From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Friday, 15th February 2019- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 14 Feb 2019
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Friday, 15th February 2019
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Trance Plate – Class III & IV – Distance :- 2400M
SAGITTARIUS :- 5 year old gelding from the Sanjay Kolse yard who is relatively lightly raced having had just 12 runs so far of which he has managed to win 2, both wins coming over distance trips and the most recent being over this trip back in March last year. He made a smart comeback this season after finishing down the field in the Indian St. Leger in Pune, first finishing on to be runner up to Bold March over a mile and just last week finishing 2nd to Bronx over 2000M where he tried to make all the running. He is turned out again quickly and takes a drop in grade into the lower class and A. Sandesh takes over in the saddle from A.S. Peter. He looks to be in good form at present and is dangerous to ignore in spite of conceding weight all around.
EMOTIONLESS :- In form 5 year old mare trained by Nosher Cama after beginning her career with C.D. Katrak, she seems to have really come into her own with her current trainer and has won 3 of her last 4 starts and finished 2nd by a whisker in the other run so she currently seems to be in the pink of condition. After going down narrowly to Patriot’s Day on reappearance, she has won her last 2 starts fluently, last time out taking the step up to 2000M in her stride when scoring a comfortable win over Jager Bomb. She is tackling this 2400M trip for the first time but there is no reason why she should not get it and she looks likely to complete her hattrick up just 4 ½ kilos for the last win. P.S. Chouhan as usual takes the ride and she looks in great form at present and seems the most likely winner.
TAR HEEL :- 5 year old gelding from the Imtiaz Sait yard who has won 2 of his 14 starts so far and showed a liking for this trip on his penultimate start when scoring decisively over Brazos with Gdansk a faraway 3rd that day albeit in the lower class. He was faced with a tough task dropped to 2000M last time out when only 4th to Bushtops in a strong race but return to this trip should suit him and he has the scope to progress over it. S. Zervan takes over in the saddle today from C.S. Jodha and he too has scope to do better over this trip and looks a strong each way contender.
LUCKY LUCIANO :- 5 year old gelding trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha who is a winner of 2 of his 19 starts but has been running consistently for some time now over similar trips in the lower class. He began the season in good style when scoring a fluent win over a mile and followed that up by chasing home Gloriosus over 2000M and on that form, he comes out way better than Sagittarius. However, he has run poorly in his last 2 starts so needs to bounce back to form but perhaps weight was a stopper on those occasions so he has been upped in grade now but gets a significant drop in weight. Neeraj Rawal takes over in the saddle from Y.S. Srinath and if returning to his early season form, he looks a danger to all from the bottom of the scale. Can upset.
CONCLUSION :- It is usually unwise to oppose fillies in form and hence I choose to side with the hattrick seeking Emotionless. She won her last start readily over 2000M and seems to still be ahead of the handicapper. Tar Heel shapes as the main danger as he looks well placed on the scale while bottom weighted Lucky Luciano can upset.
Race No. 2 :- The Vallabhdas H. Adwalia Trophy – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1800M
CLASSICUS :- 6 year old gelding who is owned and trained by Zadmal Singh and has won 2 of his 13 starts till date. He looked to be developing into a promising sort early in his career winning 2 of his first 4 starts but suffered a setback at the end of the 2017 Mumbai season and was off the track for almost a year. He has been struggling to get back into form since returning to racing and last time out gave a glimpse that he retains his ability when running a forward race and kicking on to finish runner up to Kingsman over a mile and he seems to hold Kimberella (4th ) on that line. The additional furlong should not be a bother, he is working well since the run and with the same 5 kilo claimer P.S. Kaviraj in the saddle, is likely to make a bold bid from the front again and must be considered.
KIMBERELLA :- Exposed 5 year old mare who is also owned and trained by Imtiaz Sait having earlier belonged to the Rattonsey family and she has had a chequered career, also winning 2 of her 13 starts but failing to show much consistency. She began the season promisingly, chasing home Golden Hind over a mile and pulling well clear of the others with today’s rider in the saddle and was then given 2 runs with an apprentice rider. She finished 4th behind Classicus last time out but she may have been given those runs to gain some more fitness and Robbie Downey gets back in the saddle today. She does not appear to be the most reliable sort but can strike if she is in a galloping mood and has the potential to upset.
EXCELLENT SORRENTO :- Owned by the Poonawalla family and trained by Malesh Narredu, this 4 year old son of Excellent Art does not quite seem to have come into his own just yet, having raced 4 times till date and trying a different trip on every occasion. A fluent winner over 1200M on debut, he was upped to a mile next time out in the Rajendrasinhji Million but ran disappointingly finishing last of the 6 runners behind Truly Epic. He gave a better account of himself on his seasonal debut over 7 furlongs when finishing on late to be 3rd to Lorraine and was not suited by the drop to 6 furlongs last time out, finishing a poor 6th to owner mate El Commandante. He looks open to improvement after just 4 career starts and is now stepped up to a more galloping trip. It is interesting that a 3 ½ kilo claimer takes over today from Suraj Narredu and if suited by the step up in trip, he could very well be involved. Unknown quantity.
WESTERN FRONT :- Nicely bred and strong galloping 4 year old gelding from the Dallas Todywalla yard he appears to be progressing with his racing and has shown improvement in each of his 4 starts till date. He looked to have improved on his seasonal debut when finishing on to be runner up to Vintage over 1400M and last time out scored a convincing victory upped to a mile when easily getting the better of Rogue One, and seemingly idling once hitting the front so he may have had a bit more to give. He appears to be a strong galloping sort who should progress again so he should relish the additional furlong and only being ½ length worse off with Rogue One on the scale, he looks likely to confirm the form with further improvement. S. Zervan takes over in the saddle today replacing P. Trevor, he is penalized only 4 ½ kilos for the win and looks to have an excellent chance to go in again and continue his progression.
GNOSTIC EYES :- Beautifully bred 5 year old gelding trained by Rehanullah Khan, he does not appear to be a completely straightforward sort and has not lived upto his fine pedigree just yet. He seemed to come to hand in the latter part of his career, his most recent win coming over this trip in Pune in the lower class and his best run in 4 starts since that win also came over this trip when he was a late finishing 2nd to Oriana so this seems to be his distance at present. He has had 2 runs already this season both over further, finishing well behind Momentum over 2400M last time out but should appreciate the return to this trip. P.S. Chouhan takes over in the saddle today and has an excellent record for the yard and back down to his pet trip, he looks a dark horse who can upset if he has his galloping shoes on today. One to keep an eye on.
ROGUE ONE :- Exposed but consistent 4 year old gelding from the Narendra Lagad yard, he is still a maiden after 11 runs although he has finished runner up in each of his last 3 starts but has not been showing much progression. He came back with a 2nd run to finish a length behind Western Front earlier in the season but since then has run twice, finishing a close 2nd to Fanfare and then last time out to Gold Medalist. The booking of A. Sandesh today catches the eye but one feels that Western Front will improve past him and he looks to be more likely to fight it out for minor honours again.
PRIMUM NON NOCERE :- Well bred and lightly raced 4 year old filly trained by Altamash Ahmed who is a half sister to Merveilleuse so looks likely to appreciate the step up to this trip on pedigree and could be able to unlock some improvement. She has had 4 runs so far and has done nothing of note but all of those runs have been over sprint trips and she is stepped up to what should be a suitable distance for the first time today. She has had a lung opener today to blow away the cobwebs and has been working fairly well with Augustus Caesar. Retained rider Neeraj Rawal takes the ride again today, she looks open to improvement and over a trip which should suit her a great deal on pedigree and off a low weight, she could prove to be a big danger to them all and may be worth chancing at a price if fit and well.
CONCLUSION :- Western Front seems to be progressing well with his racing and appeared to win with a bit in hand last time out. He looks set to provide a quick encore but at a longer price, it may be worth chancing the nicely bred Primum Non Nocere. She is racing over a trip which should suit her on pedigree, has been working well since her last run and looks open to plenty of improvement. Excellent Sorrento is another who is upped markedly in trip and bears close watching.
Race No. 3 :- The Purple Lifestyle Trophy – Maiden 3 Year Olds - Distance :- 1000M
GALLANT STAR :- Once raced chestnut gelding from the Deepesh Narredu yard who ran a forward race on debut over 1200M, leading into the straight before retiring to finish down the field. He is likely to have learnt from that run and stripped fitter and should relish the drop to the minimum trip. Vishal Bunde is a good front running rider who has been booked, the field does not appear to be particularly strong and having shown early speed on debut, he may be able to win this from end to end in spite of being drawn wide in Stall 8.
SILVER FLAMES :- Looks a smart sort on pedigree, by Leitir Mor out of a well bred mare and looks to be a decent type on paper. He may be going in for an airing today as Akshay Gaikwad has been booked to ride and his stable companion Track Star appears to be working slightly the better. However, in this weak field he must be respected on his good bloodlines and if looking fit and well, could be good enough to win here.
TRACK STAR :- Stable companion of Silver Flames, he too is a debutant from the Altaf Hussain yard and appears to be working the best of this modest looking lot of 3 year olds. He has been showing out well in the morning trials, seems to be working the better of the pair from the yard and may be one of the more forward ones here. The booking of Amyn Merchant is not the most encouraging sign but he could be good enough to win in this company and looks a frontline contender.
BLACK CHERRY :- Nicely bred and once raced daughter of Kingda Ka who also ran a forward race on debut over 1400M, leading into the straight before dropping away to finish last of the 8 runners behind Hunt for Gold. Like Gallant Star she too should benefit from the run and has shown good speed in her couple if subsequent workouts. The booking of Robbie Downey replacing Sunny Chinoy is also eye catching and she has bagged a good berth in Stall No. 2. She is likely to be suited by this drop to the minimum and looks an each way contender in what appears to be a weak maiden.
HATS OFF :- One of 2 runners from the M.K. Jadhav yard and apparently the more fancied of the pair judging from the Jockey bookings with A. Sandesh booked to ride. She has had an educative run over this trip earlier in the season but was always in the rear throughout and ended up 12th of 13 behind Ms. Boss. She will need to make considerable improvement from that run to have a say here and although she is expected to run better today, she looks more of a minor berth contender.
CONCLUSION :- An ordinary looking maiden and with no clear pointers, it is probably best to just watch this race and refrain from having a wager. Track Star appears to the fittest from among the debutants and both Gallant Star and Black Cherry ran forward races on debut and will be suited by this drop to the minimum.
Race No. 4 :- The Sir Charles Forbes Trophy – Class II & III – Distance :- 1200M
GAZINO :- In form 5 year old colt trained by Nosher Cama who has established himself as a good quality sprinter, winning 4 of his 15 starts till date and also placing on 5 occasions. He seemed to have gone off the boil for a few runs but looked like returning to form this season when finishing a good 2nd to La Magnifique on reappearance with Angels Touch close up in 3rd that day. He failed to shine when fancied over 1000M next time out but quickly bounced back last time back up at this trip when holding off Excellent Gold to win by 1 ¼ lengths. His rider’s claim gives him a chance to defy his penalty and he currently looks to be in top form. P.S. Kaviraj takes over in the saddle from P.S. Chouhan and if he is able to control the strong galloping colt, then he stands a good chance to repeat in spite of his penalty.
EXCELLENT GOLD :- 5 year old gelding in the care of Narendra Lagad who is an old adversary of Gazino and has a similar profile and career path to him. Also a winner of 4 races from 15 starts, all his 4 wins came on the trot but he has looked to be in the handicapper’s grip since then and has been fighting to get back to winning ways. He has finished behind Gazino twice this season, on his penultimate run finishing on strongly with Sandesh in the saddle and was not suited by the 7 furlong trip last time out when only 4th to Turning Point. The return to this more suitable trip and Sandesh taking over in the saddle are both positives and he looks a strong each way contender and has an excellent chance to gain another success.
QUEEN CREDIBLE :- Relatively exposed 6 year old mare from the stable of Rehanullah Khan, she is a veteran of 28 races, having managed to win on 3 previous occasions although she has placed 10 times as well. Her last win came way back in August 2017 so she has been struggling with the handicapper since then and her come from behind style does not make her the easiest of rides. She has already run 4 times this season and on her penultimate run finished 4th behind Gazino and Excellent Gold in a similar contest. She appears to be out handicapped with both Gazino and Excellent Gold again today so looks likely to fight it out for the minor places with A.S. Peter in the saddle and in spite of a tongue strap being fitted today, winning looks very tough.
ANGELS TOUCH :- Enigmatic 5 year old mare from the yard of Karthik G she has won 3 of her 17 starts till date, all 3 wins coming in succession during the Pune season where she showed good versatility with regards to trip as well. She ran a cracker on her seasonal reappearance here over this trip when splitting Excellent Gold and Gazino and looks very well handicapped on that form but has run 2 poor races over middle distance trips since then and now returns to sprinting. She needs to bounce back from those 2 poor efforts and Bhawani Singh takes over today in place of A. Imran Khan but she has had a couple of good recent workouts and if returning to the form of her first run of the season, looks capable of scoring an upset.
KANEEZ :- Earlier known as Bottega Louie, this 5 year old mare trained by S.K. Sunderji seemed to have had a run of poor fortune, going close to scoring on a number of occasions without success but once she had her name changed, showed dramatic improvement last time out when scoring an emphatic 3 ½ length success over course and distance and may still have more to give. The 5 kilo penalty for her last win seems fair and she appears to have maintained her condition since the run. That win should have given her some much needed confidence, she looks in fine trim and with S. Zervan booked to ride today, looks to have an excellent chance to repeat.
CONCLUSION :- Kaneezfinally managed to rediscover the winning habit with a change of name last time out and could possibly have more to give. She is selected to get the better of Excellent Gold and Gazino, the old rivals while Angels Touch can add some pep to the finish if returning to the form of her seasonal reappearance.
Race No. 5 :- The Mid Day Trophy – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1000M
LORD COMMANDER :- Enigmatic 5 year old grey trained by Bezan Chenoy who has been the subject of plenty of controversy in the past and appears to have numerous problems in spite of his obvious ability. Lightly raced for his age with just 10 starts so far, he has managed to win twice and finish runner up 3 times for a decent overall record and is effective over sprint trips. He has been tenderly raced in the last 12 months, returning from a 7 month break in Pune to gain his 2nd success when nosing out Loire over this trip and then returned from a 3 month break to finish 6th in Class III behind Kaneez. That lung opener should have put him spot on for this, he is eased in grade back into the lower class now and A. Sandesh has been booked to ride. He has been a bleeder in the past so one must be wary when backing him but he looks to have gained some fitness since his last run and is dangerous to ignore in this grade in spite of the heavy impost.
BONAFIDE :- 4 year old Excellent Art filly who moved from Malesh Narredu to Deepesh Narredu over the winter break and has acquitted herself well this season when dropped to this minimum trip. She almost scored in the opening race of the season, collared a couple of strides from the post by Blitzkrieg but duly made amends next time out when making all and lasting out to hold off the late finishing Night Watch. She performed well under her penalty last time out as well, in front for a long way and ending up a good close 3rd to True Grit. She looks to have maintained her form and fitness since the last run 2 weeks ago and appears to be thriving over this trip. Inexperienced 5 kilo claimer Gagandeep Mann takes over today replacing Yash Narredu which looks a slight negative but she is well within herself and should make a bold bid to make all again today.
HIGHLAND EMPRESS :- Speedy 4 year old filly trained by Rehanullah Khan who has been making good progress with her racing and has been quite consistent after her first 2 educative efforts. She scored a fluent maiden victory on her penultimate run by 4 lengths and last time out did not look to be totally serious when making leisurely late progress to finish 3rd to stable companion Sharareh. She appears to have the scope to improve further and looks capable of further progress. She has been kept fresh since the last run and P.S. Chouhan takes the ride once again. She should get the better of Chosen One on the last run and looks a strong candidate to return to the winner’s circle.
CHOSEN ONE :- Speedy 4 year old gelding from the S.K. Sunderji stable who has been knocking at the door for some time now and is becoming a bit frustrating to follow. Still a maiden after 11 runs, he has finished runner up 4 times in a row before a lacklustre effort last time out when finishing well behind Highland Empress. He has been working very well for some time now and Neeraj Rawal takes over in the saddle replacing Parbat Singh which is a positive. He keeps seeming to find one too good and is hard to support with confidence and although he should win one of these before too long, he is probably best watched until he does so.
DANCING LANCES :- Very interesting 4 year old gelding from the Altaf Hussain yard who looks a very speedy type on pedigree and is returning from a long lay off. He was blazing the track prior to his debut last season as a juvenile and was a short priced favourite on his only previous run but fizzled out tamely at the bend and finished last of the 7 runners. He did not race thereafter so this will be his first run after a considerable absence but he has been working extremely well again and has plenty of scope to improve. He makes his handicap debut of what could be a lenient mark and with Amyn Merchant in the saddle and the No. 1 rail draw as well, he could prove to be a valuable outsider and should not be ignored.
CONCLUSION :- Highland Empress looks to be progressing nicely with her racing and is selected to get the better of the enigmatic top weight Lord Commander. Dancing Lances, in spite of returning from a lengthy absence looks unexposed and may prove attractive to those searching for value.
Race No. 6 :- The Emperado Plate – Class IV & V, 5 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1400M
HARMONY OF THE SEA :- Well bred 5 year old mare trained by Imtiaz Sait who has been quite sparingly raced winning 2 of her 12 starts so far. She does seem to have ability but is also erratic and inconsistent and has always followed up her winning run with a poor effort. Her last victory came off a mark of 39 and she is rated 40 at present so she seems to have come down to a reasonable mark and after a string of poor runs, hinted at a revival last time out when making leisurely progress to finish 4th to Notting Hill over 1400M. She may have been freshened up by the short break, K. Nazil takes the ride today replacing P. Trevor and if putting her best foot forward and building on that last effort, she looks a strong each way player.
INVICTUS MANEO :- Speedy 5 year old gelding from the yard of Adhirajsingh Jodha, he is another who seems to be finding his way back into form after going completely off the boil since winning his first 2 starts. He is now 2 from 11 but hinted that he was getting back to his old form last time out when covering plenty of ground from the rear of the field to come and finish an eye catching 3rd to Flower Dust over 1200M. He comes from well off the pace so the additional furlong should not be a problem and A. Sandesh takes over in the saddle for S.A. Amit and his strike rate for the yard is a good one. He has been well rested since his last run, has been working well and if he can unlock some more improvement now, he looks well placed to return to the winner’s circle.
DEMOCRAT :- Inconsistent but well handicapped 6 year old gelding in the care of M.K. Jadhav, he has won 3 of his 20 starts till date, usually being brought back down to a winning mark and winning one race a season. He appears to have come back down to a workable mark since his last win which came in December 2017 and finished a fair 4th to Steppenwolf on his penultimate run but was a firm favourite last time out in a similar contest and failed to figure ending up 10th of 14 to Choo Mantar. He has blinkers slapped on today and R. Ajinkya takes over in the saddle from C.S. Jodha. He has run poorly in his previous efforts at 7 furlongs so needs to show that he is effective over this trip but remains well handicapped and should run a much better race today.
GENTILLESSE :- Well bred and lightly raced 5 year old mare who was highly regarded by her connections being a full sister to Confiance but after a bright start to her career seemed to suffer numerous injury problems and has been slowly finding her way back to form. Winner of just 1 race from 10 starts, she returned in Pune after 9 months off the track and was quietly fancied on a couple of occasions but failed to show any spark. However, her most recent effort over this trip did show some promise as she finished on nicely from the rear of the field to be 4th behind Kingsman over this trip with a feeble 5 kilo claimer in the saddle. Neeraj Rawal now takes over today, she looks to have the scope for further improvement and if building on that last effort and making some more progress, she stands a strong chance to earn another bracket in this older horses contest. Respected
USTAD PEDRO :- Another moody and lightly raced 5 year old gelding, this one from the Narendra Lagad stable, he has run only 7 times so far, scoring an upset win over 1000M on just his 3rd career start. He has had 4 runs already this term and last time out over this trip, finished on strongly although drifting out to end up a close 2nd to Hells Bells before being demoted to 3rd in the Stewards Room. That run suggested that he was fit and well, N.B. Kuldeep takes over from Sunny Chinoy in the saddle and although not at all reliable, can trouble them all if running upto the same level again.
POCO AZUL :- Untried and sparingly raced 5 year old gelding who has run 8 times till date, beginning his career with Mansoor Shah before being taken over by S.N. Joshi and took advantage of his lenient handicap mark last time out to score a decisive maiden win over this trip, beating Gandalf by 1 ½ lengths. He has not been unduly harshly penalized for the win and looks to have the scope to improve further. Akshay who rode him last time out keeps the ride, he may have more to give as he is still unexposed and looks likely to make a bold bid to repeat in this competitive contest.
CONCLUSION :- A competitive event as most of these are with several chances. Hard to recommend anyone with conviction but those to focus on should be Poco Azul, Gentillesse and Invictus Maneo.
Race No. 7 :- The Secret Halo Plate – Class V – Jockeys will not be permitted use of whip – Distance :- 1200M
ADAM’S BEGINNING :- 6 year old mare trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha who has won 2 of her 27 starts so far and has also placed on 7 occasions. She is usually effective in this grade and over this trip and returns to it now after a few unsuccessful attempts in the higher grade. Both her previous wins have come on the Pune track so she needs to show the same ability here but has already had 4 runs this season so should be fit and ready to go. D.R. Shubham just recently had a winner for the yard so looks in good form and she must be given a good each way chance in spite of conceding weight all around.
ISINIT :- 7 year old mare in the care of S. N. Joshi, who’s overall record is not convincing but she seems to have caught good form this term. A veteran of 40 races, she has won twice and placed on 11 occasions and has been in top form in her last 3 starts. She scored a wide margin success over 1000M on her penultimate run and followed it up with a fair 3rd to Officer in Command over this trip last time out. She looks to be in good form at present, K.Nazil has been booked to ride replacing S. Joseph and she is another who should be given an each way shout and must be considered.
PLEIADES :- Unexposed and lightly raced maiden 4 year old gelding trained by NazakChenoy, he has a nice pedigree and was tried for the first time last time out when a hot favourite over 1400M but was no match for Medici although he finished well clear of the rest of the runners. He was likely to have needed that first run and should have learnt from that experience and improved further. He looks likely to build on that effort, should appreciate the drop down to 6 furlongs and with M. Ayyar taking over in the saddle replacing P. Trevor he is capable of making amends this time out and is another who makes the short list.
EBONY :- Maiden 5 year old mare trained by Altamash Ahmed who has finished runner up in 4 of her 12 starts till date but is still searching for that elusive first success. She ran a cracker last time out when giving a real scare to odds on favourite Officer in Command before probably losing out in the finish close home. A. S. Peter keeps the ride today but the draw has not been kind to her in Stall 14. She looks in good heart though and is likely to be involved.
TEODOR MONTE :- Stable companion of Isinit from the S.N. Joshi yard who is an unexposed and untried 4 year old who has come down to what looks a favourable mark and gave glimpses of some ability on his penultimate start over this trip when finishing 3rd to Felix Felicis. He was well fancied last time out over 1000M but seemingly did not give his true running and finished well down the field after being in the rear from the start. Return to this 1200M trip is likely to suit him better, Malam Singh takes over in the saddle from A.S. Peter and he is another who could be better than his current mark and must come into consideration.
DECCAN KING :- Aged 7 year old gelding trained by H.J. Antia who has been out of form for a long time now and has an unconvincing overall record of just 1 win from his 32 starts till date. However, he has come down considerably in the scales and showed zest for racing last time out over 1400M when leading for a long way and kicking on to finish 3rd. He will be better suited by this shorter trip and with S.A. Amit retaining the ride, he will try to win from end to end.
CONCLUSION :- Pleiades and Teodor Monte appear to be the two to focus on in an open looking finale.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
