From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Friday, 25th October, 2019 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 24 Oct 2019
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Friday, 25th October, 2019
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Golfing Plate – Class IV & V, 5 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1000M
TRUE GRIT :- 5 year old gelding trained by S.K. Sunderji who took a bit of time to come to hand and after shedding his maiden tag over 7 furlongs on his 8th attempt, found his calling as a sprinter and has been running over sprints ever since. Overall a winner of 3 races from 14 starts, he won back to back races over this trip early in the rear and followed that up with a good 3rd in Class III behind Pokerface in his bid to complete a hattrick. He reappeared on this track as late as September and again ran well to finish 4th behind more fancied stable companion Between The Waters and had one more run to get him back to full fitness. He has now been eased in grade into the lower class and M. Ayyar who has been booked today takes some weight off his back claiming 3 ½ kilos in the saddle. He looks set to resume his progress in this lower class and has a very good chance of getting back to winning ways today.
USTAD PEDRO :- Sparingly raced 5 year old gelding from this season’s leading stable of Narendra Lagad, he has run 12 times so far and managed to win on 2 occasions, the second of those coming last time out when he managed to hold on and beat Ebony by a length over 1200M receiving 2 kilos. He is now conceding 1 kilo to that rival so is slightly worse off on the scale and may not be ideally suited by the drop to the minimum trip as he has been racing over mainly 6 and 7 furlongs in his last few starts. However, he looks fit and well, his maiden victory did come over this distance and with a 4 kilo penalty to tackle and N.S. Parmar in the saddle today, he does stand a good chance to repeat if not kept too far off the pace.
EBONY :- Well bred 5 year old mare trained by Altamaash Ahmed, she has been the perennial bridesmaid, finishing runner up in 7 of her 18 starts so far with just 1 solitary success. She has been in top form this season though as her maiden win came on reappearance, proving too good for the Class V field over 6 furlongs and beating Macgyver with a measure of comfort before running an excellent close 2nd to Ustad Pedro last time out. Most of her form too has come over 6 furlongs and she drops to this minimum trip for the very first time in 18 starts but she appears to be very well within herself and is 2 kilos better off with Ustad Pedro on that last run. Neeraj Rawal as usual takes the ride, she looks to have maintained herself well since the last run and is a strong contender to re-enter the winner’s circle.
SKYSURFER :- The 2nd of 4 runners from the Narendra Lagad stable and possibly the pick of the lot on Jockey bookings with Dashrath Singh taking the ride. Winner of 3 of her 21 starts till date, all her 3 previous wins have come over course and distance and she began this season with a winning effort when comfortably beating Majestical on the opening day. However, she was off for 2 months after that and since reappearing in September has had 2 poor runs so she needs to bounce back now. Her last couple of workouts have been encouraging though and Dashrath is up for the first time this season which is also a positive. She does have a good chance if she runs upto her best and is definitely worthy of each way consideration but does have something to prove at present.
TRANSFORM :- 5 year old grey mare trained by Nosher Cama who is returning from a long lay off but was in good form when last seen in March earlier this year. She has won 2 of her 18 starts so far, the 2nd of those on her penultimate run when beating Silver Cap by a nose over 1200M and she went on to run a good 2nd to Juno’s Guest last time out. She is returning after a gap of 7 months and appears to have limited preparation as well so she looks to be out for an airing today. However, the booking of Yash Narredu suggests that she may be fancied today and if returning in the same mood, she could be involved.
HIGHLAND WOODS :- Well bred and lightly raced 5 year old gelding from the stable of Nazzak B Chenoy who seemed to suffer a setback after scoring his maiden success and has been very sparingly raced since then. Winner of 1 run from 9 starts, he returned after nearly a year off the track this season and has had 2 runs to get fit, finishing on suggestively from the rear over 1200M last time to finish just outside the frame and suggesting that he was coming back to form. The booking of inexperienced 5 kilo claimer Gagandeep Mann is not the most encouraging but he may still have some scope to improve and if he is able to build on that last effort then he could prove to be an end of season surprise.
CONCLUSION :- A competitive looking opener but it seems that True Grit should have a good chance in this lower grade after having had 2 runs in the higher class and can return to winning ways. Ebony looks to be in good form and shapes as a danger as does last outing winner Ustad Pedro
Race No. 2 :- The Assessed Plate – Div. II – Class V, 4 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1400M
MR. HONEY :- Improving 4 year old gelding trained by Nirad Karanjawala who is still a maiden after 11 starts but has managed to place on 3 occasions and has been quite consistent in his 4 starts this season. Finishing 3rd to Lambretta over a mile on reappearance, he went on to run 4th over 2000M on his penultimate run and last time out, down to 9 furlongs, he ended up a close 3rd to His Masters Vice. He has been working well for quite some time now and although the drop to this trip may not be ideal, the booking of C.S. Jodha today catches the eye. He looks to be making steady improvement, has been working well and looks a strong each way contender in this field and may finally manage to get off the mark today.
HIGHLAND WIND :- 5 year old maiden who is owned and trained by Mansoor Shah and has gone 21 starts so far without success but has also come down appreciably in the weights as a result. He was well fancied when partnered with a good rider over 1200M last time out and got going a wee bit too late to finish a good close 2nd to Ame. The extra furlong is likely to be in his favour and Neeraj Rawal who rode last time out, retains the ride. He is likely to improve from that last effort and if making further progress, looks a leading fancy to strike and must be respected in this grade.
SHAPATH :- Another maiden 4 year old gelding, this one from the stable of Subhag Singh he has gone 14 starts without a win but has shown zest for racing for the first time this season and has run a couple of suggestive races. 4 runs this term, he finished a promising 3rd to Westeros over 1200M on his penultimate start and last time out upped to a mile, ended up a close 4th to Fencing. This 7 furlong trip may well suit him the best and T.S. Jodha, his regular saddle partner is on board. He looks possibly a frame contender who should be involved but will need to pull out some more improvement if he is to stake a claim for the winning spot.
SOLO MISSION :- 5 year old gelding from the stable of Karthik G, this one has gone 23 starts without a win and does not seem to be consistent, producing the rare good run amidst several poor efforts and he may not be completely straightforward but also looks to be on a handy mark at present. He has finished quite close up in all his 4 starts this season and went desperately close on his penultimate run over 1200M when a flying late 3rd just a long neck behind the reopposing Highland Wind. He finished only 6th behind both Cecilia and Lilibeth over this trip last time out but may not have given his best that day and looks capable of springing a surprise if he has his galloping shoes on with A. Prakash claiming 5 kilos in the saddle. A Value outsider.
CECILIA :- Untried and unexposed 5 year old mare trained by Faisal Abbas who is a 15 race maiden and has not shown any ability in her previous several runs but looked like coming to hand last time out when she finished on purposefully over this trip to be runner up to Forever Free indicating that she may be finding form. That was her best run till date so if she is able to build on that effort and progress a little more, then she stands a strong chance to get off the mark today. The switch from N. Nadeem to top apprentice A.S. Peter also looks a positive and in this field, she looks one of the main contenders and must be seriously considered.
LILIBETH :- 5 year old mare from the Narendra Lagad who has dropped right down in the scales to a very attractive mark and has had opportunities to strike this season since finishing on well to be a close runner up to Red Fire on reappearance. However, she has been unable to replicate that feat in her 5 runs since, being tried over both 6 and 7 furlongs. Raghuveer Singh returns to ride her today replacing K. Nazil and off the feather weight, she is worthy of each way consideration and if she decides to put her best foot forward today, can spoil the party.
CONCLUSION :- As most of these contests tend to be, this looks very tricky but having run with promise last time out, Highland Wind may be worth chancing over this extra furlong in the capable hands of Neeraj Rawal. The list of dangers is long with the unexposed Cecilia heading it after her good 2nd to Forever Free last time out and Solo Mission and Lilibeth others who could strike at a good price.
Race No. 3 :- The Star Shine Plate – Div. II – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1200M
PABLO :- Consistent and well performed 4 year old gelding from the stable of Sanjay Kolse, he is yet to finish off the board in his 10 runs till date with 2 wins and 2 second placed finishes. He seems most effective over this 6 furlong trip and warmed up for this race well when finishing a good 4th to Headway on his reappearance. That run should put him spot on for this race and he has moved well in his subsequent workouts. He appears to have a strong level of form overall and with A. Sandesh taking over in the saddle from A. Imran Khan, he appears to have leading form claims and is a strong contender to add to his earlier successes.
SILVER FLAMES :- Well bred and improving 3 year old gelding trained by Altaf Hussain, he too is yet to finish off board in his 5 runs till date, with 2 previous victories to his name. A shock winner on debut over 1000M when completely unfancied but proving too strong for the opposition, he went on to finish a close 4th in a strong maiden to Princess Annabel next time out but was a shade disappointing when upped to 7 furlongs on his final start in Mumbai, finishing a well held 3rd to Gallantry. He was a hot favourite to score dropped to 1000M on his reappearance but warmed up a wee bit too late and finished a close 2nd to Bonafide before regaining the winning thread last time out over this trip, fighting off a strong challenge from Majestic Warrior to prevail by a long neck. He was working along with Derby hopeful Sultan Suleiman so is clearly held in high regard and with Hyderabad ace Akshay Kumar in the saddle today, should make a bold bid to repeat in this tougher company.
FLOWER DUST :- Reasonably well performed 6 year old mare from the stable of Nosher Cama who seems to be slowly finding her way back to form after scoring an impressive win over this trip in Mumbai in January, romping clear of Queen of Turf and Gifted Thea to win by almost 5 lengths. That was her 3rd win in 20 starts overall and she has been given two easy runs this season to try and regain her fitness. Those two runs should have brought her on considerably and her recent workouts also indicate that she has improved. Yash Narredu gets a leg up for the first time this season suggesting that connections fancy their chances today and she definitely looks an each way player if she is back to her best. Worth considering.
HARMONY OF THE SEA :- Inconsistent 5 year old mare trained by Imtiaz Sait who has won 3 of her 18 starts so far and although winless this season, she has run quite promisingly on a couple of occasions. She has had 3 runs so far this season, finishing a very close 2nd over this trip to Adeline on reappearance but then ran poorly next time out when upped to 7 furlongs, finishing well down the field behind Questionable and emphasizing her moody nature. However, she bounced back to form last time out over a sharp 1000M when a fast finishing 3rd to Adele so should be suited by this longer trip. Raghuveer Singh has been booked to ride today and she definitely merits each way consideration but may find it a bit tough against the younger horses.
CORMORANT :- Improving 4 year old gelding trained by Faisal Abbas who has won 2 of his 9 starts so far, both wins coming in succession in Mumbai over this trip. He narrowly missed out in his hattrick bid when a close 3rd to Gentillesse on his final start in Mumbai and after one run on the opening day of the season where he finished 5th behind Bushtops, he has not run since and is returning from a 3 month absence. He is entitled to need this run back from a long break but has moved well in his couple of workouts and cannot be ignored with S. Zervan in the saddle.
CONCLUSION :- This looks likely to be a straight fight between Pablo and Silver Flames with preference for the former who has had a good lung opener and appears to have the stronger form between the pair.
Race No. 4 :- The Shamu Chavan Trophy – Class IV & V – Distance :- 2400M
BRAZOS :- Solid staying 6 year old handicapper from the M.K. Jadhav yard who has won 3 of his 26 starts and has also finished runner up on 4 occasions. He seems to be at his best over this trip but looks vulnerable under top weight in this company after scoring a wide margin win over Dazzle N Daze a couple of starts ago. He struggled when only 5th over 2000M last time out with Gold Medalist finishing 3 ¾ lengths ahead of him in 2nd but the two positives are that he is back up to his pet trip and A. Sandesh returns to ride replacing N.S. Parmar. He should be able to confirm form with Jager Bomb and Dazzle N Daze on that earlier run but looks out handicapped against a couple more although he surely stays and is very dangerous to ignore.
GOLD MEDALIST :- Consistent 4 year old handicapper trained by S.K. Sunderji who steps up to this gruelling trip for the first time but comes into this off a good run over 2000M when runner up to Gdansk and should be able to confirm form with Brazos who finished 3 ¾ lengths behind him on similar terms. He has placed in 10 of his 18 starts although he has only managed to win once and his style of racing suggests he should get the trip. He has been working very well since the last run, C.S. Jodha retains the ride and with scope for more progress being a 4 year old, he looks a strong each way player here and is likely to be involved if his stamina holds out.
JAGER BOMB :- Another proven stayer who has been a loyal servant to connections over the years this 8 year old gelding from the Imtiaz Sait yard is a veteran of 47 races having won 3 of them but also placed on as many as 17 occasions. We have to go back to February 2018 for his last win which came in the higher class over this trip but he has run well both starts this term, finishing on late to be runner up to My Precious over a mile before finishing a faraway 3rd to Brazos over this trip last time out. He appears to be able to still raise an effective gallop at age 8 and the booking of Neeraj Rawal is a positive but although he does appear to hold each way claims again, it is hard to see him winning this and he should fight it out for minor honours.
ETERNAL DANCER :- 6 year old mare trained by Rehanullah Khan who is taking a big leap into the unknown by attempting this gruelling trip for the first time in 31 starts having done the majority of her racing between 1000 and 1400M. Winner of 3 of her 31 starts, what she does seem to have in her favour is that she comes into this race in great form, having added her 3rd win over 1400M on her penultimate run and that she ran a remarkable race last time out when upped to 2000M for the first time, staying on strongly to finish a neck behind Saddle The Wind. She did not appear to be stopping that day so in all likelihood should get the distance and if she is able to do so, she looks capable of scoring again with N.S. Parmar in the saddle. Dark horse.
CHEZZA :- 4 year old filly trained by Faisal Abbas who gained her maiden success over a mile last time out which was the first time in 9 starts that she had shown any ability since her debut 3rd over 1000M. She won quite comfortably that day beating Gold Magic by a length and has been handed a 4 kilo penalty for the win which seems fair. Being a younger horse, she looks open to unlocking further improvement but is also taking a big step up in trip and it is unsure whether she still stay. Most of her siblings had performances upto a mile so a leap of faith is required to support her but if she does stay the longer trip then she looks capable of putting it across these older handicappers with A.S. Peter retaining the ride.
HIS MASTERS VICE :- 6 year old gelding who appears to be the stronger of the 2 contenders from the AdhirajsinghJodha stable and comes into this fresh off a last gasp win over Adonijah over 1800M last time out, beginning to gallop very late in the day and getting up in virtually the last stride. That was only his 2nd win in 25 starts but he looks likely to relish more galloping ground although a 5 kilo penalty looks stiff. He did finish a creditable 2nd to Raees the only other time that he has attempted this trip so he seems likely to stay and with S. Amit replacing Yash Narredu in the saddle, should make a bold bid to repeat and must be considered.
CONCLUSION :- Both the 4 year olds Gold Medalist and Chezza are uncertain to stay this trip but if either of them do stay, then they look likely to put it across the older handicappers. The Sunderji ward is given the edge as he ran well over 2000M last time out but he is more exposed than Chezza. His Masters Vice appeals the most among the older horses with Eternal Dancer a possible surprise package
Race No. 5 :- The General Rajendrasinhji Million – Terms, 3 Years Old Only – Distance :- 1600M
MAJESTIC WARRIOR :- Leitir Mor gelding from the in form stable of Narendra Lagad stable who has been relishing his racing and has been showing improvement with every start. He has had a busy time having already run 5 times this season and after finishing 3rd to Enid Blyton over 1200M on reappearance, scored a bloodless maiden win over the late finishing Rainbow Trout who has franked the form. He went on to finish a close 2nd to Silver Flame in a terms race just a week after and won his 2nd start upped to 1400M next time out. He then went on to run Mystic Bay very close over 1400M last time out and now steps up to this mile trip today. Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle today replacing A. Sandesh, he has been working very well and although he may be vulnerable to one of the more lightly raced types, he looks in fine form and could very well trouble them all.
MYSTIC BAY :- The highest rated of this lot and also the one with Classic pretentions, this colt trained by Malesh Narredu has run 5 times till date and has won both his previous starts in Western India having run thrice in Bangalore in between. A stylish winner over 1400M on debut, he summered in Bangalore, finishing runner up to War Hammer in the Bangalore Juvenile Million before ending up midfield in the Colts Championship. His last start in Bangalore was disappointing though when only 5th to Victorious Sermon and last time out, he had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Majestic Warrior by a head. That was his first run in almost 3 months so he should strip fitter and improve for it and will also be suited by being upped to a mile. Suraj Narredu who rode him last time out keeps the ride and although he needs to improve markedly on that last run, he looks the form choice and could very well go in again.
KARIEGA :- Kingda Ka filly trained by Vishal Gaikwad who is looking to redeem her reputation after a poor last couple of runs but has been given time to do so. An impressive winner over 6 furlongs on debut, she went on to finish a fair 5th in the Breeders Produce Stakes before convincingly claiming the Breeders Juvenile Fillies Championship by 4 lengths from Mishka’s Pride. However, she ran a shocker in her only start in Bangalore in the Bangalore Juvenile Million where she finished well behind both Mystic Bay and Missing You and her only previous start in Pune, she ran 4th over a mile in Class III behind Khartoum. She has been rested and given time to improve since that run 2 months ago and her last couple of workouts have been encouraging. She too should leave that last run well behind and could be a strong contender if bouncing back with Akshay Kumar in the saddle.
MISSING YOU :- Another lightly raced and potentially smart filly who is looking to redeem her reputation after a poor Bangalore Summer and was a glorious winner of the Poonawalla Breeders Million in March on her 3rd run. She finished alongside Mystic Bay in the Karnataka Juvenile Million on her first start in Bangalore but then was disappointing in the Fillies Championship Stakes when managing to beat only one home. She has been brought along steadily since then and moved well in a recent Mock Race and has also been working extremely well. She does have fitness to prove after the long break but is open to plenty of improvement and with A. Sandesh riding her for the first time today, she looks set to regain the winning thread.
NEKHBET :- The most inexperienced and lightly raced of the bunch, he is an owner mate of Kariega and is trained by the mighty Pesi Shroff. He has had only 2 starts till now, one apiece in Mumbai and Pune and showed a smart turn of foot on his seasonal reappearance when coming with a powerful late run to wear down Athulya over 1400M and score an impressive maiden success last time out. He needs to improve considerably on the bare form and is literally being thrown in the deep end as he is rated way below the rest of these. However, he is an in form horse with the scope for plenty of improvement and in a race where several of the runners have questions to answer he could very well be involved so should not be ignored.
CONCLUSION :- This looks fascinating in spite of the small field with all the contenders with the possible exception of Majestic Warrior likely to contest the Guineas in December. Missing You is selected to redeem herself after a poor showing in Bangalore where she may not have liked the conditions and she can get back to winning ways at the expense of Mystic Bay who is expected to do much better than when struggling to hold off Majestic Warrior a couple of weeks ago. Kariega also possesses a smart turn of foot and is respected.
Race No. 6 :- The Delhi Race Club Cup – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1200M
RIGHTEOUS :- Debutant who is one of 2 runners from the Pesi Shroff yard and looks an interesting sort on paper. He is a full brother to Between The Waters who has already performed extremely well in Western India and a half brother to Common Wealth who won the Bangalore Fillies Championship Stakes (Gr.1) and was runner up in the South India 1000 Guineas (Gr.2) and the Major P.K. Mehra Memorial Super Mile(Gr.1). He was withdrawn on his intended debut about a month ago and looks a little short on preparatory work so may need this run. N.S. Parmar takes the ride and he may well need the experience but looks a classy sort on paper and could be good enough to tackle this lot and win first time out.
TITANIUM :- Once raced Phoenix Tower gelding from the yard of S.K. Sunderji who was given an educative run earlier in the season when finishing mid division behind Silver Flames on the 1st of September. He is sure to have learnt from that run and is likely to have improved and also appears to be coming from a good family being a full brother to Yellowstone and Zander both of whom won multiple races. The booking of N.B. Kuldeep suggests that he may still need some time before coming to hand but he should leave his debut running behind and can fill the frame.
BELGRAVIA :- Full sister to Sullivan who is a stable companion of Righteous and is essentially a winner without a penalty as she was successful last time out but lost the race in the Stewards Room. Doing nothing of note in her first two starts, one of them in Pune, she showed good improvement last time out when holding off Alauddin Khilji and Knight Superior to win decisively. She was demoted to 2nd so looks the form pick in this field and with further improvement likely, she looks almost certain to make amends. S. Zervan who rode her last time out keeps the ride and she looks hard to beat in this company and should emerge victorious today.
DESPACITO :- 3 year old filly from the Dallas Todywalla stable who has not shown much improvement in her 4 runs till date and has been gradually stepping up in trip with her racing. 4th on debut over 1000M to Whydah in Mumbai, she again finished 4th to Turmeric Tower on the opening day of the season but did not make the expected improvement when upped to this trip next time out once again finishing 4th behind Majestic Warrior. She did not seem to appreciate the step up to 7 furlongs last time out so now reverts to 6 furlongs and A. Sandesh has been booked to ride today. She does not seem to be making improvement with her racing so although she is likely to be involved in the frame and could fight it out for minor honours.
MIKAYLA’S PRIDE :- Another well bred debutant from the small stable of Asad Siddiqui, she is a half sister to Run Forest Run and Star Cracker and looks a decent sort on pedigree for this yard. She has been moving quite pleasingly in the morning trials and the booking of Yash Narredu is an eye catching one. A paddock check is advised to ascertain her fitness and if she is looking fit and well then she looks likely to make a good impression first time out and could prove to be value at a price.
TAKE IT EASY :- Likely to possess speed being a half sister to Flammeus and Greek Goddess, this filly trained by Hosidar Daji has been working very well right from the outset and has been given 2 easy runs in Pune to further her fitness. 5th to Cipher over 1000M on debut she ran a forward race over this trip last time out before retiring to finish last of the 9 runners and should be fit enough now. After being ridden by N.S. Parmar in her first 2 runs, Amyn Merchant takes over in the saddle today and since he has already ridden some good winners for the stable before, she is another worth keeping an eye on and could upset if reproducing her excellent track work
CONCLUSION :- It is hard to look beyond Belgravia who was a shade unlucky to lose the race in the Stewards Room last time out and looks set to make amends. Stable companion Righteous and Mikayla’s Pride both look promising looking debutants who could trouble her while the dark horse could be Take It Easy.
Race No. 7 :- The Star Shine Plate – Div. I – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1200M
QUEEN CREDIBLE :- Demoted 6 year old mare from the Rehanullah Khan stable who is beginning to look quite well handicapped although it has been a long time since she has seen the winner’s circle. Winner of 3 of her 34 starts, she has also placed on 10 occasions and after needing 2 early season runs to regain fitness, has finished just outside the frame the last twice. She was a late finishing 5th when dropped into this grade last time out finishing close up to Slam Dunk (4th) and Arc Shine (2nd) and the switch from Bhawani Singh to C.S. Jodha is a positive one. She likes to come with a late run from off the pace and if the gaps appear at the right time for her in this large field then she is capable of having a say and merits each way consideration conceding weight all around.
ARC SHINE :- In form 5 year old grey mare from the yard of S.N. Joshi who has been quite consistent throughout her 28 race career, winning thrice and placing on 12 occasions and she has been versatile in trip from 1200M upto a mile. She has made steady progress in her 3 runs this season and just missed out in a similar contest last time out when beaten a short neck by Sassy Lass with Queen Credible and Slam Dunk behind her. She came from a long way back that day but looks to have maintained her form and fitness and although she may prove a bit vulnerable to the younger horses, she looks a strong each way contender with Akshay Kumar retaining the ride.
NAMAQUA :- Speedy looking 3 year old gelding from the stable of M.K. Jadhav he appears quite head strong and is not the easiest of rides but also clearly has ability as evidenced by his 2 wins from his 5 starts till date. A facile winner on his debut on this track in the lower class, he ran poorly from a wide draw next time out when his 5 kilo claimer could not control him and he travelled wide throughout before dropping the rider and finishing on the outer rail but bounced back nicely last time out with Sandesh in the saddle to finish a respectable runner up to Dandi March. All his runs this season have been over 5 furlongs so he will need to harness his speed over this longer trip but Sandesh should be able to control him and if his stamina lasts out, he looks a danger to all.
STORM BREAKER :- Potentially very smart 3 year old gelding trained by Malesh Narredu who ran a forward race in the F.D. Wadia before tiring to finish 4th to Golden Guest and should be more at home over this shorter trip. He appears to be an out and out sprinter at present, winning a fierce battle with Oui Savage to win over 1000M on debut and then finishing a respectable 7th in the Poonawalla Breeders Million. Unlike many of the Western India horses he seemed to thrive during the Bangalore Summer where he was unbeaten in 2 starts over this trip, winning with authority on both occasions. He looks to have been well prepared with this event in view, Yash Narredu takes the ride and he appears to have ticks in all the right boxes and is a leading fancy to resume his upward curve. The one to beat.
TURMERIC TOWER :- In form filly from the stable of Narendra Lagad who is unbeaten this term, returning from a short break 2 weeks ago to score a gutsy win over Clark Kent and has been turned out again quickly over this extra furlong. Taking her time to come to hand in her juvenile season, she appears to have really come into her own this term and since she likes to come from off the pace, she should relish the extra furlong. 4 kilo penalty does not appear to be too harsh, stable jockey Dashrath Singh takes the ride and she appears to be the main challenger to Storm Breaker and should make a brave bid to complete what would be a fine hattrick.
CONCLUSION :- Storm Breaker looks a classy sprinter in the making and is confidently selected to resume on a winning note. Turmeric Tower who is in form and also improving should give him the most to do while the speedy Namaqua is also feared
Race No. 8 :- The Assessed Plate – Div. I – Class V, 4 Years Old and Over – Distance :- 1400M
LAMBRETTA :- 4 year old gelding trained by Karthik G who one win to his name from 16 starts, scoring that maiden success on his first run this season when easily accounting for Hi Ho Silver by 3 ¼ lengths. He has run thrice since then in the higher class, making the frame on each occasion and will be suited by this drop in grade. Stable’s 5kilo claimer A. Prakash who has already ridden some good winners this season gets a chance again today and claims a valuable 5 kilos in the saddle and in this company, he looks to have a strong chance and can return to the winner’s circle.
NAVIGATOR :- Well raced 4 year old gelding trained by Narendra Lagad who has a similar profile to Lambretta winning one of his 17 starts and he too, was a runaway winner of his maiden on his penultimate start scoring by 9 ½ lengths from Dragonmoss. He failed to handle the penalty last time out when finishing 5th to She’s A Tiger but could be open to further progress in this grade. Raghuveer Singh takes over from A. Sandesh in the saddle today to reduce the weight and if he can shake off his last run, then he looks an each way player and can be involved.
DIREWOLF :- Unexposed 4 year old gelding from the Nosher Cama yard, he has run just thrice so far, running twice during the last Pune season and then skipping the entire Mumbai season and reappearing after nearly a year’s gap earlier this month. He was clearly unfit and needed the run after the long break last time out and should strip much fitter today. He is having just his 4th start and runs in the lowest class so although he has no form to commend his chances, he has the scope to be better than his current mark and looks an interesting dark horse with Yash Narredu in the saddle today. Can upset.
PILATUS :- 6 year old gelding trained by Vinesh who is very lightly raced for his age and has managed 1 win in his 11 runs so far. He has done nothing of note in his 3 runs this season but looks to have come down to a workable mark now and Neeraj Rawal returns to ride replacing Shrikant Kamble who has ridden the last twice. He has come back down to his last winning mark and if he has his galloping shoes on then he looks an each way contender and can be an end of season surprise.
HONOURABLE EYES :- Maiden 5 year old gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait who’s losing run has now stretched to 19 but who has come down considerably in the scales as a result and is starting to look quite well handicapped. He has finished in mid division in all his 3 runs this season in similar contests, last time out ending a decent 5th to Forever Free. The booking of C.S. Jodha today looks an encouraging one taking over from Kishore Kadam and if he is able to find some more improvement then he can figure in the frame although he will need to make some more improvement before he can be considered from a win perspective.
NUSRAT :- Unexposed maiden 4 year old filly from the Faisal Abbas yard who has taken her time to come to hand but appears to be progressing in the right direction at present. Winless in 10 runs till date, she is another who has come down considerably in the weights and showed some promise last time out when finishing on from the rear to be 5th behind Allegria over 1200M. That run was the first time she has shown any zest for racing and she looks capable of building on that effort over this extra furlong. A.S. Peter takes over in the saddle from N Nadeem which is a positive and since she is unexposed and a potential improver, she is another who could spring a surprise and score.
CONCLUSION :- A difficult finale and since these races often throw up a long shot, the lightly raced Direwolfis put forward as the selection. He needed the run after the long lay off last time out and has been working well since and has a positive Jockey Switch. Lambretta is the one who appeals from a form perspective while Pilatus and Nusrat are others to consider.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same).
