From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Saturday, 2nd February 2019- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 01 Feb 2019
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Saturday, 2nd February 2019
By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Kingfisher Max Mile – Class V – Distance :- 1600M
ROGUE ONE :-Improving 4 year old gelding trained by Narendra Lagad he is winless in 10 starts so far but has shown significant improvement since being gelded midway through his career and has been in good form this season. Beginning this season with a faraway 3rd placed finish behind Barack and Perpetual Winning, he has shown some improvement on being eased into this grade, first coming back with a 2nd run to finish a close 2nd to Western Front and last time out, probably unlucky to finish 2nd by a whisker in a 3 horse finish, losing out to Fanfare because of running erratically in the straight. He looks to have maintained his condition since the last run, Dashrath Singh who has ridden him all 3 starts this season is up again today and he must be respected as an in form horse who stands a strong chance in spite of top weight.
RED’S REVENGE :- Well bred 6 year old China Visit gelding in the care of Rehanullah Khan who has a poor overall record of just 1 win from 21 starts till date but he seems to have come down to a handy mark now and is starting to look attractively handicapped. His solitary win came over 7 furlongs off a mark of 32 and he is now rated 28 so he should be in a position to strike although he needs to return to form. He has had 2 runs this season, both in the higher class and last time out, made a little headway over 2000M when finishing 4th to Emotionless. He has been eased in grade and also has a positive Jockey switch with P.S. Chouhan taking over from N.S. Parmar. He should be fit enough, the mile trip looks ideal and if building on that last effort he could have a say in proceedings and is worth considering.
ROMANESQUE :- Nicely bred 4 year old gelding from the yard of Imtiaz Sait, he has run 3 times so far over 6 and 7 furlongs and has failed to make an impression but is now eligible for a handicap mark and steps up to a mile for the first time. He has been working quite well for some time now and his full brother Vallerysthal is a winner of 2 of his 3 starts in Kolkotta albeit over 6 furlongs. The handicapper has given him a chance and S. Zervan takes the ride from Robbie Downey. He is an unknown quantity who looks capable of improving and could spring a surprise now eased in grade. Can upset so worth keeping an eye on.
CUPIDO :- 5 year old gelding trained by Faisal Abbas who has been sparingly raced and largely untried and is still a maiden after 9 starts. He was fancied for the first time and sent off favourite over a mile in this grade and was being hailed as a winner but was collared late on by Sir Song, ending up 2nd by a long neck. He has run 4 times since then, making the frame on 3 occasions and on his seasonal reappearance with A. Sandesh in the saddle, he was an odds on favourite to oblige but did not get the best of runs and finished on late to be 4th behind Sweeping Move. He is likely to improve and strip fitter for that run and his recent workouts have been most encouraging. Imran Chisty takes over from Sandesh in the saddle today and although the form of his race does not look particularly strong, he looks open to improvement and must be considered.
GOLD MEDALIST :- Consistent but relatively exposed 4 year old gelding from the S.K. Sunderji yard, he has run 10 times so far without success, his best effort coming on his last start in Pune where he just failed to catch Aquarius by a long neck over a mile, finishing up a close 2nd with Power of Thor back in 4th. He has run 3 times this term, finishing a faraway 3rd to Bluebell over 1800M on his seasonal debut but has then finished 5th over a mile the last twice in similar contests and does not seem to be progressing. The return of P. Trevor taking over from C.S. Jodha is a positive but he looks out handicapped against a couple of these and may be able to fight it out for minor honours. Place prospect.
GRAND CHIEFTAIN :- 4 year old gelding trained by Karthik G, he is a 9 race maiden who has taken his time to come to hand but seemed to be finding form towards the end of the Pune season. He went desperately close over a mile on his handicap debut, failing by a whisker to beat Shivalik Skies in a 3 horse photo and followed that up with a distant 3rd behind Tasawwur and Mystic Flame back in a maiden. He has had only one start this season in the higher class finishing 4th behind Golden Hind over a mile and should improve for that run and strip fitter. There is no reported track work since the run which is a bit disconcerting but he has now been eased in grade, should come on for the lung opener and with Bhawani Singh in the saddle looks capable of being involved and should not be ignored.
GANDALF :- 5 year old gelding who comes from the small stable of Asad Siddiqui, he is still a maiden after 16 starts but was brought down in the weights in the first half of his career and has been knocking at the door of late and should strike before too long. He showed first signs of some ability towards the end of February last season, finishing on late to be a close 2nd to Golden Horde over 1200M and was again runner up two of his three starts in Pune, over 1400M and a mile, going perilously close to catching Excellent Ella on his final start. He had a lung opener this term to blow away the cobwebs and last time out took a lot of time to get going and finished on very late to be runner up behind Poco Azul. He looks to have maintained his fitness since that last run and the booking of Y.S. Srinath clearly catches the eye. He is sure to win one of these before too long and looks a strong contender to do so today.
CONCLUSION :- A competitive looking opener but Gandalf has been knocking at the door for some time now, appears to have good current form and in the strong hands of Y.S. Srinath looks set to shed his maiden tag. Top weight Rogue One has also been in good form this season and shapes as the main danger while the lightly raced Romanesque also should be considered.
Race No. 2 :- The Thumbelina Million – Class IV & V – Distance :- 2400M
JAGER BOMB :- Solid 8 year old handicapper from the Imtiaz Sait yard who has won 3 of his 41 starts till date having also placed on 14 occasions for a good overall record. His last win came over course and distance in February last season where he comfortably beat Sagittarius by 2 lengths off a mark of 41. He has been battling with the handicapper since then but is now rated 43 which is just 1 kilo higher and has shown good form this season. After getting a lung opener over 2000M, he finished a good runner up to Emotionless last time out and has shown that he stays this 2400M trip well. Imran Chisty takes over in the saddle from Robbie Downey and he is expected to run well again today but may find it tough to tackle some of the younger horses and is likely to battle it out for minor honours.
GNOSTIC EYES :- Bred in the purple 5 year old trained by Rehanullah Khan who has probably not given off his best in all of his 14 starts and does not seem to be totally straightforward. He has managed to win twice in those 14, the most recent win coming over 9 furlongs in Pune where he comfortably beat Sylvester by 3 ½ lengths in Class V, with Brazos unfancied that day and finishing up 4th beaten about 7 lengths. He ran poorly on his next start on promotion but again showed promise when finishing a good 2nd to Oriana again over 9 furlongs with Benevolence (3rd) and Retained Asset (5th) both behind him. He has had a lung opener this season to blow away the cobwebs which should put him spot on for this and the booking of P. Trevor catches the eye taking over from K. Nazil. He is tackling this 2400M trip for the first time today so has to prove that he stays but if having the stamina for this longer trip, he looks a strong each way contender.
BRAZOS:-Enigmatic 6 year old gelding from the M.K. Jadhav yard he has been relatively lightly raced and is a winner of 2 of his 17 starts and is another who has proven form over this trip. He was diligently prepared throughout the Pune season and duly delivered on the Derby weekend when fancied for the first time with Sandesh up, getting the better of Lucky Luciano by ¾ length with Jager Bomb back in 4th. He was found to have bled after that win and was given a lung opener on his first run this term but looked on the way back to form last time out when back up at this trip and finishing 1 ½ lengths behind Tar Heel. He seems to have maintained himself well since that run a month and a half ago and A. Sandesh keeps the ride. He too looks up against it with the younger horses but is another who stays well and cannot be left out of the reckoning.
MOMENTUM :- Improving 5 year old gelding from the Pesi Shroff who is bred to stay being a half brother to Tiger Tops, winner of the Indian Oaks and the Kolkotta Oaks and Derby and just seems to be coming into his own. He appears to have had numerous problems and also been bad at the gates, resulting in him having been withdrawn at the start on several occasions and also just raced 5 times mainly over middle distances. After 2 modest runs this term, he finally showed signs of being ready to strike when finishing on strongly over 2000M to be a close 2nd to Artus with Benevolence in 3rd 1 ¾ lengths away. He should relish more galloping ground on his fine pedigree and although the booking of Akshay today is a bit off putting, he looks likely to progress again and seems the one they all have to beat.
BENEVOLENCE :- Owner mate and stable companion to Jager Bomb, this 4 year old filly has been making steady improvement and has raced just 7 times till date so looks open to further improvement. She has managed to place on 3 of her last 4 starts, finishing behind Gnostic Eyes over 1800M in Pune and last time out ending a close 3rd to Momentum over 2000M. She too is tackling this longer trip for the first time with P.S. Chouhan a good jockey switch taking over from K. Nazil but is not certain to stay on her pedigree with both her half brother and sister Beyond Forces and Beach Game winners over sprints. She needs to find some improvement to get the better of both Momentum and Gnostic Eyes and is another who seems to be more of a place contender unless unlocking significant improvement.
RETAINED ASSET :- Maiden 4 year old gelding from the Adhirajsingh Jodha yard who has always been held in high regard by his connections and was well fancied on a number of occasions but failed to live upto expectations in spite of working exceedingly well. Winless in 9 starts so far, he seemed to unlock some improvement when upped to staying trips and has finished runner up on his last 2 starts, although well held by the winner. He began the season by ending up a faraway 2nd to Bluebell over 1800M and last time out again finished runner up to Kennedy over 2000M and looks worth a step up to this longer trip. With Sandesh who rode him the last twice declared to ride Brazos, Dashrath Singh gets a leg up today and if improving further with even more galloping ground, he could prove to be the X factor in this field.
ROSPOMARE :- Very interesting and unexposed 5 year old gelding in the care of Faisal Abbas, he has no form to his name in his 7 runs so far but was brought down in the scales by running him over sprints in his first few races. He showed some promise when upped to 1800M for the first time on his penultimate run, racing prominently throughout and ending up a fair 5th behind Tasawwur. He was heavily backed last time out over a mile when eased into Class V and with a good rider Neeraj Rawal in the saddle but failed to make an impression and ended up a poor 6th behind Western Front. He now takes a significant step up in trip, Amyn Merchant returns to ride and his last couple of workouts have been very impressive and he could spring a surprise off the low weight.
CONCLUSION :- The well bred Momentum seems to be finally finding his feet and with the step up to this trip expected to suit him to a tee, is the confident selection to score. Gnostic Eyes looks the one most likely to trouble him if putting his best foot forward and for those wishing to take a punt at a long price, bottom weighted Rospomarealso makes some appeal.
Race No. 3 :- The Essenza Di Wills Cup – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1600M
TRULY EPIC :- Improving 4 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait he was campaigned in all the top 3 year old races in Pune, performing with credit and finally scored a fine win over Intense Stylist in the Rajendrasinhji Million. After getting a lung opener at the beginning of the season, he returned to winning ways with another fluent performance, easily getting the better of Zanzibaar. He has a 5 ½ kilo penalty to tackle for the win and is now conceding weight all around but looks to be in fine form after his win and with A. Sandesh in the saddle today, is likely to make a bold bid to repeat and must be respected.
SNOWDON :- Lightlyraced and progressive 4 year old gelding who is an out station challenger trained by S. Padmanabhan and has won 2 of his 3 races so far and is open to substantial improvement on just his 4th start. Winner of a 6 furlong maiden in the summer, he returned from a 4 month break to score a wide margin success over this trip in Mysore in Class IV and was entered in a Class I contest early in the Bangalore season and understandably was found wanting. He should have improved and strengthened up since that last run and this appears to be a much more reasonable level. David Allan takes over in the saddle for the first time replacing Neeraj Rawal, he looks open to more improvement and must be respected as a potential improver.
KINGSMAN :- Began his career just this season at age 5 but is quickly developing into a useful sort, this well bred son of Phoenix Tower is trained by Deepesh Narredu and is bidding for a hattrick after winning his last 2 starts readily. Well fancied over 1400M on just his 2nd start, he just failed to get up and catch My Precious but made amends next time out over the same trip before scoring a fluent 2 ½ length win over Classicus upped to this trip last time out. He is up a further 5 ½ kilos but seems to be progressing with every run and with P. Trevor in the saddle again, looks to have an excellent chance to make it 3 wins in a row.
FLYING VISIT :- Another well bred and lightly raced sort, this 4 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait has run just twice so far and created a very good impression on debut when coming with a powerful run to steamroll a Class IV field, winning by over 7 lengths and can be forgiven for his next run upped to this trip when he veered out after jump out and refused to settle for quite some time which may have taken it’s toll but he still finished on to be runner up behind Golden Hind. He too looks open to plenty of improvement and must be respected with S. Zervan replacing Robbie Downey today.
CONCLUSION :- This looks to be competitive despite the small field but Snowden looked an exciting prospect on pedigree and his impressive wide margin win over this trip in October. Truly Epic won stylishly last time out and looks a clear danger along with the hattrick seeking Kingsman.
Race No. 4 :- The Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy Juvenile Sprint – Terms, Maiden 3 Year Olds Only – Distance :- 1000M
ACROSS THE SEA :- Respected as being from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard and has already had 2 starts so far so has plenty of experience. He caught the eye on debut when finishing on leisurely from the rear to be 4th to Tommaso over this trip on debut and turned out again very quickly in The Usha Stud Million he showed speed to lead into the straight before retiring. He has been given time to improve since that run and has been kept fresh with just one easy piece of work since. P. Trevor retains the ride, he looks likely to improve and although the draw has not been kind to him in Stall 12, he looks to have a good each way chance in this field.
OUI SAVAGE :- Half brother to Columbianaprincess so likely to be all about speed and created a good impression on racing debut when finishing on late to be a close 3rd to Ms. Boss, a short head separating him from the reopposing Enid Blyton. He looks sure to have improved for that run and has been working well since although the draw has not been kind to him and he has been drawn widest in Stall 13. A. Sandesh takes over in the saddle today from Dashrath Singh, he looks to be a speedy type but may find it tough to reverse the form with Enid Blyton who came from a long way back to pip him that day. One of the main contenders here though and respected.
STORM BREAKER:-Smart looking debutant from the Malesh Narredu yard, he has an attractive pedigree by first season sire in Indian Leitir Mor out of Haunting Memories who has already produced Mygrator and Goldilocks. He may not be fully wound up for this first run and is taking on race fitter rivals with the benefit of experience but he looks a smart sort on paper and may be good enough to win first time out. A paddock check is advised to ascertain his fitness, Suraj Narredu has been booked to ride and if looking the part, may be worth supporting at a possible long price. Interesting outsider.
ATHULYA :- Once raced Phoenix Tower filly from the stable of S.K. Sunderji who have been in good form this season, she ran the same race as Enid Blyton and Oui Savage, making a little late headway to finish up 6th that day and has about 6 lengths to make up on the two in front of her. She should have learnt plenty for that experience and should be fitter and sharper today but there is no obvious reason why she should be able to turn the tables on those two. S. Zervan takes over in the saddle from C.S. Jodha today, she is entitled to improve and could be involved for the minor places but may find it tough to win today.
CRACK OF DAWN :- Out station challenger trained by S. Padmanaban and to be ridden by David Allan, she was given an educative run over 1100M in Bangalore, unfancied that day but making good late ground from the rear to finish an unconcerned 5th behind more fancied stable companion Desert Empire. She is sure to have learnt plenty from that run and should be much fitter and sharper today. The long Mumbai straight is likely to suit, David Allan takes over in the saddle from A. Sandesh and she has bagged a good draw in Stall 2. She is likely to be involved in the finish and should not be left out of calculations.
ENID BLYTON :- Well built and powerful looking 3 year old got abroad filly trained by Altamash Ahmed, she looks the type to want more galloping ground and was well behind on her racing debut over course and distance but finished on powerfully in the closing stages and was the fastest moving at the finish, getting up in the last stride to snatch 2nd place from Oui Savage. She looks certain to have learnt from that educative run and seems to have improved judging from her subsequent workouts. She has been given a good draw in Stall No. 4 and the booking of Y.S. Srinath catches the eye. She looks to have leading form claims in this field and should most likely emerge the winner.
CONCLUSION :- Enid Blyton did enough on her debut to suggest that she is a future winner in waiting and is confidently selected to go one better today at the expense of Oui Savage who was just behind her that day. Storm Breaker is an interesting debutant who also attracts attention and out station challenger Crack of Dawn should also not be ignored.
Race No. 5 :- The EbcoLivsmart Million – Class II & III – Distance :- 1400M
EXCELLENT GOLD :- Well performed 5 year old gelding from the Narendra Lagad who won 4 races on the trot in his prime, albeit all over them over 1200M but seems to have developed more stamina as he has matured and his come from behind style suggests that he should be able to handle this extra furlong. He had been running consistently without threatening to win since his last win but looked ready to strike last time out when finishing on purposefully to be runner up to Gazino over 1200M. He is closely matched with Pure Zinc on that running although the latter was returning from a long absence and should improve. He has to concede weight to some decent types here which is a tough ask so although C. Umesh gets a leg up in place of A. Sandesh, he looks to have a tough ask and seems more likely to battle for minor honours.
BRAINSTORM :- Tough, consistent and well performed 5 year old gelding trained by Pesi Shroff he has been sparingly raced having run just 7 times till date, winning thrice and finishing a close runner up the last twice. Both of his last runs, he has been pipped close home by the gold and brown colours of Dr. Ramaswamy so he will be well aware of Angels Touch in this race. Going down by a whisker to Perfect Star in Pune, he was well fancied on his seasonal reappearance here and was being hailed as the winner but was again nabbed close home by Grand Accord. He has been working extremely well since the run and impressed in a Mock Race 3 weeks ago where he outclassed his rivals to win as he pleased. He looks to be very well within himself at present, Y.S. Srinath has been booked to ride, taking over from A. Sandesh and in spite of some promising 4 year olds in the fray, he appears to be the one to beat.
EXCELLENT :- Quality 4 year old from the Dallas Todywalla yard, this Classic hopeful has an enviable record of 3 wins and 3 seconds from his 8 starts till date and appears to be on the way back to his best after seemingly losing his way in his last 3 starts. Winner of both the F.D. Wadia Trophy and the S.A. Poonawalla Million in Pune where he beat the likes of Adjudicate and Pioneer, he finished a gallant 4th in the Pune Derby when seemingly not staying the 2000M trip. He was well beaten by Costa Brava on his seasonal debut here and ran a poor race in the 2000 Guineas but looked to be returning to form last time out when ending a good close 2nd to Texas Gold over a mile. The 7 furlong trip is likely to be in his favour, David Allan taking over in the saddle from Neeraj Rawal is a big positive and he looks to have an excellent chance to get back to winning ways.
LA RONDINE :- Classy 4 year old filly from the Vishal Gaikwad yard who has performed commendably in her limited career so far, winning 2 of her 3 starts till date and defeated narrowly in a 3 way photo in the last. She was a fluent winner of the Indian 1000 Guineas on just her 2nd start of her career and travelled to Chennai to contest the South India Oaks where she was beaten a head and a long neck into 3rd when seemingly not staying the trip. On the negative side, the form of both her classics looks well below par with the standard with the runner up in the Guineas Arabia subsequently losing in Class II and New Creation running poorly in the Indian Oaks and she is dropping down markedly in trip from 2400M to 1400M. On the positive side, she is having just her 4th career start so is likely to improve and she has been supplemented as a Final Entry for this race so connections clearly fancy their chances. She clearly does have a chance in this company but at the forecast cramped odds, may be worth taking on today and can be overturned.
PURE ZINC :- Sparingly raced and highly regarded 5 year old colt trained by AdhirajsinghJodha he is already a dual Group Race winner over a mile and performed creditably in his Classic season but seemed to suffer a setback after finishing midfield in the Indian 2000 Guineas last season and is working his way back into form. Returning to the track after a gap of 13 months over 1200M a couple of weeks ago, he was understandably rusty but acquitted himself well, finishing a close 6th behind Gazino and is sure to strip fitter. The step up to 7 furlongs will suit him better, he should come on substantially for the run and if returning to his best has the capability of toppling them all at the low weight. Dark horse who can upset.
CONCLUSION :- With the Fillies Classics this year looking to be more Class III & IV contests, it may be worth taking on La Rondine with the consistent gelding Brainstorm. He went down narrowly to Grand Accord last time out and has been working superbly since. He is selected to get the better of Excellent who looked on the way back to his best last time when finishing a close 2nd to Texas Gold. Pure Zinc ran well back from a long lay off last time out and can spring a surprise from the foot of the scale.
Race No. 6 :- The Amazing Mauritius Cup – Class IV & V, 4 Years Old Only – Distance :- 1200M
STEPPENWOLF :- Speedy 4 year old colt who is trained by Nosher Cama after having begun his career with Shazaan Shah and has won 2 of his 6 starts so far, bouncing back to form on his seasonal reappearance after a couple of indifferent efforts in Pune. Runner up to Dance The Dream on debut exactly a year ago, he went on to shed his maiden tag over this trip next time out, comfortably beating Shivalik Queen before finishing 5th to Star Superior in the Juvenile Colts Championship where he found the mile to stretch him. He ran twice in the Pune season over 7 and 6 furlongs respectively finishing 5th on both occasions but bounced back on his first run for his new Trainer this term when scoring from end to end with a feeble apprentice in the saddle, fighting off Pablo and Mount Olympus to prevail by a head. He is worse off with Mount Olympus on the scale for that run but is likely to have improved again and has been kept fresh and only given an easy spurt. P.S. Chouhan takes over in the saddle today, he has only a 4kilo penalty to contend with and if his new trainer has been unable to unlock some more improvement then he stands an excellent chance to repeat.
EXCELLENT SORRENTO :- Another lightly raced and potentially smart 4 year old colt, this one from the Malesh Narredu yard, he has had just 3 starts so far over different trips and seems best suited by this 6 furlongs. Unfancied on debut in a race where Faldo was a hot favourite, he finished on strongly from the rear to get the better of Chosen One and Sharareh and score an impressive maiden win and was tried over a mile in the Rajendrasinhji Million next time out but fizzled out after leading till the bend and ended a poor 6th to Truly Epic. He made his seasonal debut over 7 furlongs 3 weeks ago and was again ridden in restraint and finished on well to be a close 3rd to Lorraine. He is likely to improve for that run and returns to his winning distance of 6 furlongs now and Suraj Narredu retains the ride. He looks likely to improve on just his 4th start and looks a strong each way player.
EL COMMANDANTE :- Owner mate of Excellent Sorrento but trained by Altaf Hussain, he has been in good form this season upon dropping down to sprint trips, scoring a bloodless maiden victory on his penultimate run in the lower class and coming very close to repeating before being pipped close home by Anatevka last time out with Run Forest Run back in 4th. He seems to have maintained his form and fitness since the last run, appears to be on the upgrade at present and A. Sandesh who rode him both previous runs retains the ride. He looks to be in great heart at present and is sure to make his presence felt in this competitive contest.
RUN FOREST RUN :- Another well bred and progressive sort who has moved to S.N. Joshi from Shazaan Shah he has had 6 runs so far, winning once and finishing 2nd twice and has yet to finish outside the frame. Very consistent in his juvenile season, he was runner up over 1000M on his first 2 starts before scoring his maiden win when upped to this trip. He too had 2 runs in Pune, finishing 4th on both occasions and probably needed the lung opener here on his seasonal reappearance when blazing a trail in front before fitness possibly became an issue. He should be fitter for that opening run and will benefit from Y.S. Srinath taking over in the saddle from feeble apprentice. He is another who looks likely to make his presence felt and is capable of scoring.
DANCE THE DREAM :- Well bred 4 year old filly from the stable of Imtiaz Sait who impressed one and all when stylishly winning the B.K. Rattonsey Million on debut on this same weekend last year but failed to build on that since then and her graph has taken a downward turn in 3 starts since. After running way below par when fancied in the Poonawalla Million, she was given a 5 month break and returned as a red hot favourite in Pune, only to end up a close 4th to Grey Flannel as an odds on favourite. She did not run again until the final day of the Pune season where she turned up over 7 furlongs and again ran well below par, finishing up 5th to Grand Tenton. She has a bit to prove now after disappointing in her last 3 starts and again reappears after a 3 month break with Robbie Downey taking over for the first time. She clearly has the potential as she showed on debut but needs to return to form and although considered is likely best watched today.
FALDO :- Very highly regarded by his connections and was a red hot favourite on his debut in Pune but ran way below par and ended up last behind Excellent Sorrento over this trip. He was given time to improve and strengthen since that run and had been blazing the track in his morning gallops in Mumbai but was withdrawn on his intended reappearance a month ago. He continues to shine on the sand track and is now partnered with Bhawani Singh which is an unusual booking for the S.S. Shah yard. He remains one with immense potential if reproducing his excellent work and having just his 2nd start, looks capable of plenty of improvement. He remains a dark horse here.
NIGHT HUNT :- Twice raced 4 year old gelding from the Vishal Gaikwad yard who is also held in high regard by his connections and ran twice in Pune without quite looking like having come to hand. Making his debut in a 7 furlong maiden, he was given an educative run and finished 6th behind Bushtops not too far behind El Commandante who was 3rd that day. He showed a little improvement next time out when finishing 4th to Valegro again over 7 furlongs and has been well prepared for his reappearance run here including a Mock Race. He looks likely to need this first run but has had enough work to win and Leigh Roche gets up for the first time which looks a positive. He looks another who is capable of spoiling the party and would be dangerous to ignore.
CONCLUSION :- Probably the most competitive race of the day and difficult to choose a winner here but the ones who appear to have the best chance are Run Forest Run, El Commandante and Excellent Sorrento. Faldo and Night Hunt are both capable of causing an upset and this race is probably best enjoyed from the stands.
Race No. 7 :- The Kingfisher Ultra Sundowner Million – Class V – Distance :- 1000M
UNIMAGINABLE :- Very sparingly raced 4 year old gelding trained by Vishal Gaikwad who has had 3 starts so far all over middle distances and has run forward races in each before fading away to logically it makes sense to try him over a sprint trip. He has had a lung opener this season when leading into the straight before finishing 6th behind Golden Hind over a mile and is now eased in grade into the lowest class. He looks to be better quality than most of these runners so class could see him through and with Akshay a good front running rider, he may try and make all the running and appears to be the most likely winner.
AME :- Aged and experienced 7 year old gelding trained by M.K. Jadhav, he is a veteran of 39 races having won twice before and also placed on 10 occasions. He is usually effective when coming down to this level and has had 3 runs already this season so should be fit. Vishal Bunde takes over in the saddle from inexperienced apprentice he has bagged a good draw in Stall 2 and off what looks a workable mark, he looks an each way contender.
ANNIVERSARY GIRL :- 5 year old mare who is probably the most fancied of the 3 runners from the Narendra Lagad yard with C. Umesh taking over in the saddle and although she is moody and erratic, she seems to be on a decent mark at present. Winner of just 1 of her 17 starts so far, she went very close a couple of runs ago over 6 furlongs when finishing on to be a good close 2nd to Hodson’s Horse and she has been close up to the frame in her next 2 efforts. She appears to be fit and well, looks well handicapped on the pick of her form and if she has her galloping shoes on, she is likely to be involved in the fray.
TASCH :- Debutant 4 year old filly from the yard of Faisal Abbas who catches the eye on pedigree being a full sister to Costa Brava and is making her racing debut in quite a lowly grade. She has been given a Mock Race to sharpen her up and her workouts since the race indicate that she has improved further so she looks set to have a bold show. S. Zervan takes the ride today, she clearly looks the part on paper and merits serious consideration in this company and would not surprise were she to win first time out.
FURIOSA :- Speedy 6 year old mare who is a stable companion to Tasch and is mainly effective over this minimum trip and has the advantage of having bagged the plum rail draw. Winner of 2 of her 29 starts overall, she has already run 5 times this season but all those runs were in the higher class and over 6 furlongs and she has now been eased in grade and dropped back down to her pet distance. A.S.Peter who claims an additional 5 kilos in the saddle is a good front running rider and she is likely to take a flyer from the gates and try and win from end to end.
SHE IS A SPY :- Improving 4 year old filly from the stable of S.S. Shah, she is still a maiden after 7 runs but went nail bitingly close on her first appearance this season over 6 furlongs, finishing on strongly and just failing to peg back Bourbon Princess. She finished 5th last time out to El Commandante but the form of that race has worked out really well with the 2nd , 3rd and 4th placed horses all going on to win subsequently so she looks to have a good chance on form. She may not mind the drop to the minimum, Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle from A. Sandesh and she looks likely to improve again and looks a strong each way player.
CONCLUSION :- This race centres around the two unexposed and potentially better class 4 year olds Unimaginable and Tasch and either can take this with slight preference for the former. She is A Spy the form horse and is also respected.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
