From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 17th February 2019- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 16 Feb 2019
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 17th February 2019
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Lt. Col. Govind Singh (VRC) Trophy – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1600M
ASTOUNDING BAY :- 3 year old gelding trained by Malesh Narredu who is the most experienced runner in the field having already had 3 starts and also appears to have the best of the limited form on offer having finished on to be 5th behind Dandi March in The Usha Stud Million over 1200M. He made late headway that day so looks likely to be suited by more galloping ground and Yash Narredu retains the ride. His final spurt a couple of days ago was outstanding and not taking on a very tough field, he looks to have an outstanding chance to shed his maiden tag today.
MORISEIKI :- Debutant from the Adhirajsingh Jodha yard, he is a half brother to Kodiak Queen who performed fairly well for the same yard, winning 3 races and placing 8 times in her 21 starts. He has been fairly well prepared so looks likely to be fit enough to win on debut but a paddock check is advised to ascertain his fitness. The booking of A. Sandesh suggests that connections fancy their chances and he would not have to be out of the ordinary to win in this company. He has possibilities and looks an interesting contender.
SILVER KING :- Once raced 3 year old gelding from the Imtiaz Sait yard, he was working well in the lead up to his debut race which he made a little over a month ago over 1200M where he was supported at long prices but looked green and in need of the run, finishing 7th behind Thailand. He is likely to have improved and stripped fitter for the run and should appreciate the step up to a mile. Robbie Downey retains the ride, he should have learnt from the experience and is expected to give a much better account of himself today.
MIAMI :- Win Legendfilly trained by Narendra Lagad who had been showing speed in the morning gallops and was fancied over 5 furlongs on debut 6 weeks ago but failed to make an impression, ending up 7th of 11 behind Tommaso but she should have learnt from that experience and is likely to have improved. She takes a marked step up in trip now moving up to a mile but has been working well again and merits consideration with P. Trevor in the saddle taking over from Robbie Downey.
CONCLUSION :- A weak looking maiden and Astounding Bay seems to have done enough to be able to tackle this lot and should be suited by the step up to a mile. The debutant Moriseiki looks a decent sort and should give him stiff competition if ready to go first time out.
Race No.2 :- The Brazil Cup – Class V – Distance :- 1600M
FLYING DRAGON :- Getting on in age now at 7 years, this S.S. Shah trained son of Tariq has come down markedly in the scales with a string of poor efforts in recent times but is looking extremely well handicapped on the pick of his form. Winner of only 2 of his 38 starts till date but having placed 14 times, he has been woefully out of form for a long time now, his last win coming way back in September 2016 and his last decent effort in Pune in August when runner up to Zanara over 1800M. He has been eased down into the lowest class now, should be suited by this trip and M. Ayyar claims a valuable 3 ½ kilos in the saddle. He has run 4 times already this season so fitness should not be an issue and if he retains a semblance of his old ability then he looks a strong each way contender in this company.
SYLVESTER:-In form and progressive 5 year old gelding from the Adhirajsingh Jodha yard, he is still a maiden after 9 starts but has been knocking on the door for some time now and has run creditably in his last 4 races. He returned from a 3 month absence to finish a close 2nd to Eagleinthesky on his reappearance over a mile and with 3rd placed Bhaktawar winning twice since and 5th placed Gold Medalist also successful, that form looks strong and last time out, he lost out in a tight 3 way finish with Rogue One and Fanfare over 1800M. He appears to have maintained his form and fitness since the last run and A. Sandesh who has been riding him this season retains the ride. He looks to have an excellent chance to score in this field and should make it 3rd time lucky this season and gain an overdue success. The one to beat.
TIANJIN HONEY :- Unexposed 4 year old gelding trained by Nirad Karanjawala he has run just 4 times till date, the last 3 runs over middle distance trips and has looked to improve a little the last twice, finishing just outside the frame. He finished 5th just 2 lengths behind Master of Studies last time out over this trip and appears to have improved since then judging from his last couple of workouts. He does have the scope to improve on just his 5th career start and although winning looks tough, he can make it into the frame this time if improving again. Place prospect.
ETERNAL MEMORIES :- Nicely bred 4 year old filly trained by Imtiaz Sait, she has been held in high regard by her connections but has failed to make an impression in her 4 runs so far, all in similar contests. She appears to be lethargic at the gates which affects her chances but does have the scope to improve still and could be taking time to come to hand. Her best effort came on debut over 1400M when finishing on from the rear to be 4th to Bushtops in Pune and Neeraj Rawal who rode her that day is back in the saddle taking over from Robbie Downey. She merits each way consideration if finding some improvement today and is worth considering although she would need to show a little more on the race track.
POWER OF THOR :- Aged and experienced 6 year old gelding who is one of 2 runners from the Narendra Lagad stable and will be ridden by 3 ½ kilo claimer Vishal Bunde. A veteran of 47 races he has managed to win twice before although placing on 14 occasions and is usually seen finishing on late. He has already run 6 times this season and last time out, finished on late from the rear to be 4th behind Bhaktawar over 1400M and should appreciate the step up to a mile. He looks vulnerable against the younger horses so winning looks tough but he can run into a place and fight it out for minor honours.
DEAN’S GOLD :- Stable companion of Eternal Memories, this 4 year old son of Dean’s Kitten has been unplaced in his 8 starts till date but appears to be taking his time to come to hand and does have the scope for further improvement. He has run twice this season, needing the lung opener first time out but showing a little improvement last time to finish just outside the frame over 1400M behind Bhaktawar and can build on that effort. He is running in the lowest grade, S. Zervan takes over in the saddle today from K. Nazil and he can unlock some more improvement, then he could prove to be a lively outsider with a tongue strap fitted today. Dark horse who can spring a surprise so keep an eye on him.
MASTER OF STUDIES :-Well bred maiden 5 year old gelding trained by S. Waheed, he seems to just be coming to hand after 14 starts and ran his best race so far last time out when finishing on well to take 3rd spot behind Gold Medalist over a mile. He has been kept fresh since that last run 2 weeks ago, looks capable of building on that effort and if he can unlock some more improvement with K. Nazil retaining the ride then he looks to be on a handy mark and can try to gain his maiden success today.
CONCLUSION :- This looks to be a good opportunity for Sylvester to finally get off the mark and he looks the form choice to gain his maiden success in this company. Master of Studies appears to be the main danger on his last effort while Dean’s Gold could be the dark horse here.
Race No. 3 :- The Dr. Govind R. Gurbaxani Memorial Trophy – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1000M
ORACLE :- Speedy 5 year old gelding trained by Nazak Chenoy, he seems to be best over this 1000M trip with all 3 of his previous wins having come over it, although he has been tried over further as well. He did not race during the Pune season so returned from a long break this term and after getting a lung opener over 1400M first time out, finished a good 3rd to Iron Age and Bateleur over this trip. He did not run badly over 1200M last time out, looking a danger before finishing a close 5th to Gazino in the higher class and has now been eased in grade and dropped back to his pet trip. He should be fully fit now, P. Trevor has been booked to ride again and he looks one of the leading contenders to get back to winning ways and enter the winner’s circle again.
COLUMBIANAPRINCESS :- 5 furlong speedster from the Adhirajsingh Jodha stable who has a fine overall record so far, having won 3 of her 6 starts and finished runner up on 2 occasions. She finished unplaced the only time that she was stepped up to 6 furlongs and has finished runner up the last twice. She has only had one prior run this season which came 2 months ago when she was runner up to Riquewihr finishing ahead of Fine Tune and Pokerface that day. She is returning from a 2 month break without any reported track work which is a concern and although Malam Singh claims 5 kilos in the saddle, he is not the strongest claimer going and does not inspire confidence. She is likely to attempt pillar to post tactics and can score if fit and well.
FINE TUNE :- Consistent 5 year old mare who appears to be the more fancied of the 2 runners from the NosherCama yard with P.S. Chouhan the retained rider on board. Winner of 3 of her 14 starts, she has been quite consistent since gaining her maiden success and seldom runs a bad race but has finished behind Columbianaprincess on the last 2 occasions that the pair has met and will need to find some improvement to reverse that form. She has had 2 runs this season so fitness should not be an issue and her last couple of workouts have been pleasing. She stands a strong chance to make the frame but will need to unlock further improvement if she is to stand a chance to return to the winner’s circle.
TRUE GRIT :- Improving 5 year old gelding from the S.K. Sunderji yard, he looks to be vastly improved this season on being dropped to this minimum trip and is unbeaten this term and is bidding for a hattrick with 2 fluent wins earlier in the season. Scoring comfortably in Class V on reappearance, he took the penalty in his stride to provide an encore on Derby Day, holding off the late finishing Shararehto score narrowly. He is up a further 4 kilos for his win which does not look to steep a penalty, appears to be in fine trim at present and with Neeraj Rawal taking over in the saddle today from R. Ajinkya and the yard in great form this season, he stands a very good chance to complete his hattrick and must be respected.
CONCLUSION :- The demoted Oracle ran promisingly last time out and looks set to return to winning ways back to his pet trip and with P. Trevor up. Bottom weighted True Grit is improving rapidly and looks a live danger while the speedy Columbianaprincess also cannot be ignored if she is fit and well as she has not worked since her last run and been kept fresh.
Race No. 4 :- The Longchamp Million – Terms, 3 Year Olds only – Distance :- 1200M
DANDI MARCH :- Well performed son of Chevalier from the S. K. Sunderji yard, he has acquitted himself well in all his 3 starts till date although he ran a bit below expectations last time out when only 3rd to Free Gold. Runner up to Royal Crystal on debut, he decisively reversed that form in the Usha Stud Million next time out and was well fancied last time out as well but could not reel in Tommaso and ended up a close 3rd. He seems to have maintained his form and fitness since the last run and A. Sandesh gets up a leg up for the first time. He clearly looks to have a good chance in this field and is likely to give a good account of himself.
NAMAQUA :- Unbeaten got abroad gelding trained by M.K. Jadhav, he made his debut in the first 3 year old race of the season and showed good speed to win from pillar to post. However, he was withdrawn on his next intended start in the race won by Dandi March and is returning from a long absence so may be a little rusty. Leigh Roche takes over in the saddle today from A. Sandesh and he is likely to have improved from his debut run although he has to show his stamina for the additional furlong. The form of his maiden win does not look particularly strong so he will need to improve but cannot be left out of the equation.
MS BOSS :- Twice raced filly from the stable of Sanjay Kolse who has a fine sprinting pedigree and has run well both her runs so far. She finished a distant 2nd to Tommaso on debut over 1000M but duly built on that next time out when making all the running and scoring comfortably from Enid Blyton with 3rd placed Oui Savage a subsequent winner. She should not be troubled by the step up to 1200M and is likely to improve again and it will be interesting to see whether Sandesh had the choice between her and Dandi March but opted for the latter as that could prove significant. Robbie Downey is a capable replacement and she is sure to run well and be involved in the finish.
THAILAND :- Nicely bred 4 year old filly trained by Hosidar Daji who was an impressive winner on debut over course and distance scoring a convincing win over Missing You in a strong maiden. The yard’s runners are usually well prepared to win first time out so how much she will improve is uncertain but she looks to have maintained her form and fitness judging from her subsequent work. P. Trevor who rode her last time out keeps the faith, she looks a nice prospect in the making and is given an outstanding chance to maintain her unbeaten record.
CONCLUSION :- This should be well contested in spite of the small field but Thailand made a good impression on debut and looks likely to be able to tackle this lot and make it 2 from 2. Dandi March and Ms. Boss both look likely to trouble her and cannot be ignored with slight preference for the latter with more scope to improve.
Race No. 5 :- The Indian Navy Trophy – Class IV & V, 4 Years Old Only – Distance :- 1200M
OFFICER IN COMMAND :- Improving half brother to the yard’s top sprinter Gold Bag, who looks to be progressing nicely with his racing and gained a hard fought maiden success in the lower class last time out. Making his debut in Pune, he ran a promising first race to finish 4th to Hyannis and showed improvement on his first run on this track as well when ending a good 3rd to Anatevka and El Commandante which looks strong form now. He was a short priced favourite to score last time out but had to pull out all the stops when strongly challenged by Ebony in the final furlong and possibly won on riding. He has not been penalized harshly for the win, up only 4 kilos and looks open to further progress. Neeraj Rawal takes over in the saddle today, he has bagged the No. 1 rail draw and with more improvement anticipated, he looks to have an excellent chance to go in again and is a leading fancy here.
DIVINE POWER :- 4 year old gelding trained by Altaf Hussain who does not appear to be completely straightforward and has been struggling to return to form after losing his way. A winner over 1000M on just his 2nd start, he went off the boil since then and has reverted to sprinting after being tried over longer trips. He has been tried over 1000M on both starts this term and on both occasions finished on strongly from the rear to just come into the frame, first time out when 4th to Sharareh and last time out with today’s rider up, ending 4th to True Grit. The manner in which he has finished on late suggests that this additional furlong should suit him. He looks to be in good nick at present and is likely to be involved in the finish although he is not completely reliable.
MYRCELLA :- Improving 4 year old filly trained by Nosher Cama who has been making steady progress with each of her runs and made good progress this term mainly over this trip. 3rd to Juno’s Guest on reappearance over this trip, she went on to finish 2nd to El Commandante and made further improvement last time out to win comfortably in the lower class with H. Zeeshan in the saddle. She has been given a stiff 5 ½ kilo penalty for that win but looks likely to progress again and with P.S. Chouhan taking over in the saddle she should try hard to repeat. She comes out a length better than Officer in Command on a line through El Commandante and it should be close between the 2 of them today.
JETFIRE :- Exposed 4 year old colt from the M.K. Jadhav yard who has flattered to deceive on a number of occasions and although he has been runner up5 times in his 11 starts so far, he is still searching for that elusive first success. He is campaigned mainly over 7 furlongs so may find this trip on the sharp side and last time out finished runner up to Sullivan over 1400M. He clearly has ability and has run with good company in the past and A. Sandesh takes over in the saddle today. On his 7 furlong run with El Commandante, he looks very well handicapped here and if suited by the drop in trip, may find today the day that he finally gains an overdue success. Keep an eye.
SO SPLENDID :- Maiden 4 year old gelding who has now moved to the yard of S.N. Joshi after being in the care of Vishal Gaikwad earlier. He has done nothing of note in 8 starts till date but has been working well for some time now and ran a forward race last time out when 5th to Medici. He is having his first start for his new yard so may need this run now upped in grade but looks a rank outsider who is capable of springing a surprise.
CONCLUSION :- Officer in Command and Myrcella are closely matched on handicap but at the likely prices, it could pay to take a chance on Jetfire. Although he has been racing mainly over 1400M, he may be suited by the drop to this trip and with Sandesh up for the first time, could finally score his maiden success.
Race No. 6 :- The Flying Brave Plate – Class V – Distance :- 1000M
SPEEDO :- Aged 7 year old from the Adhirajsingh Jodha yard who is a veteran of 39 starts having won on 2 previous occasions and also placed 11 times. He has come down significantly in the weights so looks to be on a handy mark and merits each way consideration in this field with Malam Singh booked to ride.
UNIMAGINABLE :- Speedy and relatively unexposed 4 year gelding trained by Vishal Gaikwad who has run 4 times so far having finished runner up once. He was tried over middle distances on his first 3 starts and ran forward races on each occasion so was tried over this minimum trip last time out. He was again in front for most of the journey before being collared late on and ending a close 4th to Tasch. That was a promising first effort over this trip and he has the scope to improve on just his 5th start. 5 kilo claimer P.S. Kaviraj takes over in the saddle from Akshay, he is taking on mainly exposed older horses and in spite of being drawn wide in Stall 11, looks to have a very strong chance to shed his maiden tag today.
HEXAHEDRON :- 4 year old gelding from the yard of S.A. Waheed who has also run 4 times till date and has finished well beaten on every occasion. 3 of those runs have been this season and he should have gained enough fitness and he has been working very well of late. R. Ajinkya is an interesting booking for the yard and although there is no form to go by, he is worth keeping an eye on and could be a lively outsider.
THEA O THEA :- Well bred 5 year old mare who shifted to Narendra Lagad and has run just 4 times so looks to have potential for improvement. She has already had 2 runs this season over sprints and is now eased in grade into the lowest class. She has shown good speed in her last couple of workouts and S.A. Amit now takes over in the saddle from whipless apprentice. She is an unknown quantity who could be better than her current mark and is another who looks capable of upsetting and should be considered.
BEE QUIRKY :- Speedy 6 year old mare who began her career with H.J. Antia but is another who has made a yard shift and is now in the care of Vijay Kasbekar. She is more exposed than many of these having run 16 times already and her 1 win came over this trip. She showed she still had zest for racing on her penultimate run when 3rd to Outstanding on her last run in Pune and may have needed the lung opener here on reappearance. The draw has not been kind to her in Stall 13 and Niranjan S. Parmar is not the strongest of the 5 kilo claimers but she looks well placed on the scale and is capable of being involved in this weak field.
ZEEMO :- 5 year old mare who is a stable mate of Hexahedron and is unplaced in her 6 runs but has been showing early speed before fading. She has run twice this season so fitness should not be an issue and is as yet unexposed so looks open to improvement. She has bagged a good draw in Stall 3 and with K. Nazil in the saddle, is another who could spring a surprise.
CONCLUSION :- A messy finale and Unimaginable seems to have found a good opportunity to get off the mark and is worth a wager if at odds of 1 ½ or longer.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
