From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 20th January 2019- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 19 Jan 2019
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 20th January 2019
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Academic Trophy – Div. II – Class V – Distance :- 1400M
ALLEGRIA :- 6 year old mare trained by Zadmal Singh who has run 18 times till date but only seems to have hit form in her last few starts. After an erratic career, she showed signs of finally coming to hand on her final run in Pune where she finished on to be 4th to Brave over 1000M and she ran a forward race on her seasonal reappearance when a close 4th to Bourbon Princess upped to 6 furlongs with the same rider up, always prominent and kicking on to finish a very close 4th. She built on that effort when upped to this trip in a no whip contest a month ago and proved far too strong for her rivals, recording a 6 length maiden success with Grand Eyes back in 4th, beaten 8 lengths. She has incurred a 6 kilo penalty for that win but should gain plenty of confidence from it and running in the same class and with A.S. Peter up again she is one of the few in the field with current form and stands a good chance to repeat.
GRAND EYES :- Formerly known as Bedroom Eyes, this 5 year old son of Multidimensional began his career with C.D. Katrak before being shifted into the care of Imtiaz Sait and is still relatively untried and unexposed. He has run 8 times so far and showed no signs of ability in his first 7 runs but looked to have found some improvement for his new trainer last time out when finishing on to be 4th behind Allegria. He was beaten 8 lengths that day but that was his first run which showed promise and he is capable of building on that and improving. Robbie Downey takes over in the saddle today in place of Raghuveer Singh and even though it looks hard for him to reverse the form with his conqueror, he can be involved and looks to have each way claims.
STORMBORN :- Interesting looking maiden 4 year old from the S.K. Sunderji yard who has managed to place once in his 6 runs so far but has been largely a non performer. He was unplaced thrice during the recent Pune season and was given a lung opener here to blow away the cobwebs so should be fit and ready to go. It is an interesting stat that C.S. Jodha is up for the first time today, replacing P. Shinde which is a big positive and his last couple of workouts have suggested that he has improved. He merits respect as an unknown quantity running in the lowest grade and with improvement clearly possible, he could prove to be the dark horse here and can upset.
BHAKTAWAR :- Regally bred 6 year old trained by C. Rajendra, he probably is the form choice in this field having finished on in eye catching fashion over a mile last time out. Full brother to Indian 1000 Guineas winner Godspeed he has run 11 times so far and did nothing of note in his first 5-6 starts but began to run suggestively midway through the Pune season and has been consistently putting in good performances. He has a tendency to get left at the gates and did so last time out as well but finished on very strongly to be a flying late 3rd behind Eagleinthesky which was an excellent effort. He has been working well for some time now, Neeraj Rawal who rode him last time out keeps the ride and if building on that last effort, he has a very strong chance to score.
DECCAN KING :- Aged and exposed 7 year old handicapper trained by H. J. Antia he has tumbled down in the weights to what looks a very workable mark and ran a forward race last time out over a mile suggesting that he was getting ready to strike. He has managed to win just 1 of his 31 starts so far so his overall record is not particularly encouraging but he did finish 3rd in a similar contest a couple of starts ago and with S.A. Amit booked to ride, could make the finish more interesting.
CONCLUSION :- Bhaktawar caught the eye with his finishing effort last time out and if able to overcome his wayward starting habits, he looks to have a strong chance to shed his maiden tag. Allegria is in good form and looks to be the main danger while the dark horse in the race is the hitherto untried Stormborn who seems to have improved
Race No. 2 :- The Yawar Rashid Trophy – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1600M
KINGSMAN :- Nicely bred and improving 5 year old gelding trained by young Deepesh Narredu who seems to be improving with every run and looks a good type in the making. Beginning his racing career just this season, he caught the eye on debut when seeing making good headway in the closing stages to finish up 4th to La Rondine over 1200M. He was made a short priced favourite next time out upped to 7 furlongs but got going late and failed to catch the runaway My Precious by a neck. Partnered with P. Trevor for the first time last time out, he made no mistake and scored a decisive maiden success at the second time of asking, scooting clear of Aurora Australis to win with a bit in hand. He is up 5 kilos for the win which seems fair but is expected to progress again and with P. Trevor once again booked to ride, he looks a leading contender to continue his progression with the extra furlong expected to suit even better. The one to beat.
NOTTING HILL :- Improving 4 year old handicapper trained by S.K. Sunderji, he too scored his maiden success last time out at the 7th attempt, winning over 7 furlongs in good style when getting the better of Fleur De Lys by 2 ¼ lengths. He had been running promisingly before that run as well with a couple of 2nd place finishes to his name in Pune and looks to be going the right way at present. He too has been penalized 5 kilos for his win and C.S. Jodha who rode him last time out retains the ride. He looks to have a little less scope to improve than Kingsman and may find it hard to beat that rival but looks to have a strong chance to make the frame and should be involved.
NOBLEMAN :- Fashionably bred and sparingly raced 4 year old from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard, he has been tenderly handled so far, running 3 well spaced out races the last two of them over this trip and after finishing an excellent close 2nd to Gold Bond on his penultimate start, looked rusty and out of sorts when reappearing here two weeks ago and finished well beaten behind Golden Hind. He had been working very well in the lead up to that run and gone a good Mock Race as well so that was a shade disappointing and it may be too soon to expect him to bounce back. However, he is sure to give a better account of himself today and is respected with Leigh Roche in the saddle.
GOLD MAGIC :- Modest 4 year old handicapper from the Imtiaz Sait yard who is still a maiden after 8 attempts and does not seem to be improving in spite of placing on a couple of occasions. He has had 2 starts this season and both of them have been uninspiring, finishing 4th to King Khalil over 1400M first time out and then upped to 2000M last time, ending up 5th to Artus. He comes into this race at the bottom of the scale and looks to have an each way chance with K. Nazil booked to ride but will need to improve dramatically if he is to have chance to win here.
CONCLUSION :- Kingsman looks a progressive sort and having picked up the winning thread is selected to provide a quick encore. The well bred and lightly raced Nobleman looks the main threat while Notting Hill can improve again and is also respected
Race No. 3 :- The R. R. Byramji Trophy – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1400M
GRAND TENTON :- 5 year old gelding from the yard of Vishal Gaikwad, he has been sparingly raced having run just 9 times so far but has finished in the first 2 on 6 occasions, winning thrice for a good overall record. He appears to be best over this 1400M trip at present and has been in good form for a while now. Unfancied in Pune, he scored a shock victory on his final start, beating Aurora Australis and Eyes For You with today’s rider up. He has carried that form into the Mumbai season, finishing runner up to Awesome One on his seasonal debut and then last time out coming with a strong run to dead heat with Hyannis. He looks to have maintained his form and fitness and even though Leigh Roche jumps off him to partner Valegro and Akshay takes over in the saddle, he appears to be in good heart at present and is dangerous to ignore.
MOZART :- Classy 4 year old got abroad from the yard of Pesi Shroff, he was held in very high regard in his juvenile season, winning impressively on debut when not fully wound up but coming with a powerful late run to nab Oomph on the line and then finished a good 2nd to Pioneer in the Breeders Produce Stakes. He was then taken to Ooty in the Summer where he won the Nilgiris 2000 Guineas over 1400M beating My Opinion but came up short in the Nilgiris Derby next time out where he finished 5th behind the same rival. He has not raced since then and was subsequently gelded so is returning to the track after a lengthy absence and is entitled to need this lung opener. He has been given a Mock Race to sharpen him up and also has moved quite pleasingly in the morning gallops. With Leigh Roche opting for stable mate Valegro and N.S. Parmar booked to ride, he could very well be out for an airing today but is a very classy individual and it would be no surprise if he were to win first time out so he should not be taken for granted.
TANJO :- Another lightly raced and well performed 5 year old mare, this one from the in form stable of Nosher Cama, she too is returning after a long break and may be needing this first run. Winner of 2 of her 6 starts, she was in rousing form during the last Mumbai season, scoring an impressive 4 length maiden success over Elixir in a 6 furlong maiden and then went on to beat Celestial Light and Prince of Thea over 7 furlongs next time out. She was undone by Masterofbalantrae in her hattrick bid, ending up a close 2nd but that was her final run of the season. She must have suffered some sort of a setback after that run as she had only 1 start in Pune where she finished 9th of 12 behind Costa Brava and this will be her first run since then. A paddock check is advised to ascertain her fitness but she has been working quite well and moved well in a recent Mock Race. P.S. Chouhan is in the saddle again and if looking fit and well she could return to winning ways and must be respected.
SAFDAR :- Well bred 6 year old gelding trained by Rehanullah Khan who had come down markedly in the scales and has been reaping the benefits of late. Winner thrice from his 25 starts till date, 2 of his wins have come most recently and he looks in good form at the moment. Scoring an upset win over 6 furlongs on the final day of the Pune season, He proceeded to finish runner up to Lesrel on his first run this season. Upped to Class III, he went on to finish a respectable 4th to Grand Tenton and Hyannis upped to1400M and last time out in a 4 Years Old & Over contest, he won unopposed from end to end. He is up a further 4 ½ kilos now and Neeraj Rawal retains the ride but with so many of the runners having their first run after a long break, he stands a good chance to add another win to his tally.
VALEGRO :- Stable companion and owner mate of Mozart and appears to be the more fancied of the pair with Leigh Roche booked to ride him and he will certainly be the fitter of the two today. Winner of one of his 5 starts so far, having finished runner up twice, he has looked workmanlike in his performances but seems to possess stamina and may eventually do better over further. He had to work hard for his maiden win as well which came over 7 furlongs on his 3rd start but he was drawing away as the line came and won decisively in the end. He made a satisfactory debut in Mumbai when finishing on to be runner up to King Khalil over 7 furlongs and was travelled to Bangalore for the 2000 Guineas where he ended up 3rd to The Invader. Returning to Mumbai and dropping back into a handicap he looks to have a strong chance to pick up the winning thread again and looks a leading contender here.
STAR COMRADE :- Enigmatic 6 year old from the stables of Karthik G. he has run 27 times till date, winning on 2 previous occasions but finishing runner up on as many as 8 occasions and clearly does have some ability when at his best. He seems to lack consistency and seldom runs 2 similar races but can pop up when least expected as he showed on his last run in Pune when briefly looking like pulling off an upset before finishing 2nd to Till End of Time. He has had 2 runs this season, making a little late progress last time to finish up 6th to Beshiktash so he should be fit enough and the step in trip will suit. He looks an outsider who can spring a surprise if in a galloping mood and bears close watching with Bhawani Singh in the saddle, who has pulled off a couple of smart gambles in the recent weeks.
CONCLUSION :- Although Valegro put in a creditable performance in the Bangalore 2000 Guineas and that form looks strong enough to win this, at the forecast odds he might be worth taking on with the classy Mozart. The son of Dream Ahead is returning from a long absence and may be a touch rusty but moved well in a recent Mock Race and could have the class to prevail at an attractive price.
Race No. 4 :- The Gool S. Poonawalla Million (Grade 3) – Terms, 3 Years Old Only – Distance :- 1200M
DANDI MARCH :- Solid and compact 3 year old gelding in the care of S.K. Sunderji who has looked above average in his 2 starts so far and looks likely to improve further. Not fully wound up on debut, he finished a faraway runner up to Royal Crystal over 6 furlongs in a maiden contest but decisively reversed the placings in The Usha Stud Million next time out, taking advantage of the 4 kilo weight difference to win convincingly. He had Tommaso 2 ½ lengths back in 4th on debut so should be able to hold that rival and has been working extremely well since his last run. C.S. Jodha who rode him last time out keeps the ride again today and he looks likely to have improved but may find it hard to confirm the form with Arabesque as he had a fitness advantage last time out when beating her by 1 ½ lengths. Nonetheless he looks to have an excellent chance to score here and is greatly respected.
TOMMASO :- Good looking chestnut gelding trained by veteran M.K. Jadhav, he was well fancied on his debut against Royal Crystal and Dandi March but ran disappointingly to finish 4th after being well placed. However, he showed significant improvement next time out with the benefit of experience when dropped to 5 furlongs and showing a clean pair of heels to his rivals to win easily by 3 ½ lengths from Ms Boss who has gone on to win subsequently, giving strength to the form. A. Sandesh who rode him last time keeps the ride and he steps back up to 6 furlongs now which may not be ideal. It looks hard for him to reverse the form with Dandi March at the weights but he should improve and is capable of being involved.
ARABESQUE :- Classy looking filly from the Pesi Shroff stable who has performed with credit in both her starts so far and looks to have leading form claims in this company. Running the very first 2 year old race of the season in Pune, she looked soft in the paddock but still showed a willing attitude to get up late and pip stable companion Seventh Mile over 1000M to score on debut, the pair finishing well clear of the rest. She may not have been fully fit again on her seasonal reappearance but ran a gallant race in defeat, going down in the closing stages to the fitter Dandi March to whom she was conceding a winner’s penalty. She should come on significantly for the run, is working very well and at the revised weights now looks to have an excellent chance to gain revenge. Leigh Roche takes the ride again today and she looks a leading contender to win this and resume her upward curve.
BEEMER :- Attractive looking bay colt trained by Dallas Todywalla who made his debut just last week over 6 furlongs and raced prominently before fitness probably became an issue and he fell back to finish 6th behind Thailand. It is surprising that he is being turned out again so quickly within the space of a week which is not ideal for 3 year olds but David Allan is an encouraging Jockey booking. He is likely to develop into a decent sort in due course but may find it hard in a race like this and looks to have a small upset chance at best.
FREE GOLD :- The only debutant in the field, she sports an attractive looking pedigree being a full sister to Perfect Star and a half sister to the likes of Nora, Rosalind and Mystic Quest. She has been working extremely well in the lead up to this contest and should be fit and ready to go. Being a maiden she is in receipt of weight from the winners which is to her advantage and with Robbie Downey in the saddle, could prove to be a danger to all. Interesting.
CONCLUSION :- Arabesque looks the stand out on form here as she should be able to reverse the places with Dandi March who had both a fitness and weight advantage last time out. Newcomer Free Gold also looks interesting and could add some pep to the finish.
Race No. 5 :- The P.D. Avasia Trophy – Class II & III – Distance :- 1200M
MASTER OF UNIVERSE :- Out station challenger from Mysore who looks a quality colt and has a terrific record of 3 wins in his 4 starts till date, losing by ½ a length on the other occasion. He returned from a year off the track to score back to back wins in his last 2 starts and clearly seems to be progressing nicely in spite of his setback. A 5 length winner off top weight in Class III last time out, he is conceding weight all around here as well and it is difficult to tie in the form. However, he appears to be in the pink of condition at present and with regular saddle partner Nirmal Jodha in the saddle, must be respected and looks to have a strong chance.
EXCELLENT GOLD :- 5 year old gelding trained by Narendra Lagad who quickly developed into a useful sprinter but of late has been struggling with his mark and it has been a while since his last victory. Winner of 4 of his 13 starts overall, he hit a purple patch and rattled off 4 wins in a row when in his prime but seemed to peak at that time and although he has been placing consistently since his last win, he seems to be in the handicapper’s grip and will need to unlock some more improvement. He did run with some promise on his opening race of the current campaign finishing on late to be a close 4th to La Magnifique and has a length or so to make up on Gazino who finished runner up that day. A. Sandesh takes over in the saddle from K. Nazil, he has been working very well and looks to have an each way chance if building on that last effort.
GAZINO :-Another seasoned 5 year old handicapper, this one trained by Nosher Cama, he is a winner of 3 of his 14 races so far and also developed into a top level sprinter but seemed to have a setback after his last run in January and he was off the track for 7 months before returning in Pune. He needed a few runs in Pune to get him back to full fitness but looked like he was back in form on his seasonal reappearance when ending up a close 2nd to La Magnifique with Excellent Gold back in 4th. He was not suited by the drop to 1000M last time out and ran poorly to finish 7th but will be much better suited by the return to this trip and P.S. Chouhan as usual is on board. He should be a force to reckon with if back to his best and merits serious consideration.
KILKARRY BRIDGE :- Rapidly improving 4 year old gelding from the S. K. Sunderji stable, he has a similar profile to Master of Universe having won 3 of his 4 starts and is unbeaten over this trip having suffered his only defeat when dropped to 5 furlongs and going down narrowly to Riquewihr. He began the season most impressively, scoring an emphatic 4 length win over Lorraine who has gone on to frank that form and is likely to have improved again. He has a 6 kilo penalty to contend with for the last win but seems to be improving with every run and with C.S. Jodha in the saddle again, looks the one that they all have to beat.
ORACLE :- 5 year old gelding trained by Nazak Chenoy who won his first 2 starts of his career and is 3 for 10 overall having finished outside the frame on just 1 prior occasion. 5 furlongs seems to be his pet trip with all of his wins coming over that distance but he should be able to stay at least this far although his only prior attempt at this trip was a 4th placed finish. He did not race the entire Pune season and needed the lung opener over 1400M first time out but looked to be coming back to form last time when finishing a good 3rd over 1000M to Iron Age. P. Trevor takes over in the saddle today replacing Santosh G which is a positive and if he able to harness his energy over this additional furlong then he could have a say
QUEEN CREDIBLE :- Inconsistent 6 year old mare trained by Rehanullah Khan, she is a veteran of 26 races and has been quite consistent over a variety of trips, winning thrice and placing on 9 occasions. She is effective over distances ranging from 1000 – 1400M but this 1200M trip seems to suit her best and she looked like she was regaining form last time out when finishing on late to be 4th behind Kilkarry Bridge and comes into this race at a feather weight. Good apprentice A.S. Peter has been booked to ride and she does stand a small chance to upset at the weights and should not be left out of calculations.
CONCLUSION :- This should be a straight fight between the 2 progressive colts – Kilkarry Bridge who was an impressive winner over this trip last time out and the out station challenger Master of Universe who has looked head and shoulders above his opposition in Mysore and looks to be in great form. Gazino can trouble them all if in a galloping mood and is also respected.
Race No.6 :- The Hindustan Times Palate Fest Indian Oaks (Grade 1) – Terms, 4 Year Old Fillies Only – Distance :- 2400M
BLUEBELL:-Lightly raced and progressive filly from the Vishal Gaikwad yard who has an attractive pedigree and seems to be one of the leading contenders on current form. Returning from a long absence, she gave a classy performance albeit in a Class V Handicap over 9 furlongs, winning as she pleased and looking a cut above her rivals. She impressed her trainer so much that she travelled to Hyderabad to contest the Golconda Oaks (Grade 2) and facing a small field of 3 rivals, emerged triumphant over local fancy Nimble Mind. She looks open to plenty of improvement on just her 4th career start and has the added advantage of already having won over this trip. The 1000 Guineas duo of Vishal Gaikwad and Leigh Roche team up again looking for a Classic double and she looks one of the main contenders.
EXCEPTION :-One of 2 out station challengers this filly comes from Kolkotta and is trained by J.E. Mackeown. She has run 5 times so far and has been highly campaigned since finishing 5th in a maiden contest over 1400M on debut. She won the Calcutta Fillies Trial Stakes on just her 2nd start but was well beaten by the Colts in the Kolkotta Monsoon Derby. She was a distant 2nd to Adjudicate in the Kolkotta 1000 Guineas and showed improved form when stepping upto this trip to finish a neck 2nd to Oriana in the Kolkotta Oaks. Her connections have paid a whopping final Entry fee here to supplement her for the race so they clearly fancy their chances and Suraj Narredu has been booked to ride. She appeared to be staying on at the finish that day and if improving again, has as good a chance as any of these and must be considered.
EYES FOR YOU :- Nicely bred and lightly raced filly trained by Rehanullah Khan who has had 4 runs so far, winning her maiden impressively on her 2nd run in Pune and seemed to be the fastest finishing in the Indian 1000 Guineas when ending up a close 4th behind Oomph which suggested that she might relish more galloping ground and be suited by this longer trip. She has been working extremely well since the run and Robbie Downey has been booked to ride. A word of caution is advised as there are doubts about her staying ability with most of the progeny of Margarita Rita effective mainly over 6 or 7 furlongs with the exception of Heaven Is Here who finished 2nd in the Bangalore Oaks but if she does stay the trip well, she represents Indian Classic form and should be bang there at the finish.
NEW CREATION :- The 2nd out station challenger and the highest rated filly in this field who comes here after a battling victory in the South India Oaks where she got the better of Tudor Treasure and La Rondine in a thrilling 3 way finish. She carries the colours of last year’s Oaks winner Manifold and represents the highly successful classic combination of David Allan and S. Padmanabhan. She was flat out in Chennai in a 2.35.00 timing so she did not totally convince that she will stay a truly run mile and a half. She looks closely matched with Eyes for You (provided she stays) on a line through La Rondine and looks to have a strong chance to gain another Classic success.
ROBERTA :- Beautifully bred filly trained by Pesi Shroff who has won the last 4 Indian Oaks in a row and must be respected on that score alone. She was touted by many as a future winner of this race after her facile maiden victory in Pune over 2000M in spite of getting left at the gates. She had to work a little harder to win her next race in Class III but was well on top close home. However, she dealt her classic aspirations a serious blow on her opening run of the season where she jumped awkwardly, fell back considerably and after improving into a striking position, had nothing in the tank in the straight and ended up a distance behind stable companion Smasher. She has had a month to rest and recover from her exertions and now clearly has questions to answer. However, she has been working extremely well in her last few workouts and could be forgiven one off day. P. Trevor who rode her to both her previous victories is up again today and if that last run is ignored, she has leading claims.
CONCLUSION :- Very difficult to make a clear choice here with plenty of the Fillies looking closely matched. With Pesi’s excellent record in this race, it is tempting to take a chance on the beautifully bred Roberta who is looking to emulate her mother and win the Indian Oaks. Bluebell also looks very progressive and has done nothing wrong so far while Eyes For You finished on strongly in the 1000 Guineas and could be a factor if she stays the trip. New Creation and Exception are also respected and this promises to be a keenly fought contest.
Race No. 7 :- The Tricumdas Dwarkadas Trophy – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1200M
MOUNT OLYMPUS :- 4 year old Win Legend gelding who is one of three runners from the Narendra Lagad yard and appears to have the best chance of the trio with apprentice K. Nazil booked to ride. Winner of 2 of his 11 starts so far, he has run thrice this season and after needing the lung opener first time out, has finished 3rd in similar contests the last twice, last time out finishing a close 3rd to Steppenwolf. He appears to need a little bit of help from the handicapper before he can return to winning ways but is expected to be on the premises again today and should be involved in the frame.
CHARLES BRIDGE :- Lightly raced and highly regarded 4 year old gelding from the stable of Sanjay Kolse who has been generally disappointing since scoring a shock maiden win over 1000M on debut. He returned from a long lay off to finish runner up to Mount Olympus over 7 furlongs and is better off at the weights with that rival today but his last run was most perplexing when dropping to 1200M and finishing well beaten after being prominent till the bend. He is making his seasonal debut with P. Trevor taking over in the saddle from A. Sandesh and may have improved over the break. He has moved well in his couple of workouts and although he may be a touch short on fitness he has the scope to improve on just his 4th start and bears close watching today.
FLAMING MARTINI :- Progressive 4 year old filly trained by Dallas Todywalla who seems to be progressing nicely with her racing and scored a bloodless maiden win over this trip last time out, winning with plenty in hand with the runner up Findlerhof going on to win next time out giving the form a strong look. She appears to have maintained her form and fitness since the run, David Allan is back to partner her again today and in spite of the stiff penalty that she has incurred, she looks to have ticks in all the right boxes and looks a leading fancy to go in again. The one to beat.
PERPETUAL WINNING :- 4 year old gelding who is held in very high regard by his connections and is trained by M.K. Jadhav. He has always been a brilliant worker in morning work and has been strongly fancied on a number of occasions but has not quite risen to the occasion, winning just once from his 7 starts. He has had 2 runs already this season, finishing 3rd to King Khalil and Valegro in a decent Class IV contest and last time out ended runner up to another progressive type in the form of Barack. He continues to work brilliantly since the last run but needs to show a little bit more on the track. He looks to have a strong each chance with Robbie Downey booked to ride and can be involved if putting his best foot forward.
SHAE :- Well bred 4 year old filly who is returning from a long lay off and running over a trip that is likely to be sharp for her but was very highly regarded in her juvenile season and may have found some improvement with maturity. Runner up to Spitfire over 1400M on debut, she was a short priced favourite over a mile next time out but went down fighting to Kora Jade. Her final start came in the Forbes Juvenile Fillies Championship where she again finished 3rd to Catalonia. She has move attractively in her couple of workouts till date and with P.S. Chouhan booked to ride, could cause a stunning upset here and looks a potential dark horse for NosherCama having begun her career with Malesh Narredu.
ONE EYED PRINCESS :- Maiden 5 year old mare from the H.J. Antia stable who has run 4 times till date, all over this trip and has been showing early speed in her last couple of starts. Beginning her career as late as September this year, she is totally unexposed and the booking of A.S. Peter catches the eye taking over from N. Nadeem. She has also bagged the plum rail draw and looks another interesting outsider who could try and win from end to end.
CONCLUSION :- Flaming Martini was an impressive last outing winner over this trip and is strongly fancied to repeat with further improvement expected. Perpetual Winning and Charles Bridge look to be the main dangers.
Race No. 8:-The Academic Trophy – Div. I – Class V – Distance :- 1400M
SO SPLENDID :-Interesting looking 4 year old gelding trained by Vishal Gaikwad who comes from a good family and has largely been untried in his 7 starts so far. He has run suggestively on a couple of occasions and has had a lung opener this season to blow away the cobwebs. The booking of M.A. Roushan suggests that he still may need time to come to hand but he is running in the lowest grade and if finding some form then could be a fly in the ointment.
MEDICI :- Well bred 4 year old gelding trained by S.K. Sunderji who is a 6 race maiden but has finished 4th on 4 occasions. His first 2 runs were over sprint trips but he was stepped up to middle distances in Pune. He ran a promising race on his seasonal debut over 6 furlongs, finishing 4th to El Commandante and the 2nd and 3rd that day, Myrcella and Sharareh have both been winners since so the form looks quite strong. He has been working well since the last run, the additional furlong is unlikely to be a bother and with C.S. Jodha taking over for the first time today, he looks a strong each way player in this field and should be involved in the finish.
PLEIADES :- Promising looking Dean’s Kitten 4 year old who began racing only in September and has been largely untried in his 4 runs till date but seems to be coming to hand. He made good late headway over 1200M last time out to finish a close 5th behind Flying Visit and has been working extremely well since the run suggesting that he has improved. P. Trevor takes over for the first time replacing Santosh G which suggests that connections fancy their chances and if building on that last effort, he looks to have an excellent chance to shed his maiden tag.
NAVIGATOR :- 7 race maiden trained by Narendra Lagad who has been fancied on a couple of occasions but has overall run just modestly till date. He has been tried over a variety of trips and stands a very good chance on the pick of his form, his 2nd start over this trip when he ended a close 3rd to Oriana and Barbaresco which looks terrific form at present. He was very highly tried next time out in the S.A. Poonawalla Multi Million but then ran poorly in his next 3 starts so needs to have improved over the break. He has been given plenty of prep work so should be fit and ready to go and with K. Nazil in the saddle, if he runs upto his best, he looks to have a strong chance to score.
CONCLUSION :- The untried Pleiades seems to have been prepared for this race and with P. Trevor in the saddle is selected to score. Medici had his form boosted and looks a danger while Navigator can also strike if running upto his best and may provide some value at a price.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
