From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 17th November, 2019 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 16 Nov 2019
From the Horses Mouth - Race form Analysis Guide for Sunday, 17th November, 2019
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Vesuvius Plate – Div. II – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1200M
TASCH :- 4 year old filly trained by Faisal Abbas who has an attractive pedigree, being a full sister to Class I performer Costa Brava and a half sister to Costa Smeralda who definitely catches the eye on paper and still seems to be coming into her own. She has raced just 4 times till date, making a winning debut over 1000M when coming with a strong late run to get the better of Furiosa. She went on to run just modestly in her next 2 starts, a bit disappointing when well beaten by Pablo upped to this trip before again finishing a rather tame 2nd to Dance The Dream, also over 1200M. She reappeared only on the penultimate weekend of the Pune season over 1000M and finished on suggestively from the rear to be an eye catching late 4th to Turmeric Tower, travelling wide throughout and not given an unduly hard time. She is likely to come on appreciably for that run and the step back up to 1200M looks likely to suit. S. Zervan who had ridden her on most occasions is up again today and with the scope for further improvement, she looks to have found an excellent opportunity to get off the mark and looks one of the leading contenders to win this.
BRAVE :-Nicely bred and speedy 6 year old gelding trained by Narendra Lagad who began racing at a late stage in his career and has won 2 of his 19 starts so far with 5 placed efforts as well. He has been raced exclusively over sprint trips so far and appears to be better over 1000M than over this longer trip, most of his form and both his wins coming over the minimum. His last win came a couple of starts ago when scoring a 5 ¼ length victory over Grand Architect but he has run poorly in his 2 starts since so needs to progress again. P.S. Kaviraj who claims 5 kilos in the saddle and gets along with him well is up again today but he looks a shade vulnerable over this extra furlong and although he is capable of being involved in the frame, winning looks tough today. Outside chance.
HIGHLAND WOODS :- 5 year old gelding who is in the care of Nazzak Chenoy and was off the track for over a year after scoring his maiden success incidentally over this trip back in March 2018, getting up very late to pip Huzzah’s Phoenix by a long neck. He reappeared in Pune this season after a gap of 17 months and has taken his time to come to hand, having run 4 times and made gradual progression with each of his runs. His final start on the concluding day of the season showed that he was coming back to his best when he made late headway to finish runner up to Ebony over 1000M and he ran well over this trip the time before that when finishing just outside the frame behind En Sabah Nur. Akshay is a surprising jockey booking for the yard but he is a better rider over sprints than 5 kilo claimer Gagandeep Mann and if he is able to progress again then he looks to have a strong chance to return to the winner’s circle.
ISINIT :-Game and consistent 7 year old mare from the stable of S.N. Joshi who is a 50 race veteran and improved her record in the latter half of a career, winning 3 races overall and also placing on several occasions. She has been very consistent in similar contests over the past year or so and after somewhat losing her way early in the Pune season, came back to form the last twice, finishing a close 2nd to Verdandi on her penultimate run before scoring an upset win last time out, getting the better of Maestro by a little over a length down at 5 furlongs. She has not been harshly penalized for the win only up 4 kilos and A.S. Peter claims 2 ½ kilos in the saddle so she is not badly treated on the scale. She looks to be in good form at present and is another who could add some pep and make the finish interesting. Each way player.
WESTEROS :-Another lightly raced 4 year old gelding who has the potential to make further improvement, this one is trained by Dallas Todywalla and will be ridden by P.S. Chouhan today although the draw has not been kind to him in Stall 11. He has had 6 runs till date, and after making a promising debut back in April 2018, was sidelined by injury and returned to racing after almost a year off the track. He needed 2 runs in the last Mumbai season to try and regain his fitness but looked quite improved on his reappearance in Pune, making every post a winning one under a 5 kilo claimer to score a maiden success over this trip beating Outstanding by a length and a quarter. He was disappointing under a penalty next time out when folding up quite tamely and finishing in the ruck but has been working well since and will be benefitted by stronger handling. He has been quite well rested having a 6 week break since his last run and could very well bounce back from that poor last run and is another who must be seriously considered.
ANTARCTICA :-Lightly raced 4 year old filly trained by Altamash Ahmed who is a winner of 1 of her 7 starts and is another who could conceivably have more improvement left in her. She was a very impressive winner over this trip back in March, coming with a sweeping run down the outside to win by 4 ½ lengths from Romantic Eyes and did not run badly on promotion, finishing 4th behind Dance The Dream where she was 4 ½ lengths behind Tasch receiving 2 kilos and made a promising start to the Pune season when making up plenty of ground from the rear to be a late finishing 3rd to Namaqua over 1000M. However, she picked up an injury and was withdrawn on her intended last start and is returning from a longish break so may need this run. The booking of 5 kilo claimer N. Nadeem also suggests that she may be out for an airing but on paper she is 3 kilos better off than Tasch on the scale so it would not be the biggest surprise if she were to emerge victorious. Interesting outsider.
CONCLUSION :- The well bred and lightly raced Taschl ooks to have found a good opportunity to get back to winning ways having run promisingly over 1000M last time out. Highland Woods has been improving steadily since returning to the track and shapes as a live danger while Westeros is also respected with P.S. Chouhan back in the saddle. Antarctica is very well placed on the scale and could be a value outsider if looking fit and well.
Race No. 2 :- The Snow Dew Plate – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1400M
PABLO :- Consistent 4 year old handicapper from the yard of Sanjay Kolse who has run 11 times till date and has yet to finish outside the frame, winning twice and finishing runner up 3 times. He has done most of his racing over 6 furlongs, but finished a fair 3rd to Costa Brava the only previous time he tackled this 1400M trip. He ran just twice during the last Pune season, needing a lung opener when finishing 4th to Headway in the Panchshil Million and was strongly fancied last time out but was no match for the 3 year old Silver Flames, finishing a well beaten 2nd. He is again taking on another promising 3 year old in the shape of Hunt for Gold so he looks vulnerable off top weight and even though A. Sandesh retains the ride and he has been working well since the last run, it looks hard for him to beat Hunt for Gold. He does look almost certain to place though and keep his frame record intact.
MY PRECIOUS :- 5 year old mare trained by Karthik G who has run 23 times till date and after struggling to make an impression or find her correct distance in the first two thirds of her career, seemed to really come into her own during the recent Pune season, scoring 2 of her 3 wins in her last 4 starts and running well on the other 2 occasions. She also seems to have found her style of racing, ridden aggressively preferably from the front and over a mile trip although 7 furlongs also should not be too much of a problem as she won over it last time out. She has gone up considerably in the weights though from 29 to 52 but seems to have found her form later in her career and looks in fine trim at present. Both her wins came with 5 kilo claimer A. Prakash up so it is a bit surprising that Bhawani Singh returns to ride but she is likely to make a bold bid from the front again and could be dangerous if allowed an easy lead.
HUNT FOR GOLD :-Daughter of Indian Oaks winner Pleasure Hunt who was the leading 3 year old filly in her juvenile season, winning her maiden and the Breeders’ Produce Stales in her first 2 starts and beating Pune Derby winner Trouvaille on both occasions. She was a hot favourite for the Poonawalla Breeders Million but could only finish 3rd to Missing You and Trouvaille and had a very disappointing Bangalore Summer finishing unplaced in 3 starts and running poorly in the Fillies Championship Stakes and the Summer Derby and comes back with a bit to prove. She has been rested for almost 4 months and appears to have been quite solidly prepared and like Missing You may not have been suited by the Bangalore course. SurajNarredu has been flown down for the ride, this is her lead up race for the Indian 1000 Guineas and she needs to win this in fine style if she is to be given any chance in the Classic. The one to beat and looks a cinch on her last season form.
TILL END OF TIME :- Enigmatic 5 year old mare from the M.K. Jadhav yard who has won 3 of her 17 starts and looks to be trying to regain the form that she had when scoring back to back wins on this track last season. She has had 6 starts since that last win and having come down slightly in the weights, hinted at a revival last time out over an inadequate 1200M when she finished on from the rear to be 4th to Silver Flames, finishing 4 ½ lengths behind Pablo receiving 1 kilo. The additional furlong is sure to suit her better and although she still has to improve on the scale, she looks to have a good each way chance with more galloping ground and must come into consideration.
NOTTING HILL :-Exposed 4 year old handicapper trained by S.K. Sunderji who does not appear to be totally straightforward having won 2 of his 14 starts. Both his previous wins have been over this 7 furlong trip but he has been mainly struggling with his handicap mark since his last win back in March. He has had 3 runs during the Pune season, finishing runner up on reappearance behind Augustus Caesar and after running a poor race in between, ran an improved race last time out when finishing 4th to Lorraine over a mile where he had Till End of Time a length away in 5th. The booking of Neeraj Rawal catches the eye and although he is half a length worse off with Till End of Time today, he is working well and looks likely to be involved in the frame.
CONCLUSION :-Hunt For Gold appears to have been well prepared for her belated comeback after a dismal Bangalore Summer season and it is hoped that the return to Western India will bring her back on track. She is selected to gain a confidence boosting lead up win before going on to contest the Indian 1000 Guineas. The in form My Precious looks the next best while the consistent Pablo and the enigmatic Till End of Time are also considered
Race No. 3 :- The Royal Calcutta Turf Club Trophy – Class I & II – Distance :- 1400M
GOVERNOR GENERAL :-7 years of age now but can still raise a good gallop although his form during the current Pune campaign has been quite lacklustre. He was in prime form over this trip when wintering in Kolkotta winning twice and returns to a handicap after a long time so this is a slight drop in grade. He has top weight to defy as a result and is taking on mainly younger improving rivals but K. Pranil takes a valuable 5 kilos off in the saddle, he should be fit enough and in this lesser grade, must be respected and is capable of springing a surprise.
AWESOME ONE :- High class 4 year old colt who is a credit to his young trainer Deepesh Narredu and has been in fine form since failing to stay the 2000 trip in the Ruia. Winner of 5 of his 9 starts overall, he rattled off a hattrick of wins since returning to handicaps and scored his first Group Race success on his penultimate run when a decisive 2 ¼ length win of the Turf Club Trophy (Grade 3). He seemed to race too keenly last time out in the Pune City Gold Cup over a mile and ran below par to finish a poor 4th to La Rondine. He has been given a 2 month break since that last poor run and appears to have bounced back as he has been working very well of late. The return to 7 furlongs also looks sure to suit him and with regular saddle partner Yash Narredu returning to ride him, he looks a frontline contender to return to winning ways although he has to concede 4 kilos to Excellent.
EXCELLENT :- Another classy 4 year old colt who has won 5 of his 12 starts and convincingly beat Awesome One when the pair met on the latter’s debut but finished well behind him on their last meeting in the Indian 2000 Guineas. He has slowly been working his way back into form since that run and got back to winning ways towards the end of the Mumbai season, winning back to back races over 1400 and then 1200M. He had just one run on the opening day of the Pune Season when finishing 4th behind Iron Age and has not raced since then although he moved well in a Mock Race last month. He is receiving 4 kilos from Awesome One today which is a big advantage, A. Sandesh takes the ride and although he may be a shade rusty after the long break, he looks a big threat and is expected to run a very big race.
EXCELLENT GOLD :-Exposed and moody 5 year old handicapper trained by Narendra Lagad who has done most of his racing over sprints and has been struggling to make an impression since he rattled off 4 wins on the trot in the latter half of 2017. He has placed on several occasions since then and gone close on a couple of occasions but has not been able to add to that tally yet. He looked to have found a good opportunity on his penultimate run over 1200M but could not make the most of it and ended 3rd of 4 behind St. Andrews. He looks to come with a strong run from off the pace so maybe this additional furlong will suit him better as he has matured and with K. Nazil in the saddle and running off a feather weight he may be the fly in the ointment and could score a stunning upset.
CONCLUSION :-This should be a straight fight between the two 4 year olds – Awesome One and Excellent with a clear preference for the former who seems to have the better form and is preferred in spite of conceding weight today
Race No. 4 :- The Astral Flash Plate – Div. I – Class V – Distance :- 1400M
RESOLUTE :-Very interesting once raced 3 year old gelding from the Malesh Narredu yard who is the 3rd progeny of the mighty Set Alight – the other two having already shown themselves to be quality prospects. His half sister Satellite (by Burden of Proof) won 7 of her 24 starts and also finished runner up on 7 occasions while his half brother Shaman (also by Burden of Proof) was runner in the Calcutta 2000 Guineas and 3rd in the Calcutta Derby, winning 4 of his 14 starts. He has run just once, contesting the B.K. Rattonsey Multi Million on his debut in February so he is clearly held in high regard and he has been rested and given time to improve since then. His preparatory work has been quite impressive, he is running in Class V and looks open to any amount of improvement. He is entitled to need this run after the long break so a paddock check is advised but if he is looking fit and ready to go then he must be respected in this grade with Yash Narredu in the saddle. Interesting.
LAMBRETTA :-Exposed 4 year old gelding trained by Karthik G who has managed to win 1 of his 17 starts but returns to this grade after some unsuccessful attempts in stronger company and may be effective back down in this class. His solitary win came over a mile in this grade and he may have needed the run last time out when dropping back down to Class V. He is clearly fit enough after several prior runs and A. Prakash who has been in good form of late takes the ride. However, he looks vulnerable to the more unexposed types and place may be a better option for him today.
REVELATOR :- Maiden 3 year old colt from the S.K. Sunderji yard who has run 5 times till date and appears to have improved in his last couple of starts. A promising 3rd to Sultan Suleiman in the Southern Command Gold Trophy over this trip, he was not disgraced when 6th in the Villoo Poonawalla Million over 1200M before finishing 3rd to Auspicious dropping down to 1000M last time out. Both Auspicious and the runner up Warrior Clan have both gone on to win since so the form looks quite strong and the return to this 7 furlong trip should suit. He has been working very well of late, will be ridden by NeerajRawal and looks to have an excellent chance to get off the mark now eased into the lowest class.
SUNSET :-Very interesting got abroad 3 year old filly from the Dallas Todywalla yard who has an attractive U.S. pedigree with the full brother and sister abroad both well performed. Madame Barbarian won 9 races and won $313,436 while the Croninthebarbarian was 3rd in the Grade 3 Damia Beach Stakes and the Listed Kitten’s Joy Stakes and won the Kentucky Downs Juvenile winning total stakes of US$ 254,264. She had a lung opener towards the end of the previous Mumbai season where she finished midfield and showed she had improved on her belated reappearance in Pune when making leisurely progress to finish 3rd to Dreams over 1200M. She is returning from another 2 month break but is likely to have improved again and will be suited by the additional furlong. She has been working well since the last run, S. Zervan takes the ride and she is another who has tremendous scope for improvement and looks a fascinating contender.
SHAPATH :-4 year old gelding from the small stable of Subhag Singh who is quite exposed having had 14 starts already and managed to gain an overdue maiden success over this trip last time out when scoring a wide margin victory over Highland Wind with the same rider up. He has been handed a stiff 6 ½ kilo penalty for that win though so although he should gain some confidence from the win and remain in the same grade, he may struggle to repeat. On the upside he looks fit and well and should try hard to repeat.
ON VA DANSER :-Well bred and unexposed 3 year old gelding trained by Narendra Lagad who has been brought down in the scales with a string of unplaced efforts and is starting to look quite well handicapped now. He has no previous form to commend his chances and the only noteworthy feature is that Dashrath Singh takes over in the saddle for the first time. He looks an unknown quantity who could be better than his current mark and looks a rank outsider who could pull off a stunning upset. Keep an eye.
CONCLUSION :-Some interesting and potentially smart 3 year olds on display here but Revelator seems to have the best form and is selected to get the better of the beautifully bred got abroad Sunset. Resolute is also respected in spite of the long lay off and can feature as well.
Race No. 5 :- The Abeeta Plate – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1000M
ADELE :-In form and progressive 6 year old mare trained by Nazzak Chenoy who has been in phenomenal form this season and may just have come to hand at a late stage in her career. Winner of 3 of her 20 starts overall with 5 second placed finishes as well, she began the season with a close second place to subsequent F.D. Wadia winner Golden Guest before scoring back to back wins over this trip, the 2nd one coming after a short break. She came up short in her hattrick bid when finishing midfield behind Dandi March but the booking of Y.S. Srinath catches the eye and she appears to be in the pink of condition at present. She does look up against it taking on younger opposition as both her wins came in an older horses race but she does merit each way consideration in this field and is capable of being involved.
AUSPICIOUS :-4 year old colt trained by Malesh Narredu who has been progressing nicely with his racing and has quickly developed into a useful handicapper. Beginning his racing career as recently as August, he finished runner up to Highland Lass over 1200M on debut and went on to win his next two starts stylishly, dropping to 1000M to beat subsequent winner Warrior Clan convincingly and then took a penalty in his stride to get the better of Night Hunt upped to 1200M next time out. He has gone up another 4 ½ kilos since that last win but looks to be improving at a rate of knots and may still be ahead of the handicapper at this stage. Suraj Narredu who rode him on the last 2 occasions, takes the ride again today, he looks to have maintained his form and fitness since the last run and looks a strong contender to make it 3 wins in a row and continue his progression. The one to .
CLARK KENT :- 5 furlong speedster who ironically was a stable companion of Auspicious early in his career but moved to Nosher Cama after his last run in Mumbai and looked vastly improved when returning this season. He scored a convincing wide margin victory on his reappearance over this trip, easily beating Belenus by 5 ¼ lengths and nearly followed up under a penalty next time out when feebly ridden but still leading for a long way and only collared close home by Turmeric Tower. He looks to be in fine condition at present and will be benefitted by stronger handling with Neeraj Rawal taking over in the saddle today. He looks open to more improvement as he has had just 7 starts and is likely to make a bold bid from the front again and is dangerous to ignore.
TOMASSO :-Highly regarded and speedy 3 year old gelding trained by M.K. Jadhav who has not raced since January so is returning from a long break but was very impressive in his 3 runs in his juvenile campaign and deserves respect on those performances. Running a forward race on debut in the Usha Stud Million over 1200M he weakened close home to finish 4th behind Royal Crystal but showed the benefit of that experience when dropped to this trip on his next start, making all the running and powering clear to score by 3 ½ lengths from Ms Boss. He stepped up to 1200 for his final start of the season in the Gool S Poonawalla Million where he was in front for most of the contest and was only worn down close home by Free Gold going down by ¾ length with Dandi March and Arabesque behind him. He is returning from a substantial break so is entitled to need a lung opener but has showed good speed in the morning workouts, has the assistance of A. Sandesh in the saddle and has bagged the plum rail draw to boot. He looks a live danger to all and can strike in spite of the long layoff.
EN SABAH NUR :-4 year old gelding trained by Narendra Lagad who made his racing debut at the end of August and has quickly developed into a useful sprint handicapper. Runner up to Sachertorte on debut over 1000M, he again went on to finish a close 2nd to Cipher over 1000M before making it 3rd time lucky on his handicap debut when holding off Polyneices to score over 1200M, the pair 3 lengths clear of the rest. He has to bounce back from a disappointing effort last time out when he finished well down the field behind Auspicious but it is still early days for him and he can be forgiven one poor effort. S. Zervan takes the ride today replacing Dashrath Singh who opts for Impala and he has the scope to improve further, has been working well and looks likely to run a much better race today.
CONCLUSION :-Auspicious appears to be very much on the upgrade and is selected to complete a hattrick of wins. The classy Tomasso, in spite of returning from a long absence, shapes as a live danger as does the speedy Clark Kent
Race No. 6 :- The Raza Ali Plate – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1200M
QUESTINA :-Highly regarded full sister to Stormy Atlantic who has finished a close runner up in both her starts till date and it looks only a matter of time before she will graduate from the maiden ranks. Making her debut in mid August, she ran a forward race before being collared late on by the more experienced Enid Blyton and she was a hot favourite next time out in the Villoo Poonawalla Million but just failed to peg back Copper Queen that day, finishing 3 ¾ lengths clear of reopposing Knight Superior. She was withdrawn on her intended last start on Derby Day but has been working very well since then and looks fit at present. She has top weight to defy on her handicap debut but will the first ride in India for promising U.K. apprentice David Egan. She looks to be the one to beat in spite of the large field and is likely to begin her Mumbai campaign on a winning note. Leading contender.
KNIGHT SUPERIOR :-Half brother to Ruffina and Corfe Castle who has run thrice till date, placing on all 3 occasions and still seems to be coming into his own. Unlucky not to win on his debut over 1000M, when pipped in a fighting finish by Guarnerius, he finished 3rd in the Villoo Poonawalla Million where he was 3 ¾ lengths behind Questina so he needs to improve substantially to reverse that form. He was a short priced favourite last time out and got going late to finish a close 3rd behind AlauddinKhilji but he may not have been given the best of rides that day. He still has scope to improve after just 3 starts and is likely to be involved with A. Sandesh retaining the ride but will need to make significant improvement to reverse form with Questina.
RIGHTEOUS :- Classy looking half brother to Between the Waters who was given an educative run over 1200 about 3 weeks ago, racing in the rear throughout and finishing 9th of the 12 runners but only about 6 ½ lengths behind the winner. He is sure to have learnt from that experience and stripped fitter and N.S. Parmar is replaced in the saddle by Leigh Roche so he is expected to leave that running behind. He has been working very well of late and looks primed to run a very big race and merits serious consideration with the benefit of experience although a paddock check would be advised to ascertain his condition.
C’EST L’AMOUR :- Exposed looking 3 year old sprinter trained by Narendra Lagad who has been knocking at the door for some time now but still has not been able to break her duck and is winless after as many as 11 starts. She has finished 2nd or 3rd in each of her last 5 runs but she does not seem to be progressing and keeps finding one or two too good for her. After being ridden mainly by C.S. Jodha in Pune, Dashrath Singh has been booked to ride for the first time today. She looks likely to make a bold bid from the front again today but looks vulnerable to some or the more lightly raced and potentially classier types so although she should be involved in the frame and can be involved, winning looks tough in this company and she is given just a small outside chance to upset.
TRISTAR :-Speedy front running 3 year old trained by Nosher Cama who has run a forward race in her last couple of starts over 7 furlongs and is likely to relish this drop in trip. Winless from 5 starts so far, she ran thrice during the Pune season and suggested that she was finding form when leading for a long way on her penultimate run and kicking on to finish 2nd to Rainbow Trout. She put in a good effort last time out as well, leading until very close home and ending up a close 4th to Sunrise Ruby. She has been moving well in the morning trials and will have the forceful P.S. Chouhan in the saddle today replacing Yash Narredu. She should be suited by the drop in trip and looks a strong each way player who may attempt to make all.
DESPACITO :- LeitirMor filly from the Dallas Todywalla stable who has run 5 times till date and seems to be taking her time to come to hand although she has not performed badly till date. Strongly fancied on her opening run in Pune, she could finish only 4th before being tried unsuccessfully over longer trips the next twice. Her last run was her best effort yet albeit in what looked a weak field when she finished on purposefully from the rear to be runner up to Belgravia over 6 furlongs. She too has been working quite well for some time now but seems to be lacking in form and with NeerajRawal taking over in the saddle from A. Sandesh, She looks capable of fighting it out for minor honours but may need to improve some more before she can earn a bracket.
PEZULA :-Twice raced full sister to Quail Hollow who is also trained by Bezan Chenoy and has still looked green and inexperienced in her 2 runs till date and may need some more time to come fully to hand. Sent off favourite over 1000M on debut, she missed the kick jumping out slowly and was not given a hard time thereafter finishing 8th of the 9 runners that day. She was upped to 1200M for her next run and jumped out well this time, leading till the bend and kicking on to finish 4th to AlauddinKhilji about 1 ¾ lengths behind Knight Superior. She looks likely to improve and progress further and the booking of Y.S. Srinath today looks a big positive. She has the scope to make further progress and could be a dark horse who could upset.
CONCLUSION :-Some potentially good 3 year olds on display and this could competitive. Questina seems to have a good level of form and is selected to get off the mark after 2 near misses. Righteous has a nice pedigree and looks a danger with Leigh Roche in the saddle while Knight Superior May not have given off his best last time and is also respected
Race No. 7 :- The Vesuvius Plate – Div. I – Class IV & V, 4 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1200M
SHE’S A TIGER :-Full sister to top miler and 2000 Guineas winner Phoenix Tiger but appears to have had injury issues throughout her career resulting in her still being in training at age 6 but she too appears to be just about coming into her own and has been in good form throughout the Pune season. Winning just once but placing as many as 9 times in her 17 starts, she made gradual improvement throughout her Pune campaign and was finally rewarded with an overdue victory when she scored on her penultimate start over 1400M, holding off Star Silver to score by a long neck. She was no match for Pulverize under her penalty last time out but ran on to finish a good 2nd and appears to have maintained her form and fitness since the run. Y.S. Srinath takes over in the saddle from A. Imran Khan, the field does not appear to be a particularly strong one and hence she looks to have an excellent chance to earn another bracket and is strongly fancied to go in again.
JULIO CESARO :- Exposed 4 year old gelding from the stable of Narendra Lagad, he is a winner of 2 of his 24 starts till date and after racing over mainly 5 furlongs for most of his career has been showing form over this longer trip after switching to more patient tactics. He did score his 2nd success during the Pune season when coming from behind with a strong run and just pipping stable mate Brave on the post and finished a good 2nd to Jetfire over this trip a couple of runs ago. He ran a poor race last time out when finishing midfield behind Auspicious but was ridden by Akshay Kumar that day and will benefit from the return of Dashrath Singh who knows him better. He has been working very well in the morning gallops and looks to have a good each way chance in this company.
AME :-Aged 7 year old gelding trained by M.K. Jadhav who is a veteran of 47 races but can still raise an effective gallop on his day as he showed on his penultimate start over this trip in the lower class, keeping on resolutely to hold off Highland Wind and win convincingly. He did not run badly next time out when 6th to Auspicious last time out under a penalty when ahead of a couple of these and although he has limited scope of improvement at this stage, he is holding his form well and can be involved.
VERDANDI :- 4 year old filly trained by Nirad Karanjawala who has been working well for some time now and has the scope for improvement after just 3 career starts. Unplaced in her first two starts in Mumbai in similar contests, she looked to have progressed over the summer and made a belated reappearance just 5 weeks ago in the lower class where she finished on strongly from the rear and got up in the dying strides to pip Isinit and secure her maiden victory. With Isinit winning subsequently the form looks quite good and she has only incurred a 4 kilo penalty for that win. She is likely to progress again, the switch to the stronger Bhawani Singh from A. Prakash is a positive and if she is able to build on that last effort then she looks to have an excellent chance to go in again taking on mainly older exposed horses.
RED CARNATION :- Stable companion of Julio Cesaro who will be ridden by 5 kilo claimer P.S. Kavirajhe is a winner of just 1 win of his 16 starts, that win coming in March over 1000M where he scored from stable mate Navigator with the same rider up. He has failed to add to that tally in 4 starts in Pune but ran well the last twice, finishing runner up to Impala again over 1000M on his penultimate run before a decent 3rd to My Precious upped to 1400M last time out. This slight drop to sprinting may suit him better and he is another who is worthy of each way thought although not the most consistent
CONCLUSION :-Verdandi looks to be progressing with her racing and considering that her last win came after an extended absence, she can improve enough to go in again. The consistent She’s a Tiger looks the main danger with Srinath up.
Race No. 8 :- The Maple Star Plate – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1600M
SEVENTH MILE :- Well bred and steadily improving 3 year old from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard who has raced 4 times till date and looked to have come into her own last time out when scoring a strong galloping maiden success over a mile. Runner up over 1000M in the first 2 year old race of last season, she was turned out directly into the Poonawalla Million on her first start in Mumbai and understandably found the task too tough finishing well down the field. She was given time to strengthen and improve over the summer and was a firm favourite over 1400M on her reappearance in Pune but looked rusty and in need of that run as well, finishing a fair 4th behind Beemer. She definitely made improvement from that run and justified faith in her connections last time out with a powerful performance, striding clear of Ithaca to win by 4 ½ lengths and she is only up 4 kilos for that win. Her subsequent workouts suggest that she has improved again and she looks likely to unlock further improvement. S Zervan who rode her last time out keeps the ride, she looks be coming into her own gradually and should be able to repeat today in spite of conceding weight all around.
KENNEDY :-Stable companion of Seventh Mile who is a half brother to the mighty Jacqueline but has looked a shadow of his sibling until now although he has managed to secure 1 win for himself from his 4 runs till date. Since the hard ridden victory over 2000M, he has finished a poor 5th in each of his next two starts and has not raced since July where he dropped the rider during the race. His trainer has been patient and persisted with him and perhaps the return of Leigh Roche in the saddle will spark some improvement. He is entitled to need this first run after a long gap and needs to show plenty more before he can be seriously considered from a win perspective.
ATHULYA :- 3 year old Phoenix Tower filly from the in form S.K. Sunderji yard who has been making steady improvement with her racing and has shown improvement for the step up to 7 furlongs, finishing a good 2nd to Nekhbet on her penultimate start before gaining a deserved maiden success last time out where she got the better of Seventh Mile’s stable and owner mate Queens Gate winning convincingly. She is likely to take some confidence from that win, has a 5 kilo penalty to contend with today and should be suited by more galloping ground. The booking of Y.S. Srinath is an attractive one, she has been working well since the run and looks likely to provide a stiff test for Seventh Mile and looks a live danger.
HOKKAIDO :-Trained by Vishal Gaikwad, this daughter of Poet’s Voice has finished runner up in 3 of her 4 starts but seems to be still coming into her own and has looked green and inexperienced still. After 2 runs in Bangalore she came to Western India and was strongly fancied over a mile but was no match for owner mate Rhapsody who beat her by 2 ½ lengths. Last time out over a mile, she was expected to improve again but once again caught a tartar in the shape of debutant Alexei who proved too strong and beat her by 5 lengths. She has had only 4 runs till date so looks capable of making improvement still and A. Sandesh takes over in the saddle today replacing NeerajRawal. She has been working well since the last run so definitely deserves consideration but may find one too good again and is possibly best watched until she shows definite improvement.
WALK THE TALK :- Highly regarded 3 year old from the Imtiaz Sait yard who has not quite come to hand just yet but looks to have made some improvement during the Pune season and is likely to improve with more time. Having run 4 times so far, twice apiece in Mumbai and Pune, he finished well beaten in both his Mumbai runs but managed to take 3rd in both his Pune efforts, albeit a long way behind the winner and he needs to make up 5 lengths with Hokkaido on the last run where he finished 3rd. The presence of David Egan in the saddle may spark off some improvement and he looks an interesting outsider who could cause a flutter if he has improved some more.
CONCLUSION :-Seventh Mile showed a glimpse of her ability last time out and is expected to make further progress and take this convincingly. Athulya and Hokkaido should give her the most to do.
Race No. 9 :- The Astral Flash Plate – Div. II – Class V – Distance :- 1400M
REGAL SHOT :-Well handicapped 6 year old gelding trained by Karthik G and to be ridden by stable jockey Bhawani Singh. Winner of just 1 of his 22 starts till date, he has been brought down skilfully in the scales with a string of poor efforts and is starting to look extremely well handicapped now. Victorious over course and distance over 2 years ago, he has been largely out of sorts since then but ran a couple of suggestive races in his 4 runs in Pune hinting that he was ready to strike and was well treated on the scale. He finished 3rd to Cupidoa couple of starts ago and again made the frame last time out when a close 4th to Chezza and looks capable of winning one of these contests before too long. He looks a good each way candidate in this company and comes into calculations.
GOLDEN STEAL :- 3 year old rig making his handicap debut after having run 5 times in maiden company until now, in distances ranging from 1400 – 2000M and finished just outside the frame or thereabouts on every occasion, his best effort being when 5th to Silver King over 1800M. He makes his handicap debut in the lowest class reverting back to 1400M and the booking of David Egan catches the eye. He has been working quite well and is respected as a 3 year old who is running in the lowest class and looks capable of improvement. Each way possibilities.
DRAGONMOSS :- Exposed but consistent 5 year old gelding trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha who has been trying hard to add to his solitary success in 27 runs so far and he has finished runner up on 4 occasions but has not been able to earn that elusive bracket so far. He is usually effective over this trip and off this sort of mark and went desperately close last time out when only pipped close home by Gandalf with Nusrat finishing 3rd that day and Whispering Queen 4th. He is weighted to confirm the form with those 2 rivals again today, Santosh G keeps the ride and he is one of the few runners in this race with current form and looks one of the main contenders.
HIGHLAND WIND :-Maiden 5 year old gelding from the Mansoor Shah stable who has been knocking at the door in his last few starts but has not managed to get his head down in front just yet. Winless in 20 runs overall he has been out of form for quite some time now but has come down in the weights as a result and utilized his good mark when runner up to Ame in a similar contest, finishing on late and failing to score by ¾ lengths. He was runner up to Shapath last time out but was no match for the winner that day and ended up well beaten and while he is holding his form, he does not seem to be progressing. H. Zeeshan takes the ride today replacing Neeraj Rawal who rode him the last twice and while he is likely to be involved in the finish, others appeal more from a win perspective.
NUSRAT :- Largely untried maiden 4 year old filly from the stable of Faisal Abbas who had not been seriously tried in her first 10 starts but showed glimpses of ability on her penultimate run when finishing on late to be just outside the frame. She was entrusted to a good rider for the first time and also well fancied on her last start over 1400M and may have just needed that, finishing 3rd to Gandalf and splitting Dragonmoss and Whispering Queen. A.S. Peter is replaced in the saddle by Amyn Merchant today, she may have just needed that run to come into her own and looks to have a good chance to get off the mark today with stronger handling.
WHISPERING QUEEN :- Maiden 4 year old filly from the small stable of Ivor Fernandes who has just a handful of winners in the entire year and she is another who looks to have come down to a useful mark and is looking attractively weighted. She finished on to be 4th behind Gandalf last time out just ¾ lengths behind Nusrat and the switch from P.S. Kaviraj to A.S. Peter is a positive. She looks to be on a decent mark at present and could just have the ability to score if building on that last effort
CONCLUSION :- A tricky finale and a chance can be taken that Nusrat may have needed a run to come into her own after being tried for the first time last time out and may be able to score with the benefit of that run. Whispering Queen who finished just behind her that day looks well handicapped and is also considered while the 3 year old Golden Steal is also respected in this grade with a good rider up.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same).
