From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 6th January 2019- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 05 Jan 2019
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 6th January 2019
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Rapidash Plate – Class V – Distance :- 2000M
KENNEDY :- 4 year old gelding trained by Pesi Shroff who is a half brother to the mighty Jacqueline but has taken his time to come to hand and made his racing debut just 2 weeks ago. He had been working well for some time and was scheduled to debut in Pune in September but was withdrawn before the start and turned out for the first time 2 weeks ago over a mile. He was well backed that day but took time to find his stride and was no match for the winner Golden Hind, ending up a faraway 3rd. He should no doubt improve considerably for the experience and looks likely to relish the extra distance. He has also been eased in grade down into the lowest class, Leigh Roche keeps the ride and he looks a strong fancy to shed his maiden tag with the benefit of experience and tackle this lot quite comfortably.
SILVER EDGE :- Aging 7 year old gelding from the stable of C. Rajendra who has run 28 times so far, managing to win on 2 previous occasions and has also placed 5 times. Both of his previous wins were achieved during the previous Mumbai season and he scored back to back victories, the first won over 2400M and the 2nd one over this trip where he got the better of Star Ace by 1 ¼ lengths. He struggled to make an impression when upped into the higher class so will appreciate the return to this grade. After having just a solitary run in Pune, he returned from a 5 month break this season and has had 2 lung openers to try and regain full fitness and he did not run badly last week when 6th to Artus only finishing 4 ½ lengths behind the winner. He too now drops in grade into the lowest class and Neeraj Rawal takes over in the saddle from S.A. Amit. He has his work cut out to tackle the younger horses but is effective over this trip and off a mark just 3 points higher than his last win, he looks capable of being involved
RETAINED ASSET :- Maiden 4 year old gelding trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha he has run 8 times so far and has been fancied on a number of occasions but failed to show any ability in spite of some outstanding work leading upto his runs. He was tried over mainly 1200-1400M in his juvenile career but was sent off favourite over 1000M on his Pune debut but could only manage to finish 5th. Upped to 1800M next time out he was again fancied with Y.S. Srinath on board but failed to make an impression, finishing last of the 6 runners behind Cavarozzi. He showed a little improvement on the final day of the Pune campaign when 5th to Oriana over 1800M but finally looked like fulfilling some of his potential last time out again over 1800M when finishing on nicely to be 2nd to Bluebell although having no chance with the winner. That was his best effort till date, it was his seasonal debut so he is likely to strip fitter for it and A. Sandesh retains the ride and has a good strike rate for the yard. He could just be coming into his own now and rates as a big danger to all if progressing again.
FANFARE :- Well bred China Visit 4 year old filly in the care of S.K. Sunderji who is still a maiden after 6 starts having finished 4th on 4 occasions. She began her career over 6 furlongs but gradually stepped up in distance and ran twice over a mile in Pune, finishing 4th on both occasions, the first time behind Fleur De Lys in maiden company and next time out on her handicap debut when 4th to Excellent Ella. She did run once more over 1400M but finished mid division behind Aurora Australis and this will be her first start of the current campaign. Her recent workouts have been quite pleasing, C.S. Jodha has been booked to ride and the step up to this trip for the first time is hoped to unlock further improvement. She is an unknown quantity who could be better than her current mark and looks the dark horse in this field.
ROMANTIC EYES :- Previously known as Goofy Eyes and beginning her career in the care of C.D. Katrak, this half sister to impressive debut winner King Khalil is now trained by Imtiaz Sait and seems to be getting her act together after a series of disappointing performances. She did hint at regaining form when a distant 2nd to Aloha in Pune and made a pleasing first appearance back from a 3 month gap last time out when ending up a close 3rd over a sharp 1400M to Sweeping Move and Dragonmoss. The step back up to this trip is likely to suit her, Robbie Downey who rode her last time out retains the ride and she looks to be improving with her racing. She comes into this race in good form, is still quite unexposed and if just starting to come into her own, she could very well prove to be too good for this lot and must be respected
CONCLUSION :- Jacqueline’s half brother Kennedy deserves another chance to live up to his illustrious pedigree after an average performance and debut and has the scope to be able to tackle this lot and score over the longer trip. Romantic Eyes seems to be improving in the care of Imtiaz Sait and shapes as the main danger along with another unexposed 4 year old in the form of Retained Asset who ran promisingly last time out.
Race No. 2 :- The Homi Mody Trophy – Class I & II – Distance :- 2000M
B FIFTY TWO :- One of two runners for the Imtiaz Sait yard, he is getting on in years now at age 7 but has a commendable records of 8 wins and 8 seconds from his 38 starts and drops into a handicap after ages having won Multiple Group Races in the past. He has had 2 runs already this season so should be fit enough to score and although both the runs have been a little disappointing, the opposition looks considerably weaker today and this 2000M trip is probably his best distance. P. Trevor who rides him today knows him extremely well and he excels in these small fields where he is able to dictate terms. With no other confirmed front runner, he looks likely to have things his own way up front and should prove to be too strong for the opposition and return to the winner’s circle.
SUPREME GENERAL :- Enigmatic 6 year old gelding trained by Karthik G, he is having his 24th career start and has 3 previous wins to his name but his good runs are interspersed with several indifferent efforts and many times when he has looked well handicapped, he has run below par so does not look totally reliable. His last decent effort came on this track towards the end of the last Mumbai season where he finished a close 3rd in the Maharaja Sir Harisinhji Trophy where he was a short head behind B Fifty Two receiving 6 kilos. He has finished behind B Fifty Two most times and it looks hard to get the better of him with only a 2 kilo weight difference. Bhawani Singh takes the ride and he is capable of being involved but it looks hard to beat B. Fifty Two.
GLORIOSUS :- 5 year old colt who is a stable mate of B Fifty Two and looks to be in great form at present, having won his last 2 starts over this trip in convincing fashion. Overall a winner of 4 of his 16 starts and finishing outside the frame on only 2 occasions in the past, he has been quite a consistent handicapper and seems to have found a rich vein of form at the present juncture. Both his wins have been comfortable affairs, last time out beating another stable mate Gold Bond convincingly by 3 ½ lengths. He has to endure a hefty penalty for the last win as he has gone up 7 ½ kilos in the weights and is now taking on tougher opposition. He likes to come from off the pace so will probably be strong at the finish and is in receipt of 10 kilos from B Fifty Two. He is the form horse in this contest and looks to be the main danger as he is capable of improving again.
LORD OF THE SEA :- Interesting 5 year old gelding from the Pesi Shroff yard who has already established himself as a strong staying type and is a winner of 3 of his 16 starts till date. His last win came almost a year ago to the date over 2400M when getting the better of Sussex Pride in Class III and he seems to be still be searching for his best form after coming up short in 2 Regional derbies. He has had a lung opener this season to blow away the cobwebs and will be ridden by N.S. Parmar. The small field and possible tactical affair does not look likely to suit him and although given a chance at the weights, it seems that he will eventually score over further in due course.
CONCLUSION :- This represents a marked drop in Grade for B Fifty Two and he is selected to return to the winner’s circle with the conditions of the race looking ideal for him. The in form Gloriosus shapes as the main danger and it will be quite surprising if Imtiaz does not lead in the winner in this contest.
Race No. 3 :- The April Blossom Plate – Class IV & V- Distance :- 1600M
FLYING VISIT :- Smartly bred and unbeaten 4 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait, he is a full brother to Emotionless who just seems to be coming into her own and a half brother to the well performed Barrachus so looks a smart sort on paper and is sure to improve from his impressive maiden win on debut a little less than a month ago where he trounced the opposition by 7 ¼ lengths over 1200M with the same rider on board. The opening mark of 30 clearly looked generous so the handicapper has upped him 7 ½ kilos for the win but he looks likely to improve plenty and may still be well in on the scale. The step up to this mile trip looks likely to suit him on pedigree and Robbie Downey who rode him last time out keeps the ride. He looks a progressive sort who is open to plenty of improvement and should make a determined effort to score in spite of top weight and against some promising 4 year olds. Leading contender and should be a danger to all.
GOLDEN HIND :- Half brother to Normandy and Midnight Phantom, both of whom managed to win only 1 race but performed decently in their limited careers, he has run 5 times till date and after finishing runner up in each of his first 3 starts, finally managed to gain an impressive maiden victory over this trip last time out. Running a forward race on the opening day of the season, he travelled strongly throughout the contest last time out and never looked in danger of being caught scoring a convincing 1 ¾ length win over the late finishing Kimberella and should gain confidence from that win. Kennedy who finished 3rd that day runs in the opener and may give a pointer to the strength of the form and P. Trevor who rode him last time out, keeps the ride. He has less scope to improve than a couple of the others but looks a straightforward sort and should make a determined bid to repeat and is proven over the trip.
NOBLEMAN :- Exciting 4 year old gelding trained by Pesi Shroff who is a half brother to Germanicus and Phenomenal Memory and appears to have plenty of potential to improve. He has been sparingly raced so far, having finished 2nd on both runs till date, making his debut on this track in March last year over 1400M where he was sent off favourite but could only finish runner up 5 lengths behind Kanchenjunga and looked an improved horse on his solitary run in Pune when upped to this trip and finishing a close 2nd to Gold Bond. He has been given time to improve and strengthen since then and moved attractively in a Mock Race last week. A paddock check is advised as fitness will clearly be a concern back from another longish break but he looks a classy type and with Leigh Roche in the saddle, is greatly feared and strongly considered.
UNIMAGINABLE :- The 2nd runner from the Vishal Gaikwad yard, this maiden son of Saamidd is a half brother to Masquerade and appears to be out for an airing judging from Jockey bookings and is likely to attempt to make all the running with Akshay in the saddle. He too has a similar profile to Nobleman, having had 2 well spaced runs so far, one apiece in Mumbai and Pune and also moved well in the same Mock Race as Nobleman. Sent off a hot favourite on debut over a mile, he was no match for stable companion Van Dyke and finished a faraway 2nd and was disappointing when reappearing as a strong fancy in Pune over 1400M but only able to finish 6th behind Intense Stylist. He too has been given time to improve since that last run and likes to dominate so should attempt start to finish tactics. He has the potential to be better than what he has shown so far and can spring a surprise but realistically looks one to follow in the long run.
ARRECIFE :- Nicely bred 5 year old mare who comes from the stable of Dashrath Singh and is still winless after 9 starts but has been knocking on the door in her last couple of efforts. Finishing a close 2nd in a mile in a 3 way photo splitting Aberlour and Power of Thor, she made a pleasing reappearance here after a 4 month break, ending up a close 2nd to It’s A Deal last time out with whom she is weighted to gain revenge. She appears to have maintained her form and fitness judging from her trackwork after the run and A.S. Peter who rode her last time out keeps the ride. She looks to have taken on some potentially smart improvers though and may have to settle for minor honours today,
CONCLUSION :- This looks likely to be between the well bred Pesi Shroff ward Nobleman and the impressive maiden winner Flying Visit from the Imtiaz Sait yard. The former moved well in a recent Mock Race and is slightly preferred although the latter has a fitness advantage and may still be ahead of the handicapper. Golden Hind although consistent seems to lack the class of this pair but is also considered after his impressive win last time out while Unimaginable is the dark horse who does not look fully ready but could surprise at long odds.
Race No. 4 :- The Londonderry Plate – Class III & IV – Distance :- 2000M
SMASHER :- Well bred and progressive 6 year old gelding trained by Pesi Shroff, he was a late maturing type who took his time to come to hand but appears to be progressing nicely of late. Unraced as a 3 year old, he took a few runs to come to hand but once hitting form, scored impressive back to back victories over 2400M last season and was off the track after his Derby Day win in Class IV, beating Gdansk by a length. He needed the lung opener when reappearing this season and finishing 4th over a mile behind Sacred Roman and bounced back to winning ways with an impressive performance last time out where he scored an emphatic win over the highly regarded stable mate Roberta, winning by almost a distance. He is likely to improve for that effort and Leigh Roche takes over in the saddle from Akshay which is a positive. He has been penalized 6 ½ kilos for the win but looks capable of further improvement and is leading contender to go in again.
TAR HEEL :- 5 year old gelding from the Imtiaz Sait stable who has developed into quite a consistent handicapper and scored his 2nd career victory over 2400M last time out when easily getting the better of Brazos. He had previously finished a good 2nd to Tasawwur over 1800M so should not be bothered by the drop in trip but has C.S. Jodha taking over in the saddle from Robbie Downey who rode him on both previous occasions. He ran poorly in his 2 starts in Pune but the course may not have suited him and he looked quite progressive in the last Mumbai season as well in similar contests. He has been penalized 5 kilos for his win and should make a bold bid to repeat.
BUSHTOPS :- Sparingly raced 4 year old trained by M.K. Jadhav, he is an owner mate of Smasher and has run 6 times so far with a solitary maiden success to his name. He has been pretty highly campaigned since scoring a hugely impressive maiden win over 1400M in Pune, but came up short in the Pune Derby and could only finish 3rd to Sacred Roman on his seasonal debut with Smasher a late finishing 4th that day. He finished midfield in the Indian 2000 Guineas and is now upped to this trip again. He is better placed on the scale than Smasher on the last running but his rival has shown marked improvement since then and he is not certain to confirm the form. He does not appear to be totally straightforward but if he is in a galloping mood then he has the potential to upset the entire lot. Inconsistent but dangerous.
AUGUSTUS CAESAR :- Another potentially exciting and unexposed 4 year old colt, this one from the stable of Altamaash Ahmed, he has raced only thrice so far and is yet to finish outside the first two. He made his debut as a juvenile last season, going down fighting to fitter Hope and Glory and duly progressed from his debut run to beat Bushtops by 2 lengths again over 1400M. He presumably suffered a setback as did not race again after that until reappearing over a mile a couple of weeks ago where he made all the running and kicked on to finish runner up to Bronx. He should come on significantly for that run and also should be suited by the step up in trip on pedigree. Neeraj Rawal his regular saddle partner is up again today and if he can build on that last run then he looks to have a strong chance to score at the weights.
CAVAROZZI :- The 3rd runner in the field sporting the Vijay Shirke colours and also the 2nd grey this son of Makfi is a stable companion of Smasher and will be ridden by 2 ½ kilo claimer H. Zeeshan. Winner of 1 of his 7 starts so far, winning a 9 furlong maiden in a bunched finish in Pune, he finished a faraway 4th to Tar Heel over 2400M last time out but was probably out for an airing that day and should be a lot fitter and finish a lot closer today. He comes into this race at a feather weight, has the scope to improve further and can cause an upset and should not be ignored.
CONCLUSION :- A very tricky contest in spite of the small field with most of the runners able to stake their claim. Augustus Caesar was very highly regarded as a juvenile and made a pleasing comeback after a long absence. He is selected to get the better of the enigmatic Bushtops who appears to be better than what he has shown so far. Top weight Smasher was an impressive winner last time out and could very well repeat in spite of looking out on the scale
Race No. 5 :- The Kheem Singh Gold Cup – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1400M
BLAZING BAY :- Twice raced son of promising first season sire Saamidd, he comes from the yard of Karthik G and has finished mid field in both his runs so far. Making his debut in the inaugural juvenile race in Pune over 1000M, he finished 6th to Arabesque and was again 6th upped to 1200M on his seasonal debut here, when well held by Royal Crystal. His track work since the last run suggest that he has made further progress and he is likely to be suited by more galloping ground. He has the advantage of prior experience and looks to have each way claims in this field with Bhawani Singh booked to ride.
TROUVAILLE :- Debutant from the stables of S.K. Sunderji, he looks a smart sort on paper, being a full brother to Smashing Approach who won 2 of her 8 starts and was 2nd in the Madras Gold Vase (Gr.3) and 3rd in the Christmas Cup (Gr.3) and also a half brother to That’s My Darling, winner of 6 races from 33 starts and was 2nd in the Deccan Fillies Championship Stakes (Gr.3) and the Byerly Turk Million (Gr.3) so he seems to have a strong pedigree. He has been given a fair amount of prep work but the workouts suggest that he just may need this educative run and could be a different proposition with a run under his belt. C.S. Jodha has been booked to ride and he looks a promising sort who is worth keeping an eye on,
HUNT FOR GOLD :- Another classily bred Juvenile who catches the eye on pedigree, this debutant from the Pesi Shroff stable is one of the early runners for new sire Leitir Mor out of Indian Oaks winner Pleasure Hunt who also finished runner up in the Indian St. Leger and the Indian Turf Invitation Cup as well as the Golconda 1000 Guineas, winning thrice and finishing 2nd on 6 occasions in her 12 race career. She has already produced Moondancer who won 6 of his 12 starts in Hyderabad, Alectar – winner of 2 races in Western India and further back the likes of Classerville – 2nd in the Golconda Derby (Gr.1) and Shapoorji Pallonji Colts Championship (Gr.3) and 3rd in the Mysore 2000 Guineas (Gr.3) and Our Excellence who was 3rd in the Poonawalla Breeders Million (GR.1). He has been judiciously prepared with this event in view and looks set to create a big impression on his racing debut. Although the jockey has yet to be declared, in all likelihood David Allan will take the ride and he looks a strong contender to get off the mark at the first time of asking,
MISHKA’S PRIDE :- Another debutant, this one from the stable of Imtiaz Sait, she is by Total Gallery out of Tsesebe who has produced some speedy types in the past like Ayra’s Pet who won 5 of her 10 starts in Kolkotta and Queen of Venice who won 2 races in Madras. The pedigree appears to have plenty of speed so it is not certain whether this 7 furlong trip will be ideal and she may be out for an airing. Robbie Downey takes the ride, she looks fit enough to be competitive first time out and is worth keeping an eye on but may eventually turn out to be better over sprints.
PEERLESS :- Got abroad 3 year old from the stable of M.K. Jadhav, this daughter of Poet’s Voice had been blazing the track in the build up to her debut run and was sent off favourite over 1200M on debut but ran disappointingly and finished 7th of the 9 runners behind Kariega and Starringo. She is likely to have learnt from the experience and stripped fitter and is expected to put up a much better showing over this additional furlong. A. Sandesh has been booked to ride, she will have the benefit of experience now and should give a much better account of herself and could be involved.
STARRINGO :- Sets the form standard here having finished runner up on both starts till date, this daughter or Arazan from the Dallas Todywalla yard failed to show speed when an odds on favourite against Namaqua, making late headway to end up a decent 2nd. She did show some improvement next time out when upped to 6 furlongs although unable to hold off Kariega but finishing a decent 2nd with P. Trevor in the saddle. She did get going late that day so may be worth a try at this longer trip and Neeraj Rawal takes over in the saddle today. She is likely to be involved in proceedings and is capable of winning this but she looks a modest sort and could be vulnerable to something with a bit more quality.
CONCLUSION :- Hunt for Gold looks an exciting prospect on paper and is selected to make a winning debut. Starringo appears to be the danger on form while Peerless should run better than her debut and Trouvaille also looks a smart sort on paper.
Race No. 6 :- The F.H. Tapia Memorial Million – Terms, 4 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1400M
RUFFINA :- 5 year old equine superstar trained by Dallas Todywalla, she began the season with a breath taking win over a sharp 5 furlongs in a Group 3 contest, shattering the course record in the process and now steps up to arguably what is her best trip. She looks to have maintained herself in fine trim since that win and is likely to improve as that was her seasonal debut. David Allan knows her intimately and comes down to take the ride and in spite of conceding weight all around, she looks a cut above her current rivals and is confidently expected to romp to her 12th victory barring any misfortune.
YOUR ROYAL MAJESTY :- Top class colt on his own right who has been a loyal servant to his connections over the years and has a meritorious record of 13 wins from his 42 starts till date, having placed on 19 occasions as well which is a creditable feat. He just may be getting a shade on in years now aged 8 but showed he still retained his old ability on his last run in Pune when a very close 3rd to Cambridge and New England. He was withdrawn on his intended reappearance so makes his seasonal debut today and has been working quite well. Leigh Roche will partner him for the first time and he is expected to try and make a fist of things and is likely to fight it out for the runner’s up berth but it is a tough ask for him to beat Ruffina.
CAPTAIN COURAGE :- The 2nd runner from the Pesi Shroff yard, he is a 7 year old sprinter who has raced relatively sparingly and has won 5 of his 18 starts for a good overall record. He suffered a setback just when he looked like he was peaking and was off the track for almost 10 months back in 2017 and he is yet to pass the post first since his comeback although he has placed on a number of occasions. He was 3rd to Ruffina in the Akkasaheb Maharaj Trophy on his penultimate run in Pune and looks closely matched on a straight handicap line as he was beaten 2 ½ lengths getting 5 ½ kilos and now receives 8 ½. He was stepped up to a mile for the first time last time out and was not disgraced in 4th behind Cambridge but has 2 lengths to make up on that running with New England who was 3rd. P.S. Chouhan takes the ride and he looks to have each way claims if suited by this trip,
NEW ENGLAND :- In form 6 year old gelding from the stable of Imtiaz Sait, he too has a creditable record with 7 wins from his 22 starts in addition to 8 placed efforts. He has been running well since thrust into Group company without managing to win but gained some confidence when dropping into a handicap last time out and giving 10 kilos and a beating to Costa Del Sol. Both his runs this season have come over a mile but he should not be troubled by the slightly shorter trip. He takes a significant drop in weight from 60 to 50.5 kilos although he has been upped in grade and so C.S. Jodha replaces Robbie Downey in the saddle. He looks in fine form at present and receiving 8 ½ kilos from Ruffina he looks the main danger here.
CONCLUSION :- The wonder filly Ruffina seems to be enhancing her already remarkable record with every start and there is a good chance that she may challenge the 7 furlong course record as well. She looks well nigh unstoppable and is clearly one of the best fillies upto a mile that we have seen. New England seems to be the most obvious danger after his fluent last win and in receipt of plenty of weight.
Race No. 7 :- The P.D. Bolton Trophy – Class II & III – Distance :- 1000M
GAZINO :- Well performed 5 year old horse trained by Nosher Cama, he quickly developed into a crack sprinter and after taking 5 races to get off the mark finally, won 3 of his next 4 starts. He has been struggling with the handicapper since his last win over Yanna Rascaala over 1200M early last season but after a quiet Pune campaign, he seems to be coming back to his best as he showed last time out when ending up an excellent close 2nd to La Magnifique over his pet distance of 1200M. He is likely to build on that run and always works well on the sand so has been impressing in his gallops. He has top weight to defy against some real speedsters so has his work cut out for him but with retained Jockey P. S. Chouhan in the saddle, he is dangerous to ignore and should be cutting them down at the business end. Each way player.
RIQUEWIHR :- Progressive 4 year old filly from the Pesi Shroff yard who looks to have made significant improvement this season and for the first time, followed up her win on her first run of the season with another powerful performance in inexperienced hands last time out and comes into this race bidding for a hattrick. In previous seasons, she faded away after winning first time out and failed to repeat but is now bidding for a hattrick and looks in fine fettle. H. Zeeshan takes over in the saddle today from P.S. Kaviraj, she has bagged the No. 1 rail draw and looks a leading contender to make it 3 wins in a row in spite of being up a further 6 kilos. Respected.
BATELEUR :- One time classic hopeful, this well bred 5 year old gelding from the Vishal Gaikwad yard is making a comeback after an eternity and is running over a trip which is way too sharp for him first time out. He is running after a gap of over a year having finished a controversial 3rd to Yanna Rascaala when last seen on this track over 7 furlongs on the 28th of December and is entitled to be rusty and need this run. Overall a winner of 2 races from 6 attempts, he has won both his races over middle distances and will be sure to struggle over a sprint trip. However, he is a classy individual who moved nicely in a recent Mock Race and looks like a rank outsider who could score a stunning upset with Akshay in the saddle.
IRON AGE :- Another veritable speedball, this good looking 4 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait gave a below par performance on his reappearance over 1200M when not looking at his best and finishing a poor 5th to La Magnifique as a firm favourite. He needs to bounce back from that poor effort but was in cracking form in Pune, winning both his starts over 1000M with consummate ease and he is sure to relish the return to this minimum trip. P. Trevor takes the ride again, he is likely to have stripped fitter from his last run and looks set to resume his upward curve and is strongly fancied to win this.
ORACLE :- Speedy 5 year old gelding trained by Nazak Chenoy who is another who is returning from a prolonged absence having last raced in April 2018 before getting a lung opener over 1400M 2 weeks ago to blow away the cobwebs. That run is sure to have benefitted him immensely and he looked very progressive towards the end of the last Mumbai season. Stable jockey Santosh G gets a leg up today, the drop to this trip is sure to suit, and from a good draw in Stall 2, he could add some pep and spice to the finish.
CONCLUSION :-Iron Age did not appear to give his true running last time out and back down to his pet trip, he is expected to recoup the losses and is selected to get the better of the improving Riquewihr who seems to be at the top of her game at present.
Race No. 8 :- The Pradeep Vijaykar Trophy – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1200M
EDEN ROCK :- Lightly raced 4 year old gelding trained by Dallas Todywalla who returns from a 3 ½ month break but has only raced 4 times so far and has the scope for further improvement. He began his career in grand style winning fluently over 5 furlongs on this track last season and then just managing to scrape home over 1200M on his first run in Pune. He was stepped up to 7 furlongs in the F.D. Wadia Trophy and understandably faded away after setting the pace but his last run was perplexing in a 6 furlong Class III contest where he finished last of the 11 runners and he needs to have recovered from that. He seems to be working quite well since arriving in Mumbai and could have been freshened up by the break and P. Trevor takes the ride as he is eased in grade. A paddock check is advised to ascertain his fitness but if looking well, then must be respected in spite of the heavy impost.
RUN FOREST RUN :- Highly regarded 4 year old trained by young Shazaan Shah, he too looked a very bright prospect in his juvenile season and after finishing runner up twice over 1000M in his first 2 starts, scored a stylish maiden victory over this trip on his 3rd run convincingly beating Enchanted by 2 ¼ lengths. He was fancied twice over 1400 and then over 1200M in Pune but finished 4th on both occasions, a bit disappointing last time out when Enchanted decisively reversed the form. He was put away for the rest of the season and given time to improve and has been working well in the build up to this run. Malam Singh who takes the ride already had a winner for the yard last week in similar circumstances in the form of Steppenwolf, he is likely to go well fresh and is strongly fancied to bounce back to winning ways now.
EL COMMANDANTE :- 4 year old gelding from the yard of Altaf Hussain, he had previously looked erratic and unreliable but took advantage of the ease in grade to score a bloodless maiden victory over this trip last time out, easily beating Myrcella and Sharareh and turns out again in this higher grade with a statutory 6 kilo penalty. He is likely to have improved from the run and stripped fitter and A. Sandesh who rode him last time out is up again today. He is likely to make a bold bid to repeat, is currently in good form and must be feared.
ANATEVKA :- Moody and inconsistent filly who is being given abnormally quick racing for a horse from the Pesi Shroff stable and is turned out again in less than a weeks time after running poorly over this trip last time out. She missed the kick that day and was outpaced throughout thereafter ending up 5th to Steppenwolf and is turned out again quickly with the same rider up. She moved impressively in a Mock Race a while ago with Akshay in the saddle and if breaking on level terms today, looks to have a strong chance to upset. Keep an eye on her and she may prove value at a long price.
OFFICER IN COMMAND :- Once raced 4 year old gelding from the yard of Adhirajsingh Jodha who is a full brother to the stable’s brilliant speedster Gold Bag and made a pleasing debut over this trip in Pune, showing early speed and kicking on to finish a good 4th to Hyannis over 1200M. He will no doubt improve for that experience and strip fitter and has been working very well of late although the draw has not been kind to him in Stall 14. Dashrath Singh who rode him last time out keeps the ride today, he looks a promising sprinter in the making and is very dangerous to ignore and could be good enough to beat the lot.
GRAND PASSAGE :- Maiden 5 year old gelding from the stable of Karthik G, he has run 8 times so far without much success although he has put in one decent effort when finishing a very close 3rd in a 3 way photo in maiden company. However that run was over 2000M and his next run came in the Indian Derby where he was clearly flying too high. He had a long 6 month break since then and has run 4 times after that over sprint trips, thrice in Pune and one lung opener on this track earlier in the season and has finished well beaten on all those occasions. His last run was over a month ago though and it is interesting to note that after having Bhawani Singh up for most of his recent runs, decent 3 ½ kilo claimer Vishal Bunde has been booked to ride today which could prove significant. The trip clearly seems to be on the sharp side for him but he could run into a place and looks an interesting outsider.
CONCLUSION :- A competitive contest but the selection here is Run Forest Run who is picked to emulate the performance of his stable companion Steppenwolf last week and score here in the hands of the stable’s whipless apprentice. The well bred Officer in Command is an interesting alternative although running after a long gap while last outing winner El Commandante and the enigmatic Anatveka are also possibilities
Race No. 9 The Ibrahim A. Rahimtoola Trophy – Class IV & V, 5 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1400M
AURORA AUSTRALIS :- well bred 6 year old mare trained by Hosidar Daji who was a late developer but really came into her own during the recent Pune season, scoring back to back wins over this trip in Class V and ending up a gallant runner up to Grand Tenton in her hattrick bid, beating subsequent 1000 Guineas 4th Eyes for You in the process. She did not look fully wound up on her seasonal reappearance in a similar contest, finishing 5th to Philadelphia and that run should put her spot on for this with the extra furlong to her advantage. Amyn Merchant who has been riding her regularly gets a leg up again today, she should be fitter and sharper today and looks to have a strong chance to resume her progression in spite of top weight.
ABERLOUR :- Nicely bred and sparingly raced 5 year old gelding trained by Altamash Ahmed he has looked promising in his 5 race career so far and managed to score over a mile at the 3rd time of asking, fighting off Arrecife and Eiger’s Tiger to prevail narrowly. He ran poorly next time out when upped in grade but shrugged that off with his seasonal reappearance where he made casual progress to finish up an unconcerned 4th to Between The Waters over a sharp 1200M. The extra 200M will be to his advantage as will the long Mumbai straight and the switch from S. Jaykumar to S.A. Amit is a positive. He looks to have the scope to improve further, is working well and looks a strong each way prospect.
WE BREAK THE RULES :- Fashionably bred 5 year old gelding who began his career with C.D. Katrak before moving to his current yard with Dallas Todywalla and he has an inconsistent record overall having managed just 1 win from his 16 starts so far although he has placed on 8 occasions. He seemed to be knocking at the door towards the end of the last Mumbai season but is another who had a poor Pune campaign, although running only twice and needs to bounce back now. He has had a lung opener this season to regain a little fitness and has been working quite well since the run, suggesting that he is coming back to form. Vishal Bunde takes over in the saddle from P.S. Chouhan but claims a valuable 3 ½ kilos in the process. He looks to be on a handy mark at present and merits each way consideration if returning to his best.
AQUARIUS :- Formerly known as Wild Jack this 6 year old gelding trained by M.K. Jadhav seemed to hit form very late in his career but has been putting his best foot forward in his last few starts and had an excellent Pune season. After showing signs that he was ready to strike when finishing a close 2nd to Cray Cray, he recorded back to back wins over this trip first and then next time out over a mile, battling well to hold off the younger Gold Medalist and score. He had a good lung opener on this track and showed that he was still in form when finishing up 3rd to Notting Hill 2 weeks ago and that run should put him spot on for this. A. Sandesh takes over in the saddle for Neeraj Rawal today, he is expected to run a big race and is likely to be involved and occupy a spot in the frame.
RARE SILVER :- Aged 7 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait who took advantage of a straightforward opportunity in an older horses contest last time out when eased in grade to record his 2nd career victory from 28 starts, getting up close home to collar the runaway Smoky Haze and score over 1200M. He should gain confidence from the win and only has a 4 kilo penalty to contend with. Neeraj Rawal is an encouraging Jockey booking taking over from C.S. Jodha and he comes into this race in good form and should try hard to repeat.
KINGSMAN :- Nicely bred and unexposed 5 year old gelding in the care of young Deepesh Narredu who only began racing this season and has the maximum scope to improve among this lot. He made an eye catching debut on the opening day of the season when finishing on late to be 4th to La Rondine over 1200M and was a very short priced favourite to oblige next time out upped to this trip but caught a tartar in the speedy My Precious whom refused to surrender her lead and held him off by a neck with the pair clear of the rest. He is likely to have improved further for that run and P. Trevor has been booked to ride today. He looks to be much better than his current mark suggests and looks the one they all have to beat.
RED’S REVENGE :- 6 year old gelding from the yard of Rehanullah Khan who’s overall record of 1 win from 19 starts is unconvincing but he looks capable of adding to his solitary win over course and distance last season. He does not seem to be very consistent with his efforts and needs to bounce back after a string of mediocre performances but the booking of C.S. Jodha catches the eye and his trainer is good at readying one first time out. He looks reasonably handicapped at present and is another who has each way claims if in a galloping mood.
CONCLUSION :- I usually refrain from nominating a horse in these sort of races but Kingsman looks too good to miss here and is confidently put forward. He was a shade unlucky not to score last time out and looks likely to make amends today. The list of dangers is very long and is headed by Aberlour and Aurora Australis
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
