From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Thursday, 10th January 2019- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 09 Jan 2019
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Thursday, 10th January 2019
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Fiddle Faddle Plate – Div. III – Class V, 5 Years & Over – Distance :- 1400M
SAMURAI :- 8 year old gelding who comes from the yard of A. M. Jadhav, he is a veteran of 34 races and has managed to place on 12 occasions in the past but has passed the post first only once. That win came back in August 2017 over a mile in Pune where he beat Harmony and Divine Angel in a fighting finish off a mark of 26. He struggled during the previous Mumbai season and was off the track from mid March, reappearing in Pune in September where he was given two easy runs. However, he made a promising reappearance here 3 weeks ago over this trip in a no whip race, racing prominently and kicking on to finish 3rdbehind Allegria. He is likely to come on for that run and strip fitter and Vishal Bunde claims a useful 3 ½ kilos in the saddle. He is now rated 24 so is below his last winning mark and is capable of making an impression if he can build on that last effort. Considered each way in what looks a very open contest.
HUZZAH’S GRACE :- 5 year old filly trained by Imtiaz Sait, she too has proved largely unreliable in her 17 race career and has managed to win only once, albeit off a similar mark. Her victory came on this track in March last season over a mile, off a mark of 24, getting up late to beat Angels Harmony by half a length. She has however run disappointingly in 8 starts since that win and did not create much of an impression on her seasonal reappearance, finishing 8th of 12 to Patriot’s Day over a mile. The only thing in her favour is that her mark has now dropped down to 20 and she will have the assistance of a good rider in the form of Robbie Downey. She needs to return to form though and looks to have plenty to do. Possibilities and could be considered as an outsider.
ALSACE :- Hitherto untried 4 year old gelding trained by Mansoor Shah but has now moved to the yard of Trainer Sangramsinh N Joshi and has yet to hit the board in his 11 runs so far but has come down considerably in the weights as a result of his poor performances. However, he did show some zest for racing on the opening day when running a forward race over 1000M and raced over this 7 furlong trip last time out, finishing up 9th to Sweeping Move. He does not have much to recommend his chances except for the fact that he should be fit after 2 runs, he looks on a handy mark and his plates have been changed to aluminium from steel for the first time today which is usually an indication that he should be tried for the first time. He is an unknown quantity who could be better than his current mark and could be a long priced outsider with H. Zeeshan in the saddle.
LOVELY FAIRY :- Another relatively unexposed 5 year old mare, this one from the yard of C. Rajendra, she has a nice pedigree but appears to have her issues and is still winless after 13 starts. Her best effort so far came over course and distance around this time last year when she finished runner up to Centaurus, beaten 4 lengths. She has dropped even further in the scales since then but ran a forward race on her reappearance when taking over the running before failing to sustain but finishing a close 5th to Sweeping Move. She is likely to improve from that run and strip fitter today and the booking of K. Nazil catches the eye and suggests that connections are fancying their chances. She looks very well placed at the weights and if in a galloping mood, could prove to be a factor.
SMOKY HAZE :- Maiden 6 year old mare trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha but probably the form horse in the field and has been threatening to strike in her last couple of starts. Having run 19 races so far and not created much of an impression, she too has dropped a long way in the weights and gave signs that she was well treated on her first run in Pune when finishing a close 3rd to I Am The Way over 1400M. She finished on late to be runner up to Aquarius on her last run in Pune and showed that she had maintained her form when a good 2nd to Rare Silver last time out, only worn down in the closing stages. With most of the others in the field having some doubts she looks the logical choice and with Dashrath Singh in the saddle, could make it 3rd time lucky and looks a leading fancy.
FOREVER FREE :- Maiden 6 year old mare from the small stable of Adil Dajee, she has a similar profile to Smoky Haze, having gone 19 starts without a win but with a couple of placed efforts having finished runner up to Gnostic Eyes over course and distance last April which has been her best effort to date. She did manage to place once out of 4 attempts in Pune, ending a faraway 3rd to Eternal Dancer over this trip and her mark has come down even further since then. She had a lung opener over 1000M earlier in the season and finished a close 5th which should put her spot on for this. S.A. Amit who rode the last time keeps the ride and she is another who is on a handy mark and is worthy of each way consideration.
CONCLUSION :- A trappy looking opener but it makes sense to side with Smoky Haze here as she has current form to her name and was only worn down close home by Rare Silver last time out. With all the others having some question mark about them, she is the selection. Huzzah’s Grace although out of form is one of the few who is a previous winner and is also considered with Robbie Downey up along with the untried Alsace.
Race No. 2 :- The General Obaidullah Khan Trophy – Class II & III – Distance :- 2400M
FRIVOLOUS :- 6 year old horse in the care of Malesh Narredu he has been a consistent performer in his 14 race career, finishing outside the frame just once and winning 3 races but he has also proved to be an expensive failure on a number of occasions including when favourite last time out over 2000M but only able to finish 3rd of the 4 runners behind Vulcan and Raees. He is likely to come on for that run and has won over this trip in the past so he looks to have leading claims on paper with regular rider Yash Narredu in the saddle again today. He does seem to have the measure of Gold Bond on their previous meeting and is eased slightly in grade having contested a Class I race last time out. He would be given a strong chance if running upto his best but has made a hash of similar chances in the past and should be supported with some trepidation.
GOLD BOND :- Consistent, versatile and progressive 5 year old from the Imtiaz Sait yard but he has to bounce back from an indifferent last effort just 10 days ago where he was favourite over a mile but could never land a serious blow and finished last of the 6 runners. Prior to that he had ended up a good 2nd behind stable companion Gloriosus over 2000M and held off Frivolous by a neck on his last victory in Pune where he was receiving 10 kilos. He is in receipt of 8 kilos today so looks a little worse off on the scale but is likely to be the one controlling the pace in this 4 horse field and he may relish more galloping ground. Robbie Downey keeps the ride and if reverting to his best form, he could make every post a winning one and should not be disregarded.
SMASHER :- Fashionably bred and in form 6 year old gelding from the all conquering stable of Pesi Shroff he was a late maturing type who began racing quite late in his career but quickly developed into a solid stayer. He scored back to back wins over this 2400M last season and after being off the track and missing the entire Pune season, he has shown a good return to form this term. After getting a lung opener over a mile earlier in the season, he trounced Classic hopeful Roberta over 2000M and last time out, went on to run a creditable 2nd to Bushtops over 2000M and has been turned out again quickly in the space of 4 days. He will relish every yard of this 2400M trip and comes in nicely at the weights but may not be suited if the race is slowly run. N.S. Parmar takes over in the saddle from Leigh Roche but he looks a strong contender and should emerge victorious.
CONCLUSION :- Smasherhas been in excellent form this season and will relish the return to his pet 2400M trip. He should resume his winning ways at the expense of Frivolous who is very capable on his day but also unreliable which tempers enthusiasm.
Race No. 3 :- The Rhapsidion Snow Plate – Div. II – Class V – Distance :- 1200M
FABERGE :- Lightly raced 5 year old gelding trained by S.K. Sunderji he has only raced 6 times so far, doing nothing of note on the first 5 occasions but seemingly improved last time out when running a forward race and finishing a close 3rd to Bourbon Princess over course and distance. He is having just his 7th start so looks capable of improving again and should be able to build on that last effort. C.S. Jodha takes over in the saddle today replacing P. Trevor but he seems to be working well since the run and in spite of conceding weight all around here, looks a strong each way prospect.
PRIMUM NON NOCERE :- Nicely bred and lightly raced 4 year old filly, this half sister to Merveilleuse is bred to want distance trips but has been campaigned only over sprints in her 3 starts so far. 4th to Frieze in a weak 5 furlong maiden on debut towards the end of April, she had 2 starts in Pune, both over 6 furlongs, finishing a fair 5th behind Bernice on her first start but seemingly taking a backward step when well fancied last time out and fading away tamely to finish a poor 7th to Eyes For You. She has been rested and given time to improve since that run and looks to have been relatively well prepared for her seasonal debut. She is having just her 3rd start and making her handicap debut and looks a strong contender to succeed with Neeraj Rawal in the saddle.
FELIX FELICIS :- Another lightly raced and unexposed 4 year old filly, this one from the small stable of Vijay Kasbekar, she has been catching the eye in the morning gallops for quite a while now and after doing nothing of note in her first 5 career starts, looked much improved on her first run of the season, making leisurely progress from the rear to finish a relatively unextended 4th to Dusky Siren with a feeble rider up and getting hampered for room in the straight. Her workouts since that run have indicated that she has progressed again and Bhawani Singh now takes over in the saddle from B.Nikhil. She is likely to improve again and is another worth fancying quite seriously in this company.
LILIBETH :- Exposed 5 year old mare from the stable of Narendra Lagad who has already run 5 times this season in a short span of time and looks to currently be on a handy mark. Her overall record is unconvincing with just 1 prior win from her 16 starts and she has mainly struggled since scoring that maiden success. She has dropped down to a mark which is well below her last winning one so she looks well handicapped on that score and K. Nazil takes over in the saddle today which looks a positive. She has not done anything this season that suggests that she is ready to earn another bracket but could be involved in the frame and add some spice to the finish.
MACGYVER :- Maiden 5 year old gelding who used to be trained by B. Prakash but has now moved to the yard of S.A. Waheed and is another who has been skilfully brought down in the scales. He has run 12 times so far and seemed to be finding form last time out when finishing on strongly over 1000M to be a flying 2nd to Fire Flame. That run suggested that he was coming to hand, he looks open to further improvement and should appreciate the extra furlong. He has been working well since the run and the booking of P. Trevor indicates that connections are fancying today. He looks one of the principal contenders here if he can build on that last effort and must be respected.
COMMENTS :- Plenty of unexposed potential improvers who have run suggestively in their last start makes winner picking tricky out here. The winner should emerge from among Felix Felicis, Macgyver and Primum Non Nocere.
Race No. 4 :- The Rhapsidion Snow Plate – Div. I – Class V – Distance :- 1200M
ANNIVERSARY GIRL :- Erratic 5 year old mare from the stable of Narendra Lagad who is a winner of just 1 of her previous 15 starts, that win coming 9 starts ago in maiden company over this trip in Pune where she got the better of Rincon by 1 length in a decent race. She seemed to lose her way completely after that win but has hinted at a revival this term with some decent efforts. She showed the first signs of regaining form when finishing on late to be a faraway 3rd to Joplin over 1000M and after running a shocker next time out, looked back to track when runner up to Hodson’s Horse over this trip. She does not appear to be completely straightforward and may struggle to give weight all around here but if reproducing that last effort, then she looks to have good each way chances with Sunny Chinoy retaining the ride.
BISHOP OF DERRY :- Very interesting and highly regarded 5 year old gelding who began his career under Vishal Gaikwad but seemed to suffer a major setback and is returning from a year off the track in the care of M.K. Jadhav. He did run a couple of forward races in his 3 runs so far, leading for a long way over a mile before fading to be 6th when last seen. He returns after an extended absence and there is no recorded track work of late so he is entitled to need this run and may be lacking in fitness. A paddock check is advised to ascertain his condition but if looking well, he could be better quality than this lot and may prove good value at a price with 3 ½ kilo claimer Vishal Bunde booked.
NIGHT WATCH :- Unexposed 5 year old improver from the yard of S.K. Sunderji, he has run 4 times till date and needed the first 3 starts to come to hand but showed significant improvement on his seasonal debut when strongly fancied and getting the hang of things late to finish a flying late 2nd to Bonafide over 1000M and he would likely have won in a couple of more strides so is sure to be suited by the extra furlong. He has been working extremely well since the run indicating that he has improved further and C.S. Jodha takes the ride today in place of P. Trevor. He looks likely to have progressed again and is strongly fancied to make amends and earn his maiden success.
SKY BEAUTY :- Once raced 4 year old filly trained by C. Rajendra who was given an educative run over 1000M in Pune finishing 7th of the 8 runners behind Joplin but she is sure to have learnt plenty from that and should improve. Her recent track work suggests that she has indeed made progress and should fare better over the additional furlong. Amyn Merchant takes the ride suggesting that she may be out for an airing again today but she is an unexposed type who could improve and is worth keeping an eye on especially if looking fit and well.
GRAND ARCHITECT :- Improving 4 year old Dean’s Kitten gelding who is trained by Bezan Chenoy and has run quite modestly in his 4 starts until date. He made his debut back in March over 7 furlongs but his 3 subsequent runs have all been over this trip and he did show a little improvement last time out when making some late progress to finish just outside the frame behind Kilkarry Bridge in Pune. He has been working very well since coming to Mumbai and appears to have been well prepared for this reappearance run. He has a strong rider up for the first time with P. Trevor booked to ride and looks likely to be involved in the proceedings.
MYRCELLA :- More exposed than some of the other 4 year olds with 7 runs already under her belt but has looked to be progressing nicely with her racing and ran promisingly last time out over this trip when runner up to El Commandante finishing well clear of the rest. She seems to have maintained her form and fitness since the run and H. Zeeshan keeps the ride. She lacks the scope to improve of some of the more lightly raced types but does have proven form to her name and should almost certainly place with a win not ruled out either.
CONCLUSION :- Night Watch was heavily backed last time out and probably found the trip too sharp last time out, finishing on like a rocket. He is selected to get the better of Grand Architect who is feared with Trevor up for the first time. Bishop of Derry is an interesting outsider who could be a potential fly in the ointment and can be chanced by those looking for a long price.
Race No. 5 :- The Bahrain Trophy – Maiden 3 year Olds – Distance :- 1000M
CAPONE :- Interesting looking debutant from the stable of S.S. Shah, this son of Western Aristocrat is the first foal of Ivana who is by Henry The Navigator so he looks nicely bred on paper. The Rattonsey family usually have a couple of decent 3 year olds in their ownership every season and this could well prove to be one of them. He has moved quite attractively in the prep work that he has done and looks set to make a promising debut with N.S. Parmar booked to ride although the draw has not been kind to him, drawn widest of all in Stall 13.
COURAGEOUS STAR :- One of the runners who has had the benefit of experience and did run quite a forward race on his debut for Malesh Narredu who owns and trains him, prominent until well into the straight before weakening and finishing well down the field behind Ms. Boss. He is sure to improve for that run and strip fitter now but Shrikant Kamble rarely rides any winners nowadays and so his retention tempers enthusiasm somewhat. He definitely looks an each way contender with the advantage of experience but may still need time to reach his peak and could fight it out for minor honours today.
OUI SAVAGE :- Another debutant with an interesting pedigree this one is trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha and should be all about speed, being a half brother to Columbianaprincess. He has been showing out very well in the morning gallops and appears to have been prepared well enough to be ready to go first time out. A paddock check is definitely advised to ascertain his fitness but he is likely to be fit enough and is one worth watching from the plum rail draw with Dashrath Singh in the saddle. Must not be left out of consideration.
THE CHEETAH :- Dean’s Kitten 3 year old trained by young Deepesh Narredu, he is another who seems to have been given plenty of prep work and should be primed to run a big race on his debut. The mare Brindaban performed creditably in Western India over sprints and this is her first foal although the sire may prove more of a stamina influence eventually. He has been working well in the build up to this race, has a good draw in Stall 2 and Yash Narredu as usual takes the ride. He looks a promising sort and is expected to run well.
ATULYA :- Speedily bred Phoenix Tower filly who is a full sister to the likes of Elysee and Chezza and a half sister to New Crown who won 5 races from 17 starts in Bangalore all over sprints. She does not appear to be fully wound up judging from her workouts but has been given a fair amount of work and should be ready to go. The draw has not been kind to her in Stall 11 but C.S. Jodha gets a leg up and she is another interesting looking individual who could go well and be involved.
ELATION :- Representative of the Pesi Shroff yard in this field and to be ridden by leading jockey Leigh Roche, she must be respected on that score alone although she is likely to come into her own over distance trips eventually, being a half sister to Jack Frost. She has had a few easy workouts so does not look anywhere near being fully wound up and looks likely to be going in for an educative run although her full brother Dance The Dream won the B.K. Rattonsey Multi Million first time out so she could possess enough speed. She is the 2nd runner owned by the Rattonsey family in this field and appears to be the more fancied of the pair.
ENID BLYTON :- Got abroad 3 year old from the stable of Altamash Ahmed from a nice American mare called Passing Hour who is a daughter of Red Ransom so she catches the eye on pedigree. She too has only had a few workouts but has moved impressively on the track and is likely to give a good account of herself on debut. Neeraj Rawal takes the ride, she is another who is likely to mature into an above average type but may just need the experience today. Respected and worth a paddock check.
MS. BOSS :- Probably the form pick here, this speedy filly from the Sanjay Kolse yard has run a forward race on debut, always front rank and keeping on well to be a good close 2nd to Tommaso on debut finishing well ahead of a couple of reopposing rivals. She will no doubt improve and benefit from the experience and A. Sandesh takes over in the saddle from S. Amit which is a positive jockey switch. She looks to have improved judging from her subsequent work outs and with the benefit ofr experience, looks to have an excellent chance to go one better.
CONCLUSION :- Ms Boss ran a very promising race on debut and with the benefit of experience, is selected to go one better today as she has a fine sprinting pedigree. There are some well bred debutants on show, notably Enid Blyton and Oui Savage who could be good enough to win first time out while Elation is also respected but could be more of a long term prospect.
Race No. 6 :- The Greater Mumbai Police Cup – Maiden 4 Year Olds – Distance :- 1400M
ARTICULATE :- Nicely bred Excellent Art gelding trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha who is a half brother to Gallant Knight and looks open to improvement after just 2 career starts till date. He made a good impression on debut over 1200M when finishing runner up to Lethal Steps and was strongly fancied upped to this trip next time out but ran very poorly finishing 6th to Sacred Roman over a distance behind the winner. He has been rested and given time to improve since that run and may have been freshened up by the break and can be forgiven one poor run at this early stage of his career. A. Sandesh who rode last time out takes the ride again today and he is expected to leave that last run well behind and stands a good chance if building on his debut performance.
CORMORANT :- Comes from the stable of Faisal Abbas and like Articulate, made a very promising debut but seems to have lost his way since then. He finished a flying late 2nd to Divine Power over 1000M on debut and was strongly fancied in the B.K. Rattonsey Multi Million on Derby Day but ran poorly to finish 4th to Dance The Dream in race which has not worked out particularly well. He was off the track for a long time after that, reappearing on the final day of the Pune season where he clearly lacked fitness and again ended 4th to Julio Cesaro. He steps up to a middle distance trip for the first time today having been withdrawn on his intended reappearance a month ago. S. Zervan takes the ride today suggesting that he is the lesser fancied of the Shapoor Mistry owned horses but he is working well and should not be left out of consideration.
PONDAROSA :- Relatively more exposed 4 year old gelding trained by Vinesh who has run 6 times till date without success but has shown some improvement this season and seems to be coming along steadily. He finished on nicely to be 3rd to Lucky Luciano on the opening day and went on to run a close 4th to Eagleinthesky again over a mile. The slight drop in trip should not bother him, he is working well and Akshay keeps the ride. He looks more of a minor berth contender against some more unexposed types but should run well and be involved.
SO SPLENDID :- Interesting runner from the Vishal Gaikwad yard, he has been gaining fitness with his racing, having had 6 runs so far, 3 apiece in Mumbai and Pune and has not managed to make the frame just yet although finishing 5th on 3 occasions. He has been working well for quite some time now but finished some way behind Outrageous over 6 furlongs in Pune and will need to improve considerably to reverse that form. He has a decent rider on for the first time today as H Zeeshan takes over in the saddle from Akshay, is working well and looks a dark horse who could spring a surprise.
FINDLERHOF :- Highly regarded 4 year old filly who made her racing debut 3 weeks ago and caught the eye in the closing stages. She was badly hampered on the rails once entering the straight and Trevor had to snatch up and switch around a bunch of horses but she finished on powerfully once on an even keel to be runner up to Flaming Martini. That experience would have done her a world of good, she is working impressively since the run indicating that she has improved and the extra furlong should be to her advantage. She looks a strong contender to go one better now with P. Trevor retaining the ride and with normal progression, she looks hard to beat.
OUTRAGEOUS :- Got abroad filly trained by Pesi Shroff, she does not appear to be one of the stable’s leading lights judging from her 3 runs so far and although she did bounce back from a poor performance on her penultimate run, she found Juno’s Guest too strong on her last start, ending up a well held 2nd. She has raced exclusively over 6 furlongs till date so may appreciate the extra furlong and with Leigh Roche in the saddle, cannot be ignored.
CONCLUSION :-It is hard to oppose the highly regarded Findlerhof after her impressive debut effort in spite of being hampered and she is selected to get off the mark at the expense of Articulate who is expected to bounce back from a poor effort last time out.
Race No. 7 :- The Fiddle Faddle Plate – Div. I – Class V, 5 Years & Over – Distance :- 1400M
POWER OF THOR :- Formerly known as Eiger’s Tiger he is trained by Narendra Lagad and is a veteran of 44 races, having won twice before in the past. He has come down considerably in the weights and has been trying to earn another bracket since the Pune campaign but although he has been placing regularly, he is yet to pass the post first. He finished 3rd in his first 2 starts this season, ending a close 3rd to It’s A Deal in a similar contest but suffered from poor assistance in the saddle when favourite last time out, ending up 7th to Allegria. He should be fit enough after 3 runs this season and Sunny Chinoy takes over in the saddle which is a big positive. He seems to be running upto his level at present and merits each way consideration although his win percentage is unflattering and place seems a more plausible option.
ANDALUCIA :- Another improving and unexposed 5 year old mare from the S.K. Sunderji yard who stepped up on her previous efforts when finishing on strongly from the rear to finish up 3rd to Dusky Siren just a shade ahead of Felix Felicis who runs earlier in the card so her performance may give an indicator to her chances. She is a full sister to Traherne so has a nice pedigree and looks open to further improvement. She seems to be running off a relatively lenient mark and with P. Trevor retaining the ride, she looks a strong each way contender and should run well today.
CRAY CRAY :- 5 year old mare trained by young A.M. Jadhav, she seemed to catch form during the recent Pune season, winning her maiden race over this trip a few starts ago where she had Huzzah’s Phoenix back in 3rd and followed that up with a good 3rd over a mile in her last start in Pune, where she had Power of Thor back in 4th. She has had a lung opener this season so should be fit and looks open to further improvement. Vishal Bunde takes the ride, claiming a useful 3 ½ kilos in the saddle and she looks another who has decent each way chances.
DRAGONMOSS :- 5 year old handicapper from the Adhirajsingh Jodha stable who has managed just a solitary success in his 16 runs till date but has come back down to a favourable mark and nearly added a 2nd success last time out, going down narrowly to Sweeping Move in a 3 horse photo. That did not appear to be a particularly strong race but he seems to be in good heart at present and A. Sandesh who replaces P. Trevor has a good strike rate for the yard. He should be in the thick of things if running upto the same level and must be considered.
EBONY :- Well bred 5 year old mare trained by Altamash Ahmed who’s career has been rocked by a couple of setbacks and after finishing runner up in 3 of her first 5 starts seemed to lose her way and could be potentially well treated off her current mark if she has come right. She was well fancied on her reappearance but possibly lacked a bit in fitness and failed to sustain finishing 5th to It’s A Deal with Power of Thor ahead of her that day and she should be fitter and sharper today. She likes to dominate so could very well attempt pillar to post tactics and with good 5 kilo claimer A.S. Peter booked to ride, she could score from end to end and bears close watching.
HUZZAH’S PHOENIX :- Lightly raced 5 year old gelding who is still a maiden after 9 starts but ahs gone close on a couple of occasions and is likely to strike before too long. She went very close over 1200M in March, finishing a neck 2nd to Highland Woods and made up a lot of ground to be a late finishing 3rd behind Cray Cray last time out. He has been rested and prepared since that last run and may have been freshened up by the break. He has been working quite well of late, Robbie Downey takes the ride for the first time today and he looks a strong contender to finally shed his maiden tag in spite of a wide draw in Stall 14.
GANDALF :- Another maiden, this 5 year old gelding from the yard of Asad Siddiqui is another who has been threatening to strike for a while now finishing runner up in his last 2 starts in Pune. Having run 15 races so far without success, he first showed signs of coming to hand on this track in February when a strong finishing 2nd to Golden Horde over 1200M and he followed that up with a 3rd place behind Transform next time out when his rider did not appear overly serious. After getting a lung opener in Pune, he went on to finish runner up in both his subsequent runs and he has had his lung opener over 1000M already this season. P.S. Chouhan takes over in the saddle from a whipless apprentice today and he looks to have a strong chance to finally enter the winner’s circle.
CONCLUSION :- A very open looking affair and probably best watched from a betting perspective. Gandalf is just a tentative selection with Huzzah’s Phoenix, Andalucia and Ebony the others who should be considered.
Race No. 8 :- The Maple Star Plate – Class IV & V, 5 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1000M
EPIPHANY :- Well bred and lightly raced 5 year old trained by Nazak Chenoy who has done well in her limited career so far winning 2 of her 8 races and scoring a fluent victory over 1200M the last time she ran in this grade. She acquitted herself with credit on 2 runs in the higher class, finishing behind La Magnifique on both occasions and is now dropped down to the minimum trip and eased in grade, taking on older horses. She has been blazing the track in her preparatory work and P.S. Kaviraj, a 5kilo claimer who has been riding well this season, has been booked to ride. She has top weight to defy but seems well within herself at present and if her inexperienced rider can negotiate this large field, she looks to have strong each way claims.
RIDGEWOOD STAR :- Exposed 6 year old handicapper trained by Dallas Todywalla, he has run 22 times so far, mainly over sprints and comes into this race in good form, having secured his 2nd career victory over 1200M on his earlier run of the season. He was a decisive winner over Rare Silver that day and a 5 kilo penalty seems manageable. He should not mind the drop to the minimum trip, has a good draw in Stall 2 and with Neeraj Rawal a worthy replacement for P. Trevor, is likely to make a bold bid to repeat.
TENERIFE :- Well bred 5 year old mare from the stable of S.K. Sunderji who has performed with credit in her career so far, winning once but placing on 5 occasions in her 8 race career and maintaining a good level of consistency over these sort of trips. She ran just twice during the Pune season, and finished a very close 2nd over 1200M last time out, looking a winner before being pipped at the post by Golden Weaver. She appears to have maintained her form and fitness over the break, has been working very well of late and P. Trevor takes the ride. The long Mumbai straight should offset the drop to the minimum trip and she looks a very strong contender to earn another bracket.
SKYSURFER :- 5 year old mare who appears to be the most fancied of the yard’s runners with stable jockey Dashrath Singh booked to ride. She seemed to hit form during the recently concluded Pune season running alternate good and bad races and her last run was below par so she is due a winning run today. Both her wins that season came over this 5 furlong trip while both the poor efforts were over 1200M so the minimum trip is another positive in her favour. The draw has not been kind to her in Stall 13 but she appears fit and well judging from her workouts and is another strong each way player.
ROYSTON ROCK :- 6 year old mare who had been brought down to a very handy mark and has hit a rich vein of form bidding for a hattrick after 2 fluent wins over 1200M. She was progressing steadily throughout the Pune season and was rewarded with a win on her penultimate run, easily beating Bay of Love. She continued her good form this season in spite of her penalty, winning by a neck from Golden Horde again over this trip and is now up a further 4 kilos. She appears to have plenty more to give and although the drop to the minimum trip does not look ideal, N.B. Kuldeep claims a valuable 3 ½ kilos and she looks likely to make a determined bid to complete her hattrick.
ALPINE EXPRESS :- Very speedy in her prime, this 6 year old trained by Vinesh has come down to an extremely attractive handicap mark but has to prove that she still retains her old ability after a string of poor performances. Winner of 3 of her 24 starts till date, she was rated as high as 53 after her last win but is now running off a mark of 31 and had a lung opener this season to blow away the cobwebs. She has been woefully out of form for a long time now but K. Nazil has been booked to ride today and if she can regain her old form, then she looks a rank outsider who could spring a huge surprise.
CONCLUSION :- A very competitive finale as well and the winner should emerge from among Tenerife, Epiphany, Skysurfer and Royston Rock.
