cup – Class IV & V – Distance :- 2000M
LUCKY LUCIANO :- In form 4 year old gelding trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha who has been very consistent for his last several starts now and comes into this race in prime form. Overall a winner of 2 of his 17 starts he has finished in the first 3 in his last 8 starts and although a failed favourite in his last 2 runs in Pune, he has been in cracking form this season as well, scoring a deserving win over a mile on his reappearance and then following that up by chasing home Gloriosus over 2000M last time out. He seems to have maintained his form and fitness since the run and A. Sandesh who takes over from Dashrath Singh has a good win record when riding for this combination. He does have to concede weight all around in a large field but looks one of the short list contenders and is expected to be involved in the finish.
ASTRAL FLARE :- 4 year old filly who is one of 2 runners from the Vishal Gaikwad yard and appears to be the lesser fancied of the pair judging from jockey bookings. She too has been extremely consistent in her limited career so far and has run well both times this season, finishing 3rd to Tasawwur over 1800M on reappearance and following that up with a good 2nd to Emotionless over a mile last time out. Both runs this season have been front running efforts so she is anticipated to make the running again today but with Akshay up, is most likely to make the pace for Patriot’s Day. In form though and cannot be ignored.
ALOHA :- Well bred 4 year old filly trained by S.K. Sunderji she had proved to be an expensive failure in the early stages of her career but seemed to hit form during the recent Pune season and scored impressive wide margin back to back wins, the first over a mile and the 2nd over this trip. She did not appear to be at her best on her last start when finishing 4th behind Pathan but she is weighted to reverse the form with Lucky Luciano who was 3rd that day. She is returning from a 3 month break and has fitness to prove after that but she has been working quite well and if having been freshened up and improved then she could very well be a factor with C.S. Jodha in the saddle. Interesting.
PATRIOT’S DAY :- Got abroad and potentially exciting 3 year old gelding trained by Vishal Gaikwad, he has taken his time to come to hand but showed ability when well fancied on his reappearance run here over a mile and should a good attitude to hold off the late finishing Emotionless and score a maiden victory on just his 3rd start. He is expected to improve appreciably for that run and 5 kilo penalty for the win seems fair. The extra distance is likely to be in his favour and the runner up has gone on to win subsequently so the form looks strong. Leigh Roche keeps the ride and he looks a leading contender to find further improvement and go in again.
ARTUS :- Nicely bred 4 year old filly trained by Nosher Cama who has won 1 of her 13 starts so far and seems to be returning to form after some lacklustre efforts in recent times. Winning her maiden race on Derby weekend over 1800M in February, she had a 5 month break and was off colour in 3 runs in Pune but looked on the way back on her last run of the season when finishing on late to be runner up to owner mate Zanzibaar over a mile. She had a lung opener this season when 4th to Tasawwur last time out and is expected to improve and strip fitter. P.S. Chouhan the retained rider is up as usual and over this 2000M trip, she has decent each way claims if finding some more improvement.
SWIFTNESS :- 4 year old filly who is the 2nd runner from the Adhirajsingh Jodha yard and will be ridden by Dashrath Singh. Sparingly raced for her age, she has run 11 times till date and looked to have plenty of stamina when scoring over 2400M back in September 2017 but she seems to have lost her form since then and has run poorly on all her subsequent starts. She was given a run earlier this season over an inadequate 7 furlong to gain some fitness and looks reasonably well handicapped at present. Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle today from S.S. Baria which is a positive, she steps back up to what looks a more suitable trip and if she has regained some semblance of form, then she could prove to be a value outsider and is worth considering.
MOMENTUM :- 4 year old gelding trained by Pesi Shroff who has a fashionable pedigree but seems to be taking his time to come to hand and is yet to show anything of note on the race grass. He was very strongly fancied just last week over a mile with Leigh Roche up but could not improve from mid division and ended up a poor 7th behind Emotionless and Astral Flare. The step up in trip is likely to suit him but whether he can improve in such a short span of time is a big question mark. H. Zeeshan takes over in the saddle today and he is more likely one who is to be remembered in the future although it will be interesting to see if money comes for him again.
BENEVOLENCE :- Maiden 3 year old filly from the Imtiaz Sait yard who seemed to be finding some form in the latter half of the Pune season and finished a close 3rd to Oriana and Gnostic Eyes over 1800M on her final run there but ran poorly on her first run this season when fancied over 1800M again with Robbie Downey up but only able to finish 8th behind Bluebell. She may just have needed that first run so is capable of improving and although today’s opposition looks tough, good claimer K. Nazil has been booked to ride, she should improve again with the addition of blinkers and is capable of being involved.
CONCLUSION :- a large field with several chances but Patriot’s Day may be far better than his current mark and is selected to continue his progression with the step up in trip likely to suit. Aloha could prove to be a danger if returning to her form in the early part of Pune and bouncing back from an indifferent last performance. The top weighted Lucky Luciano is also in form and respected.
Race No. 5 :- The Usha Stud Million – Terms 2 Year Olds only – Distance :- 1200M
MON GENERAL :- Unbeaten out station challenger from Hyderabad who was an impressive pillar to post winner over 1100M on debut, clocking a good time of 1.06.41 and was a comfortable winner over Tough Lady. He is likely to improve for that effort, has been working very well since having come to Mumbai and the booking of David Allan catches the eye as he has specially flown down for this ride. He looks to be a very promising sort and commands respect in this field. He has a decent draw in Stall 6 and looks primed to run a very big race.
NAMAQUA :- Comes from the yard of M.K. Jadhav and was impressive on debut over 1000M, looking a shade underdone but possessing plenty of speed and winning from end to end, holding off the odds on favourite Starringo. The runner up has finished 2nd subsequently while the 4th Copper Queen also ran modestly next time out so the form does not look that strong. However, he can only improve and strip fitter for the run although he now has to tackle an additional furlong. A. Sandesh keeps the ride and he is likely to make a bold bid to repeat but looks to be taking on better quality opposition today and may struggle.
ROYAL CRYSTAL :- One the more forward looking 2 year olds so far this season this Hosidar Daji trained son of Western Aristocrat was visually very impressive when beating a decent sized field by 7 lengths on debut, quickening right away from his rivals to beat Dandi March (2nd) and Astounding Bay (3rd) quite convincingly. He carries a winner’s penalty for that performance but looked to have a bit in hand and seems likely to confirm the form, taking the penalty in his stride. Neeraj Rawal who rode him that day keeps the ride and his subsequent track movements suggests that he has improved further. He looks a leading contender in this field and should be the most likely winner. She is a half sister to Checkmate who performed well in Western India and looks a promising sort herself.
ARABESQUE :- Another very interesting runner, this one from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard and another who created a very good impression on debut, winning her maiden race in Pune back in October and showing a good attitude after being squeezed in on the rail and having her stable companion get first run on her. She will no doubt have improved for that experience and looked to find the 5 furlong trip sharp that day so should relish the extra furlong. Leigh Roche now takes over in the saddle from S. Zervan, she looks to be a quality prospect in the making and stands a very good chance of improving and going in again.
ACROSS THE SEA :-Stable companion of Arabesque who made his debut just 9 days ago over 1000M and was given a nice educative run by S. Zervan, finishing on strongly from the rear to be 4th to Tommaso and picking up in good style once the penny had dropped. He is turned out again very quickly in a much tougher contest and P. Trevor takes over in the saddle today. He is definitely not one who should linger in the maiden ranks for too long but this run may be coming a bit too soon for him and hence, he does not make the short list today. Promising long term potential.
DANDI MARCH :- Chevalier gelding in the care of S.K. Sunderji who made a promising debut when coming out of the pack to chase home Royal Crystal last time out and may not have been as fit as the winner so is likely to improve. He gets a 4 kilo pull at the weights with his conqueror and has been working well since the run so is likely to improve. He has bagged the No. 1 rail draw today, C.S. Jodha takes over in the saddle from Dashrath Singh and he is another who is expected to progress from that run and is quite capable of being involved.
EX’S AND OH’S :- Beautifully bred debutant trained by Imtiaz Sait, she is a full sister to Athena who finished runner up 6 times in her 8 starts and was never out of the first three, finishing runner up in the South Indian 1000 Guineas and Oaks and looks the part on paper. She may not be fully wound up today but has just begun to show some improvement in her last couple of workouts and will have the services of Robbie Downey who should give her a good education. A paddock check is advised to ascertain her fitness and if looking ready to go, she could be a danger receiving weight from the winners.
CONCLUSION :- A good looking and competitive field for a race of this nature and hard to choose from among the youngsters. Arabesque is just the selection given the scope of the Shroff youngsters to improve and she showed a good attitude when scoring on debut. Royal Crystal was very impressive when scoring by 7 lengths on debut and is also greatly respected while the Hyderabad challenger Mon General looks a speedy type. Ex’s and Oh’s looks a danger on pedigree.
Race No. 6 :- The Damodardas C. Shah Trophy – Div. I – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1200M
MOUNT OLYMPUS :- 3 year old gelding who is likely the better fancied of the Narendra Lagad pair in this field and has been running quite consistently off this mark without looking like he has improved enough to win. He has won 2 of his 10 starts so far, scoring an upset win over Charles Bridge and Oriana over 1400M in Pune but he has struggled to make an impression since that win. He finished 3rd to Lethal Steps over this trip on his last run in Pune and after having a warm up race in Mumbai went on to finish 3rd to Between the Waters last time out in a similar contest. Both of his wins were front running efforts though and he has come from behind in his last few starts so perhaps a switch to forcing tactics is required today. Vishal Bunde who rode him last time out as well as to his last win keeps the ride and he merits each way consideration, especially if attempting runaway tactics again.
UNTITLED :- Interesting 5 year old gelding from the stable of H.J. Antia who struck a rich vein of form over this trip last season, winning 3 of his 4 starts and he has been skilfully brought back down to a mark which is around his last winning one so he is starting to look well handicapped. He has had a lung opener this season to blow away the cobwebs but has to still prove that he retains the old fire. Hanumant Singh his regular rider retains the ride and he looks an interesting outsider who could trouble them all if bouncing back to his best.
PABLO :- Well performed and improving 3 year old gelding trained by Sanjay Kolse, he has done well in all his 4 runs so far, winning once and placing on the other 3 occasions and showing a decent level of form so far. His win came over this trip on his first start of the Pune season beating Outrageous and Lethal Steps quite soundly and he was not disgraced next time out when upped to 7 furlongs finishing 3rd behind Costa Brava and Flag Flying so the form looks strong. He is having his first start this season but has been working well and looks a strong fancy with Dashrath Singh booked to ride.
ANATEVKA :- Speedy 3 year old filly from the stable of Pesi Shroff, she has managed only 1 win from her 6 starts till date, her solitary win coming over 1400M in Pune where she managed to score convincingly from Timeless Deeds. She ran poorly when favourite on promotion ending up 4th behind Bronx and Arashi before ending a faraway 4th to Intense Stylist in the Morvi. She was entered as a pacemaker in the Indian 1000 Guineas so that run is best ignored and return to this 6 furlong trip should suit. She moved well under Akshay in a Mock Race last week which is probably the reason why Akshay has been booked to ride. She looks to have scope to improve still and could get back to winning ways today.
DEMOCRAT :- 5 year old gelding trained by M.K. Jadhav who has won 3 of his 18 starts till date and manages to win 1 race a season and is then skilfully brought back down to his last winning mark so his runs in between the wins are quite poor. His last win was just over a year ago over course and distance off a mark of 38 and he is rated exactly 38 today so has come back down to that level. He was given a lung opener this season to shake off any rustiness and C.S. Jodha now takes over in the saddle from T.S. Jodha. He looks to be well placed on the scales at present and should be given a good each way chance.
MAJESTICAL :- Inconsistent 4 year old gelding trained by Karthik G and will be ridden by Bhawani Singh instead of A. Imran Khan. He is well bred but is a winner of only 1 of his 15 starts so far although he did look like he was ready to add to that tally when dropped to Class V last time out and putting in a strong run to go down fighting to Dusky Siren with a feeble 5 kilo claimer up. He has not been consistent in the past so that run may have been a flash in the pan but if he is able to build on that last effort then he would be dangerous to ignore in spite of going back up in grade. He looks an interesting outsider and could spring a surprise at a long price.
CONCLUSION :- Anatevkawas given a tough task on her last 2 starts and looked to have improved when moving well in a Mock Race last week under the same rider so Akshay has been given a chance and has been among the winners in the recent past. She is selected to get the better of another progressive youngster in the shape of Pablo
Race No. 7 :- The Astral Flash Plate – Class V – Distance :- 1600M
PONDAROSA :- 3 year old gelding who comes for the yard of Vinesh and has run 5 times so far without success but showed zest for racing last time out when finishing on to be a very close 3rd to Lucky Luciano on the opening day and is expected to improve for that run. That was his best effort yet and he may just be coming to hand. He has been eased in grade into the lower class today and Akshay takes over in the saddle for Amyn Merchant so he will be hoping for a back to back double. He is still relatively untried and unexposed, has been working well of late and looks to have given himself a big chance to get off the mark and must be considered.
GOLD MEDALIST :- 3 year old gelding trained by S.K. Sunderji who looks a little more exposed than some of these and has been performing modestly in this grade but is still searching for an elusive first success. He looked to have found a good opportunity on his last start in Pune in a similar contest but found Aquarius to be too strong and went down fighting by a length. He warmed up for this when a faraway 3rd to Bluebell on his reappearance but is expected to improve for that run. R. Ajinkya has been doing well with his limited opportunities this season, takes the ride and he is another who is worth considering each way and should make the finish interesting.
EAGLEINTHESKY :- Well bred and lightly raced 3 year old trained by Pesi Shroff, he made his debut only during the recent Pune season and ran a promising race when making good late headway to finish 4th to Improvisso in a race which has worked out well. He was the odds on favourite upped to a mile next time out but ran dismally and could only finish 5th to Excellent Ella. He was then rested and given time to improve and ran a forward race over 1200M on the opening day which should have helped him to achieve some fitness. He has now been eased into the lower grade, steps back up to a mile and Leigh Roche takes over in the saddle from Akshay. He has been working well since the run and this is just his 4th start so he could very well have improved now. He does have a bit to prove but looks a leading fancy if he has managed to do so and must be respected.
ETERNAL MEMORIES :- Well bred 3 year old filly in the care of Imtiaz Sait who has had just 2 starts so far and is open to plenty of improvement. She was quietly fancied on her debut over 1400M and finished on strongly from the rear to fill the frame and end up a late finishing 4th to Bushtops. She was well fancied in a mile maiden next time out but jumped out slowly and ran dismally thereafter and was never in the hunt. That run was 2 ½ months ago and she has been given time to improve and moved well in a Mock Race just last month. Robbie Downey gets a leg up for the first time today and she is another unexposed and potential improver who should give a much better account of herself today and looks a strong each way player.
SYLVESTER :- Maiden 4 year old gelding trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha who is bred for much longer trips but has run 7 times so far without any success, last time out sent off an odds on favourite in this grade over 2400M but having no answer to stable companion Dazzle N Daze and finishing a well held 2nd. He had previously finished runner up to Gnostic Eyes over 1800M so may appreciate the return to this mile trip and A. Sandesh is an encouraging jockey booking. He looks to have less scope than a couple of these but could very well go well fresh and hence is worth bringing into consideration and is capable of being involved.
SWEEPING MOVE :- Aged and inconsistent 7 year old mare who has a poor overall record but managed to take advantage of her extremely lenient mark by finally scoring her maiden win at the 18th attempt last time out over 1400M on this track, coming with a strong late run under Bhawani Singh to hold off Dragonmoss and score by a neck in a blanket finish. She should have gained some confidence from that win and has been penalized only 4 kilos which looks fair. A. Imran Khan takes over in the saddle today, the additional furlong should not be a bother and although she lacks the scope to improve of the younger horses, she looks in good form and should try hard to repeat.
MASTER OF STUDIES :- Well bred and highly regarded sort who began his career under Altamash Ahmed but was tried over different trips on a number of occasions, failed to display any ability and was ultimately sold to S. Waheed’s yard. He has run a couple of suggestive races since moving to his new stable, making late headway to finish just outside the frame over 7 furlongs in Pune in September and again finished on late to be 5th behind Patriot’s Day on his opening race of the season. He has been working quite well since that last run and K. Nail retains the ride. It is possible that he could just be coming into his own finally and he looks very well handicapped if he is able to unlock some more improvement. Keep an eye.
WINDFALL :- Untried 5 year old mare trained and owned by Mansoor Shah who has run 12 times so far and failed to figure on the board but has tumbled down the weights as a result. She has come right down in the scales as a result and after being withdrawn on her intended reappearance on the opening day has been quietly prepared for this run. She wears aluminium plates for the first time day suggesting that her trainer is looking to see if she has any ability over this trip and she looks a rank outsider who could spring a huge surprise with H. Zeeshan in the saddle.
CONCLUSION :- A difficult finale with several appearing to have chances but Eagleinthesky deserves one more chance to prove his true worth and has been working very well since his lung opener. Entrusted to Leigh Roche, he is selected to get the better of another potentially smart type in Eternal Memories. Pondarosa has good form to his name and is also feared while Windfall could shock at a double figure price.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
