From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 13th October, 2019 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 12 Oct 2019
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 13th October, 2019
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Jimmy Umrigar Trophy – Div. I – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1200M
BETWEEN FRIENDS :- Originally named Capone, this Western Aristocrat gelding is trained by veteran Trainer S.S. Shah and looks to be taking his time to come to hand. He has an attractive pedigree with his dam Ivana being by Henrythenavigator and has run thrice so far, once this season. His 2 runs in Mumbai were lacklustre finishing 11th on debut over 1000M and then 9th when tried in the Breeders Produce Stakes which was probably too big an ask. He looked to have improved on his seasonal reappearance here when he made a little progress from midfield to finish 4th behind Guarnerius and he is expected to improve and build on that effort. His subsequent workouts have been quite pleasing and the extra furlong is likely to suit. N.S. Parmar who rode him last time out keeps the ride and if he can make some more progress then he looks to have an each way chance in this field and is likely to be involved in the frame.
GOD’S PLAN :-This Leitir Mor colt from the stable of Vishal Gaikwad is a very interesting runner and in spite of returning from an extended absence looks a strong contender in this field. Like Between Friends, he has had 2 runs in Mumbai, running a forward race on both occasions before retiring, both races over 6 furlongs and against quality opposition. He was given time to improve and strengthen after his 2nd start and has been brought along steadily this term. However, he moved very impressively in a 7 furlong Mock Race where he led throughout and finished ahead of Watchmyscript and Findlerhof without being fully extended. He also looks very interesting on the pedigree side with both his siblings having earned Black Type, with Rikki Tikki Tavi runner in the Super Mile (Gr.1), and 3rd in the Golconda Derby (Gr.1), the Colts Championship Stakes (Gr.1) and the Golconda 2000 Guineas (Gr.2) and his half sister Glittering Gold finishing 3rd in the South India 1000 Guineas (Gr.2) and the Mysore 1000 Guineas (Gr.3). Jockey Akshay is not the most encouraging Jockey booking but has been riding him in all his trackwork and if he is able to overcome the long absence then he stands a chance of upsetting Questina.
SOLDIER OF FORTUNE :-Thrice raced Arazan gelding trained by Hosidar Daji who began his racing career this season and has made modest improvement in his 3 starts till date. He has been working well right from the beginning of the season and was quite well fancied on debut over 1000M but failed to show any speed and finished well down the field. He did show some improvement over the same trip next time out though when 4th to Sachertorte but he was 6 ½ lengths behind C’estL’Amour that day and may struggle to reverse the form. Upped to 6 furlongs last time out, he managed to make the frame but again finished well behind C’estL’Amour and it looks hard to see him reverse form with that rival. YashNarredu gets a leg up in the saddle today in place of N.S. Parmar and while he looks capable of making the frame again, he is more likely to fight it out for minor honours and needs more time before being considered from a win perspective.
C’EST L’AMOUR :- Possibly one of the most exposed runners in this field, this daughter of Varenar from the leading stable of Narendra Lagad has run 9 times till date, but the first 5 of those runs came in Mumbai when she was nowhere near ready and she has been quite consistent this season. After getting a lung opener over 7 furlongs, she reverted to sprints and finished a close 3rd to Sachertorte over 1000M just behind stable mate En Sabah Nur (winner since) before running a very close 2nd to Dreams, leading all the way and going down fighting by ¾ length. She was no match for Cliffs of Capri last time out but still went on to finish 3rd and the booking of Neeraj Rawal today catches the eye. She is likely to make a bold bid from the front again and should be involved in the frame but she may be vulnerable to some of these unexposed types who could be better quality.
QUESTINA :- Held in very high regard by her connections and already a close runner up on both her earlier starts, this half sister to Stormy Atlantic and Pacquiao (3 wins from 5 starts) is trained by ImtiazSait and is likely to go off a firm favourite in this field. She ran a cracker on her debut over this trip back in August where she led all the way and was only worn down late on by the more experienced Enid Blyton going down by a neck. She was again a firm favourite in the VillooPoonawalla Million next time out but this time found Copper Queen to be too speedy for her and again succumbed by half a length. Her prep work since the run has been quite exemplary and in the absence of P. Trevor, S. Zervan will take the ride. She looks a very strong contender to make it 3rd time lucky and looks the one to beat today.
CONCLUSION :-Questinais the obvious choice here enjoying the highest rating and arguably the best form but she is likely to be quoted at a cramped price and may be worth taking on with God’s Plan. The Vishal Gaikwad ward has an impeccable pedigree and moved very sweetly in a Mock Race and could have the potential to force Questina to play bridesmaid again
Race No. 2 :- The Pune Police Commissioner’s Trophy – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1400M
CASTILIAN :-3 year old gelding trained by Vishal Gaikwad who has already tasted regional Classic success and is a winner of 2 of his 4 runs so far. Son of the classy Power, he made a noteworthy debut back in Mumbai when coming with a strong late run from the rear to score easily over 1200M, beating Bait and Switch and Mirabilis and was taken to Ooty for the Regional Classics. He maintained his unbeaten record when decisively winning the Nilgiris 2000 Guineas (Gr.2) over 1400M on just his 2nd start before finishing runner up to Royal Currency in the Nilgiris Derby. He looked a shade rusty when returning after a 3 month lay off last time out on his only previous run this season, ending up 5th behind Augustus Caesar but is sure to have improved considerably for that run and stripped fitter. He has had another 2 months to improve since then and has been working quite well and will also have the assistance of Y.S. Srinath in the saddle. He looks to have leading claims on the pick of his earlier form and is expected to get back to winning ways today.
MAJESTIC WARRIOR :-Comes from the stable of Narendra Lagad and has developed into quite a useful sort this season, winning 2 of his 6 starts overall and both wins coming this season, including over course and distance last time out when he comfortably beat Articulate in a no whip race in Class IV. He had earlier finished a close 2nd to Silver Flames over 1200M and broke his maiden the time before when easily accounting for subsequent winner Rainbow Trout so his form looks solid. He appears to be very well within himself at present, A. Sandesh takes the ride and he looks to have a good each way chance in spite of his 5 kilo penalty and should make a bold bid to repeat.
MYSTIC BAY :-Another son of Leitir Mor, this one from the stable of Malesh Narredu and he has Classic pretentions but needs to bounce back from some ordinary efforts in the Bangalore summer. He has won his only race in Western India on his debut over this trip in Mumbai, scoring by 2 ¼ lengths from Galloping Goldmine who runs on Saturday and will give a guide to the form. He was then taken to Bangalore for the Summer season and ran well in the Karnataka Juvenile Million where he was understandably runner up to War Hammer but did finish ahead of Missing You and Hunt for Gold. He could not make an impression in the Colts Championship Stakes when finishing 6th of 8 to War Hammer and then ran very poorly on his last start over 1400M when well fancied but finishing only 5th behind Victorious Sermon. That run was in July and he has been rested and well prepared since then but does appear to have a bit to prove now. He has been pleasing in his track work, Suraj Narredu takes the ride today and while he does come into consideration here, he will probably need this lung opener after the break and may be better next time out.
THOMAS HARDY :- 4 year old Poet’s Voice colt who has won 2 of his 5 starts till date but has to bounce back from a poor effort last time out and also looks likely to need to improve on the bare form to trouble the principals here. Winner on debut when coming with a strong late run to pip Shivalik Queen over 6 furlongs in Mumbai, he was sent off at very cramped odds next time out upped to 7 furlongs but was easily beaten by Gentillesse. He again made an encouraging start to the season when unfancied and running a bottling 3rd to Golden Guest and Adele over 1000M and duly obliged up to 6 furlongs next time out but made hard work of it to beat Dazzling Star by a length. He ran poorly on his first effort in this class when only 7th behind Headway last time out and although he has been working superbly since then, this 7 furlong trip may stretch him. He is capable of further improvement on just his 6th start and with S. Zervan in the saddle today, he looks a dark horse who could upset the 3 year olds.
FREE GOLD :- Daughter of Indian 1000 Guineas winner Free Radical who has already produced some smart types like Star of Venus and Rosalind and more recently Perfect Star, this ImtiazSait trained daughter of Arazan made a smart start to her career when coming with a strong run from the rear to claim the Gool S. Poonawalla Million from Tomasso and Dandi March although that form does not look as strong as it did earlier. She was quietly fancied in the Poonawalla Million next time out but was away sluggishly from the gates and finished midfield and subsequently disappointed when only 5th in the Forbes Breeders Juvenile Fillies Championship behind Kariega. She was rested for quite a long time then, making a belated reappearance about a month ago over 1200M in the lower class where she was again away slowly and finished on late to be 6th behind Pleiades. She was definitely in need of that run so should improve and strip fitter today and while she has been upped in grade she also takes a substantial drop in weight with Y.S. Srinath replaced by C.S. Jodha. She too appears to have a bit to prove at present and although she seems to be receiving plenty of weight, she is more likely to fight it out for minor honours today.
CONCLUSION :-With Mystic Bay and Free Gold both having something to prove, Castilian is selected to bounce back from a poor effort last time out and get back to winning ways. His earlier form was solid and he should improve enough to tackle this lot. Mystic Bay, who also has classic aspirations looks the main threat while Majestic Warrior has been in good form and is also respected
Race No. 3 :- The Jimmy Umrigar Trophy – Div. II – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1200M
ALAUDDIN KHILJI :- Twice raced son of Arazan from the stable of Rehanullah Khan, he has had 2 runs over 1000M earlier in the season, finishing well down the field on debut but making a little improvement next time out to finish in mid division behind Sandman. He is likely to improve again and appreciate the additional furlong and his recent workouts have been quite pleasing, keeping pace with the Class III Sharareh on his last gallop. Bhawani Singh who had ridden him the last twice is on again today and in this field, he looks to have an each way chance and can fight it out for minor honours.
KNIGHT SUPERIOR :- Half brother to the mighty Ruffina and Corfe Castle and full brother to Lady Danehill and Polished Chrome, this Altaf Hussain trained 3 year old has had 2 starts so far and has managed to place on both occasions. He went very close on his racing debut over 1000M where he hit the front from the outset and was only collared close home by Guarnerius but next time out upped to this trip was no match for Copper Queen and Questina who runs earlier in the card and should give a pointer to the form. However, he appears to have found a very modest field to take on and his form should be good enough to tackle this lot. His workouts since the last run suggest that he has improved again and now fitted with a tongue strap and with A. Sandesh in the saddle, he looks a leading fancy to make it 3rd time lucky and get off the mark today.
BELGRAVIA :-Full sister to Sullivan who was also trained by Pesi Shroff but she still seems to be taking her time to come to hand and has not really impressed in her 2 starts so far. Making her debut over this trip in Mumbai, she finished 5th of 10 behind Gallantry and then reappeared here after a long gap towards the end of August but finished last of the 7 runners behind Majestic Warrior. She likely needed that lung opener after the long break and is expected to put up a much better showing with the benefit of the run. S. Zervan takes over in the saddle today replacing P. Trevor and since the field looks a relatively weak one, she does have a chance to run into the frame if improving.
PEZULA :-Full sister to the highly regarded Quail Hollow, she is owned by the same connections and trained by Bezan Chenoy and has been working quite well for some time now. She was very strongly fancied on her racing debut a month and a half ago over 1000M but missed the break and lost some ground which effectively put paid to her chances. She was not given an unduly hard time after that so is expected to have had a good education and should leave that running well behind. The additional furlong is likely to suit her and with Prashant Dhebe taking over in the saddle from P. Trevor today, she seems to be the main threat to Knight Superior and must be feared.
CONCLUSION :-Knight Superior seems to have found a good opportunity to get off the mark and is selected to shed his maiden tag today. Pezula lost her chances at the start last time out and could prove to be a live danger if getting away on level terms today.
Race No. 4 :- The Vinayak Trophy – Div. I – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1000M
CLARK KENT :- Very speedy 4 year old grey gelding trained by Nosher Cama who has been quite lightly raced and has only been campaigned over this 5 furlong trip so far. He has done quite well in his 6 race career, finishing runner up twice and on board on every occasion since his debut run and he returned from an extended absence to make a winning start to this season, showing a clean pair of heels to his rivals off bottom weight and scoring by a measure of comfort from Belenus. He has been handed a very stiff 6 ½ kilo penalty for that win but Niranjan S. Parmar who has been booked to ride today claims 5 kilos which should offset his penalty quite considerably. However, his rider does not have a very encouraging win record and while he is likely to try and make all the running again from Stall 4, he may struggle under the stiff penalty and it looks tough for him to repeat.
JULIO CESARO :-4 year old gelding from the Narendra Lagad stable who has dramatically altered his tactics in recent times and seems to be better suited now by coming from behind. Winner of 2 of his 22 starts overall, he has already run 5 times this season and added his 2nd success on his 3rd run of the current campaign coming with a late run to catch stable companion Brave over this trip in the lower class. He finished runner up to Jetfire over 6 furlongs under his penalty but ran poorly last time out and now reverts to the minimum trip. He looks to be well within himself at present, A. Imran Khan is a noteworthy jockey booking taking over from J. Chinoy and he looks to have a decent each way chance and is capable of being involved here.
BELENUS :- 3 year old filly trained by Dallas Todywalla who has 1 win and two seconds to her name from 6 starts so far and was runner up to Clark Kent last time out. Three of those runs have come this season and she was well fancied on her opening run of the season but whipped around at the start and dislodged the rider. She was given a further run over 1200M where she jumped out better from the gates and her 2nd place finish last time out was a step in the right direction. She has been working extremely well right from the beginning of the season, NeerajRawal takes over today with A. Sandesh moving to Ms Boss and if she can get away on level terms again today, then she stands a very good chance to return to the winner’s circle.
TURMERIC TOWER :-Improving 3 year old filly trained by Narendra Lagad, she has a similar profile to Belenus with a win and 2 seconds from 5 starts but she is returning from a break which is a slight concern. She looked improved on the opening day of the season when coming with a strong run to beat Cipher convincingly over this trip and she had Sachertorte back in 5th that day. She has not run for 2 ½ months now so that is a slight worry but she has been blazing the tracks in the morning gallops of late and appears to be fit and well. Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle today in the absence of P. Trevor, she looks capable of taking a 4 kilo penalty in her stride and is strongly fancied to repeat.
MS BOSS :-Has a top class sprinting pedigree and looked quite the speedster on her 3 runs in Mumbai, finishing runner up to Tomasso on debut before going on to a stylish maiden victory over Enid Blyton and Oui Savage. She was tried over 1200M on her final start and ran out of gas midway up the straight to finish 4th behind Dandi March. She was a piping hot favourite on her reappearance here over 1000M on her handicap debut but clearly needed a run on the Pune track and ended up a disappointing 3rd behind Impala. She is sure to have improved for that and stripped fitter today and also should benefit greatly from the experience. A. Sandesh as usual retains the ride and if she has gotten back to her earlier form then she appears to be the one to beat and looks primed to run a very big race today.
CONCLUSION :- The two to focus on here appear to be Ms Boss and Turmeric Tower and both have question marks against them, the former running very poorly on her earlier run this season and the latter returning from a 2 ½ month lay off. Ms Boss appears to have the better overall form though and is given the edge if fit and well.
Race No. 5 :- The F.A. & K. A. Irani Trophy – Class II & III – Distance :- 1200M
EXCELLENT GOLD :-5 year old gelding from the stable of Narendra Lagad who has been hinting at striking in one of these events but is not the most consistent sort and sometimes flatters to deceive. Overall a winner of 4 races from his 23 starts with 9 placed efforts, he gained all his 4 wins on the trot back in 2017 and although he has gone close on a number of occasions since then, a further win has seemed to elude him. He is usually at his best when finishing on from off the pace as he showed on his opening effort of the season behind Iron Age and again in the Akkasaheb Maharaj when he was fastest moving at the finish. However, he failed to take advantage last time out when very favourably handicapped but ending up 3rd behind St. Andrews and Gazino. He has been eased in grade into the lower class now and A. Imran Khan has been booked to ride so if held up and delivered with a late burst, he could prove to be a danger to all and must be respected.
FLAMING MARTINI :- Progressive and consistent 4 year old filly trained by Dallas Todywalla who has an admirable record of not finishing outside the first three in all her 10 runs till date, winning thrice and finishing runner up on 4 occasions. This 6 furlong trip seems to suit her the best and she finished on smartly over 1000M last time out to be runner up to Intense Stylist. She was unlucky to be pipped at the post by Gazino on her penultimate run over this trip and is closely matched with Excellent Gold on that running. She has held her form and fitness well throughout the season and with A. Sandesh taking over from P. Trevor today, looks a strong each way player and is sure to be involved in the finish.
KING KHALIL :-Another speedy and progressive 4 year old gelding who got his career off to a rollicking start but now the handicapper appears to have caught up with him and he has been struggling in his last few attempts. He finished well behind Flaming Martini on their earlier meeting this season over 1200M and it looks hard for him to reverse the places with her in spite of the return of SurajNarredu who takes over from Gagandeep Mann. He is likely to be prominent throughout and can figure in the places but looks more likely to fight it out for minor honours today and winning looks quite tough unless improving dramatically.
LESREL :- Got abroad 5 year old gelding in the care of Vishal Gaikwad who has won 3 of his 10 starts till date and after suffering a setback towards the end of last year and taking his time to come back to hand, he looked like he had returned to his best last time out when trouncing the field in the lower class to win by an impressive 7 ¼ lengths. He has incurred a stiff 6 kilo penalty for that win and is now pitted against much tougher opposition so while he looks to be in fine form at present and should try hard to repeat with NeerajRawal in the saddle, he may be found wanting in this company.
HEADWAY :- Classy and progressive 3 year old who comes into this race bidding for a hattrick after having scored 2 stylish wins in his previous 2 runs this season and is expected to have improved again. Showing a good attitude inspite of being sluggishly away on reappearance, he managed to finish on strongly and get the better of Jetfire and looked vastly improved last time out when a convincing winner of the Panchshil Million, beating Lorraine who has gone on to win twice since so the form looks strong. He is up a further 5 ½ kilos now and facing his toughest task yet but his track movements suggest that he has improved again and he looks hard to oppose receiving plenty of weight all around. The one to beat with C.S. Jodha in the saddle
CONCLUSION :-In spite of the penalty, it is hard to oppose Headway who has been going from strength to strength this season and the Sunderji ward is confidently selected to make it three in a row. The consistent Flaming Martini and the enigmatic Excellent Gold shape as the main dangers
Race No.6 :- The Noshir& Dolly Dhunjibhoy Sprint Million (Grade 3) – Terms, 4 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1200M
IRON AGE :-Champion sprinter already this 4 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait has gone from strength to strength this season and was a decisive winner of the Akkasaheb Maharaj Trophy from St. Andrews and Gazino. Winner of 7 of 11 starts overall, he is unbeaten this term and in fact is yet to be beaten on the Pune track, having won both his starts here last season equally convincingly. He has been handed a penalty for his win last time out and now has to concede 3 ½ kilos to St. Andrews and Gazino so while he is out on the scale and will need to improve again to confirm the form, there is every chance that he will be able to do so. He has been working brilliantly since his last run so looks to have maintained his condition and although his regular saddle partner P. Trevor is missing, he has a worthy replacement in Y.S. Srinath. He should make a bold bid from the front once again and in spite of being out handicapped is strongly fancied to win this.
GAZINO :- Lion hearted 5 year old gelding trained by Nosher Cama who seldom runs a bad race and has been performing with credit in all his sprint contests this season. After running below par when favourite against Iron Age on the opening day, he bounced back with a courageous performance to pip Flaming Martini on the post and ran creditably in his next 2 starts but St. Andrews currently seems to have his measure, beating him on both occasions. He was receiving weight however last time out and is now on level terms so looks out on the scale with St. Andrews and is more likely to fight it out for minor honours with YashNarredu taking over in the saddle today.
GOVERNOR GENERAL :-Touted by many as the dark horse here, this 7 year old gelding trained by M.K. Jadhav has been a loyal servant to connections over the years finishing winner or runner up in 16 of his 26 starts and rising considerably in the rating with a best of 114. He has been out of form in his 3 runs this season but was in terrific form in Kolkotta over the winter and is capable of holding his own in this company. It is also encouraging that A. Sandesh returns to ride him for the first time this season, the 6 furlong trip looks ideal and he could prove to be a fly in the ointment here and is capable of scoring a stunning upset at a long price.
INTENSE STYLIST :- Up and coming 4 year old gelding trained by S.K. Sunderji who deserves a crack at a race of this nature and has been in imperious form since reverting to shorter distances after finishing mid field in the Indian 2000 Guineas. He has reverted to sprinting this term, winning cosily over 1200M on his reappearance and then showing that he has the speed to tackle the minimum trip as well when winning impressively last time out, holding off the late finishing Flaming Martini by a length. This is clearly the toughest task that he has faced going up against the best sprinters at the centre but he too looks in the pink of condition at present and from the No. 1 gate and with C.S. Jodha in the saddle, should make a bold bid to complete his hattrick.
ST. ANDREWS :- Tough and consistent 6 year old gelding trained by Bezan Chenoy who has made many unsuccessful attempts to win a Group Race but has come up short so far although today looks one of his best chances to set that record straight. Winner 5 times and runner up 5 times in his 22 starts he went close in the Akkasaheb Maharaj but finished 1 ¼ lengths behind Iron Age although he is now weighted to gain revenge. He scored a confidence boosting win over Gazino last time out and looks to be the best placed on the scale in this field. Being a 6 year old he lacks the scope of Iron Age to improve further but looks a serious contender today with A. Imran Khan up and could finally claim his first Group success. Handicap pick.
CONCLUSION :- As usual this is ultra competitive but in spite of being out on the scale, Iron Age is selected to maintain his unbeaten record on the Pune track and get the better of the gallant St. Andrews who looks the best handicapped.
Race No. 7 :- The Pune Derby (Grade 1) - Terms, 3 Years Old Only – Distance :- 2000M
SULTAN SULEIMAN :-The only unbeaten runner in the field and also the one who is the least experienced, having begun his racing career just a month and a half ago. Making his debut in the Southern Command Gold Trophy over 1400M on the 1st of September, he made an impressive debut when not being fully extended to beat another debutant Memorable Eyes by 2 ¾ lengths and his trainer was so impressed that he entered him in the S.A. Poonawalla Million barely a fortnight later against some of the top 3 year old opposition with much more experience. The faith appeared to be justified though as he showed a good attitude to battle back when challenged and held off a fierce challenge from Trouvaille to prevail by a neck. He is sure to have improved again on just his 3rd start and has been given a decent break before this contest. His stamina for the 2000M trip is in debate but he has done all that has been asked of him until now and is sure to give it a good go. A. Sandesh who has ridden him throughout is up as usual, he is likely to start the favourite and although Trouvaille is likely to give him a much tougher fight over this longer trip, there is every possibility that he will again emerge triumphant.
TROUVAILLE :- Leading 3 year old colt from the Mumbai season finishing runner up in the Breeders Produce Stakes and the Poonawalla Million and scoring an emphatic win in the Breeders Juvenile Colts Championship and he bounced back from a below par performance in the F.D. Wadia to come within a neck of Sultan Suleiman in the S.A. Poonawalla Million. The longer trip is likely to be in his favour as he appears to possess plenty of stamina and he appears to be peaking at the right time which is a good thing. His preparation since the last run has gone smoothly, C.S. Jodha the stable jockey is on board and he looks a leading contender to regain his title of best among the colts and geldings and should make a strong bid to claim this prestigious prize.
VICTORIOUS SERMON :- Vastly improved during the Bangalore Summer season and touted by many at the start of the Pune season as the future winner of this race, this 3 year old gelding trained by Vishal Gaikwad was runner up to Juliette on debut over 1400M back in Mumbai. However, he showed significant improvement when travelling to Bangalore for the summer campaign, finishing close up to horses which had subsequently placed in Classics and on his final start, hammered Gift of Grace who went on to run champion filly Well Connected a short head 2nd in the Deccan Fillies Championship Stakes. He was sent off a hot favourite in the S.A. Poonawalla but ended a poor 3rd behind Sultan Suleiman and Trouvaille and it looks unlikely that he can reverse that form in such a short space of time. Y.S. Srinath keeps the faith however and he deserves each way consideration and should be much closer over this longer trip.
WIZARD OF STOCKS :-One of 2 runners from the powerful Pesi Shroff and this one is the mount of NeerajRawal but is the more exposed and possibly lesser fancied of the pair. Runner up to Galloping Goldmine on debut in Mumbai, he too was sent to Bangalore for the summer and won his maiden over a mile quite convincingly but was well held in the Colts Championship Stakes behind War Hammer finishing up 5th. He ran a 2000M race in Class III as a lead up for this and did finish on smartly to be runner up to Tasawwur but on all known form, it does look tough for him to win a race of this nature. He has been working well since the last run and looks another likely stayer so is given a chance but is more likely to fight it out for minor honours.
RHAPSODY :-Speaking of Which filly who is a stable companion of Wizard of Stocks and will be ridden by S. Zervan who rode her to victory in her lead up. Unlike her stable mate though, she looks to have plenty of scope to improve having had just 3 starts till date. She was an impressive winner over a mile last time out, bouncing back from a poor run in Bangalore but it is possible that the track did not suit her and she is entitled to improve. She too needs to step up on the bare form but her manner of victory was quite convincing and she looks a dark horse here who could improve enough to cause an upset.
CONCLUSION :-Trouvailleis narrowly selected to get the better of Sultan Suleiman over this longer trip although it would be no surprise if the Altaf Hussain ward were to improve enough to win this. Rhapsody looks an interesting outsider who could have the quality to upset the pair
Race No. 8 :- The Vinayak Trophy – Div. II – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1000M
WARRIOR CLAN :- 3 year old gelding from the in form stable of Adhirajsingh Jodha who is returning after a long absence but looks to have very strong form to his name. He has had 3 runs till date and after needing an educative run on debut, finished a good 2nd to Silver Flames over this trip and then went on to finish a good close 3rd to Daddy’s Pride and Golden Guest subsequently which looks very strong form now. He appears to have been well prepared for his belated reappearance and the booking of A. Sandesh suggests that connections fancy their chances. A paddock check is advised to ascertain his fitness but if looking well then he must have an excellent chance to make a winning reappearance.
AUSPICIOUS :- 4 year old colt trained by Malesh Narredu who is a half brother to Belenus and has raced just once so far, making his racing debut over 1200M early in the Pune season and making a pleasing start to finish runner up to Highland Lass. He is sure to have learnt plenty from that opening run and has been brought along steadily since then. His recent workouts have been very pleasing, he should not have a problem tackling this shorter trip and with SurajNarredu taking the ride today replacing A.S. Peter he looks to be another potential improver who stands a strong chance of going one better and prevailing.
QUAIL HOLLOW :- Sparingly raced 4 year old gelding trained by Bezan Chenoy who has had 4 well spaced out runs till date, finishing runner up on his debut over this trip but then ending up 4th on all the other 3 occasions over further. He had a warm up run earlier in the season over 1200M, doing quite well to end up 4th behind Headway and is entitled to improve for that run. There is no trackwork noted which means he must be kept fit just by swimming so fitness will be a concern but Prashant Dhebe who rode him last time out retains the ride and he merits each way consideration.
REVELATOR :-3 year old colt from the stable of S.K. Sunderji who has placed just once in his 4 starts till date and has yet to show a decent level of form. Three of his runs have been this season and while he managed to finish a faraway 3rd over 1400M to Sultan Suleiman, he has finished mid division in both his other runs over 6 furlongs so it is interesting that he is being dropped down to this minimum trip. He should be fit enough and he has been working extremely well of late so if suited by the drop to the minimum, he could prove to be a factor with C.S. Jodha in the saddle.
GOD’S DECREE :- Speedy but relatively exposed 3 year old from the Narendra Lagad stable who has shown just modest form till date and could prove vulnerable to something with a bit more quality. She has finished a distant runner up on her first 2 starts of the season, proving no match for Properly Posh first time out and then finishing a faraway 2nd to Sandman. Upped to 1200M last time out, she weakened rapidly to finish 4th to Armaity and this return to the minimum makes sense. She has bagged the rail draw and Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle so she is likely to attempt to make all and should try to make every post a winning one.
CONCLUSION :-Warrior Clan looks to have been prepared well enough to make a winning reappearance at the expense of the lightly raced Auspicious. Revelator who is tracking well is also respected if suited by this drop in trip.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same).
