FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - Article for Saturday, 1st February, 2020 -By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 31 Jan 2020
FROM THE HORSES MOUTH – Article for Saturday, 1st February, 2020.
-By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Kingfisher Max Million – Class V – Distance :- 1800M
THUNDERCLAP :- Unexposed 4 year old colt from the stable of Adhirajsingh Jodha who has run just twice till date, making his debut on the final day of the Pune season over 1400M where he badly needed the experience and finished 11th of the 12 runners behind Sunrise Ruby. His 2nd start and most recent one came in early January where he made his handicap debut over a mile in Class IV and ran a forward race, leading until the bend before retiring. He is sure to have stripped fitter for that run, steps up an additional furlong to1800M and is eased in grade into the lowest class. S. John takes over in the saddle from P.S. Chouhan today, he is open to plenty of improvement and could be good enough to win off his current mark. On the pedigree side, he is a half brother to Cantabria, winner of 4 races over 6 and 7 furlongs in Bangalore and Mysore and Your Grace, winner of 2 races over 1200M in Hyderabad so there are mixed messages about staying on the pedigree side. He does look a potential improver though and must come into consideration with the yard in form.
STARS FOR YOU :- Another potential improver, this one from the stable of Rehanullah Khan, she is the first foal of the classy Starry Eyes – winner of the Forbes Breeders Juvenile Fillies Championship Gr3. Runner up in the Indian Derby Gr.1, The Poonawalla Breeders’ Million Gr. 1 and the Gool S. Poonawalla Million Gr.3 and 3rd in the Indian 1000 Guineas Gr.1 The Indian St. Leger Gr.1, the RWITC Ltd. Gold Cup Gr.2 and the Fillies and Mares Stakes Gr. 3. Like Thunderclap she has had 2 runs so far, both in Class IV company, given an educative run over an inadequate 1000M on debut and building on that last time out when finishing 5th over 1200M behind Ron. She too is now eased in grade into the lowest class and takes a significant step up in trip which is likely to suit her on pedigree. C.S. Jodha has been booked to ride, replacing N.S. Parmar in the saddle, she is likely to improve for the step up in trip and is another who is potentially better than her current mark and can score if unlocking further improvement.
TASMAN :- 4 year old gelding trained by Sanjay Kolse who is unplaced in his 5 runs till date but has run a couple of forward races this term and has also caught the eye both in the paddock and in morning work in recent times. Making his debut towards the end of August, his first 3 runs came in Maiden company in Pune finishing 4th on the first 2 occasions, 1 ¾ lengths behind Walk The Talk on the latter occasion. He finished right alongside Tenacious on his final start in Pune and began this season in promising fashion when making his handicap debut over a mile, leading until the bend before retiring to finish a close 4th to Galloping Goldmine. He was well fancied over 2000M last time out but again weakened in the straight after leading till the bend, finishing 5th behind King Solomon. Last time was the first time that a strong rider was declared to ride so it was probably the first time he was fancied by connections, he now drops in grade into the lowest class and A. Sandesh has been booked which is a huge positive. He has been working better than Class II stable companion Sagittarius in morning work and if his stamina holds out in this lesser company, then he looks to have an excellent chance to get off the mark and looks a strong fancy.
TENACIOUS :- Unexposed 4 year old Phoenix Tower filly from the yard of S.K. Sunderji who is a half sister to Lady Almeda who won once from 3 starts for Malesh Narredu in a limited career. She has run thrice till date, running roughly once a month and making a promising debut in Pune over 1400M when she finished on from the rear to be alongside Tasman. Making her seasonal debut over a mile in this grade back in November, she was quietly fancied against Notoriety but failed to display a finishing kick and ended up a poor 6th. Returning over 1400M in Class IV last time out, she showed a little improvement when again making late headway to finish 4th to Noble Heir and is now dropped in grade back into Class V and further steps up in trip. P. Trevor takes over in the saddle for the first time today, she should be fit enough after 2 runs this season and if taking to the longer trip, she looks a strong each way contender and is expected to have a bold show for her in form stable.
WALK THE TALK :- Maiden 4 year by Speaking of Which who is trained by Imtiaz Sait and has run 5 times so far, all over middle distances, finishing 3rd on 2 occasions and 4th once. Most of those runs have come in maiden company and even when he has placed, he has finished some way behind the winner so appears to be still coming to hand. Both his Pune runs were placed efforts, finishing a faraway 3rd behind Rainbow Trout over 1400M and then a distant 3rd behind Alexei up at a mile. He made his handicap debut on the opening day of the season over a mile, finishing 6th but a lot closer to the winner behind Hokkaido and has been brought along steadily since then. Likes most of the other 4 year olds, he drops in grade into the lowest class and A. Imran Khan takes over in the saddle from David Egan. The yard is in much better form than it was earlier in the season so he is expected to come on for the run and could unlock some more improvement over this longer trip. He may still need a bit more time to come fully into his own so though he is considered an given a small chance to upset, others appeal more today.
CUPIDO :- Fully exposed 6 year old gelding trained by Shazaan Shah who has won once in his 20 starts till date, the win coming in back in August in Pune where he scored a thumping 9 length win over Saddle The Wind over a mile. He has mainly struggled since that win in the higher grade but has been given a chance by the handicapper dropping back into this class and has had 4 runs this season so fitness should not be an issue. The switch from H. Zeeshan to Y.S. Srinath is a big positive, the 1800M trip should suit and although he looks up against it taking on plenty of unexposed younger horses, he can add some pep to the finish and merits each way consideration.
SWEEPING MOVE :- The senior statesman in this field at age 9, she is sparingly raced for her age with 24 previous runs, having scored on 1 occasion in the past. She has come back down to her last winning mark and showed that she still had zest for racing last time out when finishing on strongly down the stands side to be a faraway 2nd to Rumba beating His Master’s Vice, Mr. Honey and Big Ben on that occasion. She looked well in the paddock before that run, appears to have maintained her form and fitness since the run and should not mind the additional furlong. She again seems to be vulnerable against the 4 year olds but has current form to her name and should make the finish interesting.
CONCLUSION :- As expected on a big day, this field looks fiercely competitive with plenty of unexposed 4 year olds with the potential to improve and the one with the best chance appears to be Tenacious. She finished on well in the higher class last time out and has the services of P. Trevor for the first time today. Tasman has been looking and working well the last twice and looks a live danger with A. Sandesh in the saddle while Stars For You and Thunderclap are both unexposed and have plenty of potential.
Race No. 2 :- The Mahalaxmi Million – Class III & IV – Distance :- 2400M
GOLDEN ERA :- Well performed and progressive looking 4 year old colt who is one of 2 runners from the Adhirajsingh Jodha stable and will be the mount of A. Sandesh. Winner of 2 of his 6 races till date, he has gradually stepped up in trip with his racing and did show some improvement when moving up to middle distances. Winner of his maiden over 1200M, he went on to finish a ¾ length 2nd to My Precious upped to 1400M next time out and again made a promising start to this season over 1400M when just failing to catch Tudor Hall, ending 2nd by a long neck. Upped to a mile last time out, he showed a good attitude to scoring a battling ½ length win over stable companion Fencing with Eagleinthesky 4th and Play Safe 5th that day. 4 kilo penalty for that win seems fair but he is now taking a significant step up in trip to 2400M which is a complete unknown with his siblings, Mine That Bird and My Blessings both sprinters. He is also conceding weight all around here so this is a big ask and it is hard to recommend him today although he is not without hope if showing the stamina for the gruelling trip.
FLEUR DE LYS :- One paced but strong galloping 5 year old handicapper trained by Imtiaz Sait who has won thrice from 14 starts till date and is also tackling the mile and a half trip for the first time although she looks likely to get it. She likes to dominate proceedings from the outset and can be very good from the front as she showed on her penultimate run over 2000M when upsetting odds on Notoriety by 2 lengths. She finished 2 ½ lengths clear of Gdansk that day receiving 3 ½ kilos so she is slightly worse off at the weights plus he was finishing on that day and has already proved that he stays the longer trip. She should be able to make her own running again today and A. Imran Khan is an encouraging Jockey booking so she does merit each way thought but looks more likely to fight it out for minor honours.
GDANSK :- Experienced 6 year old gelding from the yard of S. Waheed, he has run 24 times till date with 3 wins and 9 placed efforts to his name. He has won over this 2400M trip before although his most recent win which was a couple of starts ago in early October was over 2000M. He has had 2 runs since, running reasonably on both occasions and should relish the return to 2400M. J. Chinoy replaces Neeraj Rawal in the saddle and he does stay the trip but he did also bleed after the last run and caution is advised if supporting him. Others have stronger claims.
EAGLEINTHESKY :- Very interesting and lightly raced 5 year old gelding from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard who is still quite unexposed having had just 6 career starts. He needed his first few runs to come to hand but got off the mark in Class V over a mile last December when scoring a battling ¾ length victory but showed marked improvement when stepping up to this trip next time out, running a very creditable 4th in the Bangalore Derby Gr.1 behind The Invader with Play Safe finishing a wretched last in the same race. However, he seemed to suffer some sort of a setback after that run and did not race again until reappearing this January over a mile in Class III this time and running a forward race to finish 4th to Golden Era. He is sure to benefit significantly from that run and improve and Chris Hayes who has flown down for the weekend takes the ride. He definitely has the scope to be better than his current mark and looks a strong contender to add to his earlier success.
PLAY SAFE :- 5 year old outstation challenger trained by G. Aravind who’s overall profile is unconvincing with just 1 win from her 16 runs so far which was a 2000M in a Class IV handicap. Her handicap mark took a toss when she finished runner up in the Bangalore Oaks (Gr.2) before finishing well down the field behind Eagleinthesky in the Derby and she has been steadily coming down in the weights since that time. She made her seasonal debut in the same race as Eagleinthesky and Golden Era finishing a fair 5th and may be suited by the return to this 2400M trip. It’s also interesting that Colm O’ Donoghue who rode her last time out has chosen to persist with her and she could be the one to spring a surprise and upset at a long price.
MORISEIKI :- 4 year old colt who is a stable mate of Golden Era and was a one time Derby hopeful but has failed to live up to expectations and instead goes down the handicap route today. A half brother to Kodiak Queen who did well for the same yard, he too has been relatively sparingly raced, but shed his maiden tag in convincing fashion on his opening run in Pune, comfortably beating Elation by 4 ¼ lengths. He was rushed into the Pune Derby straight after that but came up short in that contest, finishing midfield but looks to be steadily improving since. He was well fancied on both his starts this term, getting going very late when favourite over a mile and finishing on to be a close 4th to Nekhbet and last time out, was again finishing on late when a close 2nd to King Solomon over 2000M. His style of racing suggests that he should relish additional galloping ground and P. Trevor who rode him last time out keeps the ride. He has been upped in grade but also gets a drop in weight as a result, has been working well since the last run and looks a leading contender to win this and continue his progression.
CONCLUSION :-This is likely to be a straight fight between Moriseikiand Eagleinthesky with slight preference for the younger horses as he has been progressing nicely this season and seems to be wanting more galloping ground.
Race No. 3 :- The Gateway of India Million – Class IV & V – Distance :-1600M
NOBLE HEIR :- Improving son of Kingda Ka trained by Vishal Gaikwad who has run just 3 times till date and looks to have been improving with each of his starts. Given an educative run on debut on this track back in March, he caught the eye on his 2nd start when returning in Pune after a gap of 5 ½ months and making excellent late headway from the rear to finish 2nd to impressive winner Elusive Star. He was given another 4 months to strengthen and improve and was well backed on his seasonal debut over 1400M where he was again well back turning for home but came with raking strides down the stands side to peg back Cellini and win stylishly. He has incurred a 5 ½ kilo penalty for that win and has top weight to carry today in this large field but he looks open to further improvement and also should be better suited by the step up to a mile. A. Sandesh has been booked to ride today, replacing Colm O’Donoghue, he looks to be a progressive sort and is well fancied to take the penalty in his stride and go in again today.
BAIT AND SWITCH :- Very consistent 4 year old gelding trained by S.K. Sunderji who has yet to finish outside the first three in his 5 runs so far and shed his maiden tag over this trip on his last run in Pune. Running promisingly on his first two starts over sprint trips, he showed good improvement when stepping up to middle distances, a shade unlucky when pipped on the post by Silver King over 1800M before finishing 3rd to Seventh Mile dropping back to a mile next time out. He took advantage of a straightforward opportunity last time out to beat Black Cherry convincingly by 4 ¼ lengths and has been handed quite a stiff 6 kilo penalty for that win. He is having his first run of the season so a paddock check is advised to determine his condition although he has been given a fair amount of work and P. Trevor takes the ride. He seems to have less scope than Noble Heir for improvement but seems to be progressing nicely and definitely comes into consideration.
CONSCIENCE :- Half sister to Adjudicate who is trained by Malesh Narredu and has had 4 starts so far, returning from a long break earlier this season to score a shock win over what looked an inadequate 5 furlongs. Runner up to Kildare on just her 2nd start over 1400M in her juvenile season, she was upped to 1800M next time out and finished a modest 3rd behind Justified and Dumas. That run was in April and she reappeared in January, finishing on with a flourish to beat Isinit by 2 ¼ lengths with today’s rider up. She is likely to gain confidence from that win and strip fitter today and also on pedigree should be much better suited by today’s distance. Her trainer may be looking to preserve her as she has only done a couple of race grass gallops since the win and has not been worked seriously and Shrikant Kamble retains the ride. It is hard to overlook her despite all of her problems and she is expected to be in the firing line again today and can make the finish interesting.
ALAUDDIN KHILJI :- Promising looking 4 year old gelding from the stable of Rehanullah Khan who has run 4 times so far, needing the first two runs to come to hand but showing his potential on his 3rd start over 1200M when finishing on strongly to be a close 2nd to Belgravia and winning the race in the Stewards Room. He was one of the best backed horses to repeat on his seasonal debut here again over 1200M but he failed to pick up after being well placed turning for home and ended a tame 5thbehind Palomar. It is possible that he was in need of that run and should strip fitter today and it is interesting that he steps up in trip to a mile as well. He has been kept fresh since that run with only one recent workout and Dhanusingh Deora who rode him for his maiden win has been booked to ride today. He does have well being to prove after his last run but is still quite unexposed and could very well bounce back if suited by this new trip. Keep an eye.
LION KING :- Yet another in the line of potentially improving 4 year olds, this Win Legend gelding comes from the yard of Shazaan Shah and is apparently held in quite high regard by his connections. Entered in the Stylecracker Million on his debut where he was taking on the likes of Royal Crystal and Silver Flame, he ended 4th of 4 but was not disgraced. He was given time to improve and come to hand after that, skipping the entire Pune season and reappearing after 8 months in the same race as Noble Heir finishing 6th when apparently not ridden as per instructions. He vindicated that when reappearing again within a short span of 8 days to score albeit in the lower class by a length from Mount Moriah. A 4 ½ kilo penalty for that win seems fair and he is expected to improve again on just his 4th career start. Y.S. Srinath is an eye catching Jockey booking and although it looks hard for him to beat Noble Heir again, he is likely to attempt to make all the running and is dangerous to ignore.
GUARNERIUS :- Win Legend gelding who comes from the bang in form yard of Adhirajsingh Jodha and is open to improvement on just his 3rd career start. A shock winner over 1000M on debut when showing a good attitude to come through along the rails and pip Knight Superior, he was expected to be better upped to 1200M next time out but faded away quite disappointingly to finish well beaten. He has had a lung opener earlier this season again upped in trip to 1400M and ending a faraway 5th to Kildare and is now further upped in trip to a mile. He is still unexposed having just his 4th start but does have a bit to prove at present. He looks a good outsider who could be included in the Jackpot Pool but would need to show a bit more on the track before he can be seriously considered. Rank outsider.
MEMORABLE EYES :- Well bred and highly rated 4 year old Multdimensional gelding trained by Imtiaz Sait who has run just twice till now and still looks to be coming into his own. Making an impressive debut in Pune when runner up to Sultan Suleiman over 1400M, he was a hot favourite when reappearing over 1400M again earlier this season but he never was in position to land a serious blow and finished a never nearer 4th behind Tudor Hall. He has been given time to improve for that lung opener and has pleased in his subsequent workouts suggesting that he has improved since. The additional furlong is likely to suit him and Imran Chisty takes over in the saddle from P.Trevor. A paddock check is advised to ascertain his condition today but he looks open to plenty of improvement and is likely to be a danger to all from the bottom of the scale.
CONCLUSION :- A competitive event with lots of horses looking to have a chance on paper but Noble Heir was an extremely stylish winner last time out and should be able to tackle his penalty and repeat over the additional furlong. Memorable Eyes is better than what he showed last time out and shapes as a live danger with the Sait yard in much better form now while Allauddin Khilji is also respected over this new trip.
Race No. 4 :- The Pelican Million – Terms, 3 Year Old Maidens – Distance :- 1000M
ENDEAVOUR :- Exciting looking debutant trained by Imtiaz Sait who is by Strong Suit out of Starring who was herself trained by Imtiaz and has been catching the eye in the morning gallops. He appears to have been well prepared to be fit enough first time out but like most of these, will deserve a paddock check. He has shown a fair amount of speed to expect him to tackle this minimum trip, P. Trevor is a good booking first time out and he is also nicely drawn in Stall 6. He looks one of the debutants who should be involved and although taking on some rivals with prior experience, he looks one of those to focus on and should run well.
EXCELERATOR :- Another debutant who definitely catches the eye on pedigree, being a full brother to Golden Guest who has performed with credit till date as well as Juno’s Guest, a quality sprinter in Western India so he clearly does look the part on paper in spite of coming from the small stable of A.M. Jadhav. He has had a limited amount of preparatory work so may require this first outing but has gone a couple of good gate jumps with the speedy Jetfire so should not be troubled by the trip. He is worth a cursory look at in the paddock and could be capable of being involved if living up to his excellent bloodlines. Interesting outsider.
MARKET KING :- LeitirMor debutant from the bang in form yard of S.K. Sunderji and to be ridden by Nicky Mackay. He too comes from a good family with his siblings including the likes of Harvey, who went to Class I and won 6 races for the same trainer, Excellent Gold, a crack sprinter in his own right, and more recently Agrami. Most of the progeny have won over 5 and 6 furlongs so the pedigree appears to be a speedy one and he appears to have been quite well prepared. Another promising sort who deserves a look in the paddock and could be good enough to win first time out.
FINALIST :- One of the first ones that we look at with the benefit of prior experience, this Narendra Lagad trained Leitir Mor filly had been blazing the track in her preparatory work and was well backed on her debut over this trip 2 ½ weeks ago but after being prominent early on, faded away to finish a tame 5th to Soaring High. She looks likely to benefit and improve for that run and should be fitter and sharper today. Her blinkers have been removed and she has been fitted with a cross nose band today and J. Chinoy takes over in the saddle from Dashrath Singh. She has bagged a good draw in Stall No. 3 and with the benefit of experience is expected to run better today and looks to have an each way chance.
SKYFALL :- Another Leitir Mor filly who has had the benefit of an educative run, this one is trained by Dallas Todywalla and catches the eye on pedigree by being a half sister to Mauritania, who finished in the first 2 in 15 of his 20 starts, winning on 7 occasions, his victories including the Bangalore 2000 Guineas Gr.2, The Suresh Mahindra Multi Million Gr.2, The Bangalore Turf Club Trophy Gr.3 and the Sprinters Trial Stakes Gr.3. He was also runner up in the Sprinters Cup Gr. 1 and the South Indian 2000 Guineas Gr.2. Most of his best form came over 1400M so this is likely to be on the sharp side for her and she failed to show much speed on her debut over 1200M when finishing mid division behind Air Blast. She does look to have improved though judging from her subsequent workouts after the run and David Egan replaces Nathan Evans in the saddle. She is expected to improve and run a better race today but may eventually come into her own over middle distances. Considered.
SPRING GROVE :- Got abroad debutant representing the powerful Shirke-Dhunjibhoy partnership and trained by M.K. Jadhav out of a Hawk Wing mare, this filly also looks to be a decent sort and the other progeny of Canford Cliffs have done well in India, Valegro and Checkmate being two who come to mind. She appears to have been solidly prepared to be fit enough on debut and A. Sandesh has been booked to ride. She has also bagged a good draw in Stall No. 2 and if looking well in the preliminaries, definitely could be good enough to strike.
TREASURE HUNT :- Phoenix Tower filly who is the representative of the powerful Pesi Shroff yard here and will be ridden by C.D. Hayes who has flown down just for the weekend. She was given an educative run earlier in the season where she was run off her feet by Exotic Queen and was not given an unduly hard time to finish 3rd. She is likely to have learnt plenty from that run and stripped fitter and expected to improve significantly on that showing. The draw has not been kind to her, bagging a wide outside draw in Stall 12 but she definitely looks to be one of the leading fancies from those with experience and should be right there at the finish.
CONCLUSION :- The form of those that have already raced does not set the world alight and perhaps one of the interesting looking debutants will be good enough to win this first time out. Paddock looks will clearly play a big role in this contest so I would shortlist Treasure Hunt from among those with experience with the Shroff youngsters invariably improving from debut, Endeavour the owner mate of Treasure Hunt and the speedy looking Spring Grove who appears to be working the best of the unraced lot.
Race No. 5 :- The Ebco Livsmart Million – Class II & III – Distance :- 1400M
VALEGRO :- Well performed son of Canford Cliffs from the Pesi Shroff stable who seems to be versatile with regards to trip and has managed to win thrice from 11 starts with 4 2nd placed finishes as well. 3rd in the Bangalore 2000 Guineas and a notable 6th in the Indian Derby, this trip still seems to be his best one with all his 3 previous wins coming over it. Placed twice in Pune on his 2 starts there, he made a pleasing return over a mile earlier this season when leading for a long way before being worn down close home by Tasawwur who has provided a very strong boost to the form subsequently. He has been rested and prepared for this race since that run and looks to be in good condition and will have the powerful Leigh Roche astride. He is conceding weight all around and returning from a 2 month break but looks to have the best form in this field and is confidently expected to get back to winning ways.
STAR APPEARANCE :- One of 2 outstation challengers in the fray, she appears to be an improving 4 year old filly trained by Rajesh Narredu and will be ridden by Suraj. She has an impressive record so far of 4 wins from 7 starts, winning the Mysore Fillies Trial Stakes impressively as well as the South India 1000 Guineas before failing to stay in the South India Oaks and she returns to middle distance trips now. She appeared to be quite progressive over this sort of trip before her Oaks run, appears to have been well prepared since then and looks set to run a big each way race and could very well return to the winner’s circle. Danger to all.
MALWA :- The 2nd out station colt, this one comes from Bangalore trained by S.S. Attaolahi and has been very highly campaigned until now, contesting plenty of Classics and big races for 4 year olds but seems to come up just short at that level. Winner of 2 races from his 11 starts, he has competed only in Terms races since his 6 furlong maiden win on debut, finishing 3rd to Hunt for Gold and Trouvaille in the Breeders Produce Stakes on this same weekend last year. He went on to contest the Bangalore Summer Classics, finished 5th in the Deccan Colts Championship Stales to Impavid and was runner up to Northern Alliance in the Mysore 2000 Guineas before failing to stay in the Mysore Derby. He finished 6th in the Indian 1000 Guineas and 5th in the Ruia and finally connections have decided to revert him to handicaps and over a trip that seems suitable. He seems to have been adequately rested since the Ruia and with P. Trevor on board, looks a strong each way player running in what might be a lesser grade. Can strike.
PABLO :-Sparingly raced and consistent 5 year old gelding trained by Sanjay Kolse who’s record has a wonderfully consistent look to it, having finished 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th 3 times apiece in his 12 race career and is yet to finish outside the frame. He made an impressive start to the season on the opening day when coming with a strong run to upset Hunt for Gold for which he has incurred a 5 kilo penalty and he has not raced since then so returns from a 2 ½ month break. He does seem to have fitness to prove with not much track work in between but A. Sandesh gets on with him well and if he has maintained his form and fitness then he should make a bold bid to repeat.
MAJESTIC WARRIOR :- Tough and consistent 4 year old gelding from the Narendra Lagad stable who has been given plenty of racing but seems the type to relish it and has been performing quite consistently so far. Winner of 2 races from 12 starts, he has finished on board on all but 1 occasion so far, that being his racing debut where he was given an educative run. He has proved effective over 1200M – 1600M, finishing a fair 4th to Vijay Singham in the Golconda 2000 Guineas and returning here to run two close races over a mile and 7 furlongs, ending a one length 3rd on both occasions. He looked to have the race in control last time out so it was a bit disappointing that he could not pass My Precious and perhaps his busy schedule is beginning to take its toll. Improving 3 ½ kilo claimer P.S. Kaviraj returns to ride him replacing A. Sandesh and he looks more likely to fight it out for minor honours today and may find it hard to win in this company.
KARIEGA :- Interesting looking 4 year old filly with a similar profile to Malwa who won 2 of her first 3 starts in great style but seems to have lost her way since then and is looking for a revival of sorts. She finished ¾ length behind Majestic Warrior when 3rd in the Rajendrasinhji Million and since then has finished just outside the frame in the Golconda 1000 Guineas (5th) and the Indian 1000 Guineas (6th). She has been rested and well prepared since her last run back in December and comes into this race off a low weight. K. Nazil has been booked to ride today, she still looks to have scope for further improvement and although she has yet to prove that she is back to her best, she is dangerous to ignore from the bottom of the scale.
RAINBOW TROUT :- Another very promising looking and progressive 4 year old filly from the Dallas Todywalla yard, she was one of those to begin racing at a late stage, making her racing debut in August where she was a fast finishing runner up to Majestic Warrior and she has not looked back since. She has won 3 of her next 5 races showing improvement with every run and actually winning last time out as well before losing the race in the Stewards Room. She has been upped in grade today but takes a significant drop in weight as well and with A.S. Peter in the saddle, is another who could improve again and prove to be a big danger as she has been progressing nicely.
CONCLUSION :- At first glance, this looks to be a straightforward opportunity for Valegrowho boasts some smart form but on closer examination he is facing plenty of progressive 4 year olds any one of whom could be good enough to topple him. Rainbow Trout has been in terrific form, while Kariega, Malwa and Star Appearance all look capable returning to handicap company. Probably this one is best watched.
Race No. 6 :- The Turf Authorities of India Million – Class IV & V, 5 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1200M
SAFDAR :- 7 year old gelding from the stable of Rehanullah Khan who has won thrice and finished runner up on 6 occasions out of his 35 starts and generally has been in good form of late. He has had 2 prior runs this season, both of them in the higher class and finished 4th on both occasions. His first effort was a good one in a mile when taking on younger horses and finishing a close 4th to Sunrise Ruby and next time out over 1200M, he again finished a close 4th to Castilian. He has been eased in grade into the lower class now and is taking on his old age group so there are positives from that score and Dhanusingh Deora takes the ride. He looks to have maintained himself well since the last run and must be respected here in spite of conceding weight all around.
ODESSA:- Another 7 year old, this one from the stable of Malesh Narredu, this enigmatic chestnut has won 4 of his 27 starts till date, most of them in the early part of his career but has now dropped down significantly in the scales and is looking extremely well handicapped at present. He has hinted that he is fit and well as he has run suggestively in all 3 starts this season, 2 of them over this trip and the last one over 1400M making the frame on all 3 occasions with a late surge. A.S. Peter replaces Shrikant Kamble in the saddle, he has been working extremely well and looks to have a strong each way chance in this competitive event.
THOMAS HARDY :- Sparingly raced 5 year old gelding trained by Vishal Gaikwad who appears to have been meticulously prepared with this event in view and has come back down to a mark which not high above his last winning one. Winner of 2 of his 8 races so far, he made hard work of gaining his 2nd victory in Pune over this trip when just holding off Dazzling Star by a length and since then he has not been tried in his 4 subsequent runs, 2 apiece in Pune and Mumbai and now drops back down into Class IV company. He has had 2 runs this season so should be fit enough and after being ridden by Kishore Kadam on the first 2 occasions, gets a positive jockey switch with A. Sandesh booked to ride. He has been unlucky with the draw, being drawn very wide in Stall 14 but still looks a leading contender to win this and is given a very strong chance.
RUN FORREST RUN :- 5 year old gelding from the stable of Shazaan Shah who has been threatening to strike for some time now and is sure to win one of these contests before too long. Winner of only 1 race from his 14 starts but having made the frame on 11 of the 13 remaining occasions, he is usually quite consistent in this class and over this trip and has finished 3rd in his last 3 attempts, 2 of them on this track. Both his runs this season have been over 1400M, finishing a very close 3rd to Tudor Hall on his seasonal reappearance and last time out in the higher class, finishing a fair 3rd to Tanjo. He looks to be in good form at present, Y.S. Srinath has been booked to ride, taking over from Neeraj Rawal and with this slight drop in trip not expected to be a bother, he is another who merits strong each way consideration and should be involved.
STEPPENWOLF :- Speedy 5 year old trained by Nosher Cama he has won 2 of his 11 starts so far and also finished runner up on 3 occasions, both his previous wins coming over this trip. He has been quite sparingly raced over the last 9 months, running a solitary race in Pune where he nearly pulled off an upset win, collared late on by Dancing Lances and going down by half a length. He was well beaten by Sharareh on his opening run this season but that was again after a break and he is likely to have stripped fitter. The winner has gone on to perform well in the higher class so his form looks solid and with K. Nazil in the saddle today and an inside draw in Stall 3, he looks likely to attempt pillar to post tactics and could possibly make every post a winning one with blinkers snapped on today.
USTAD PEDRO :- 6 year old gelding from the Narendra Lagad yard who has also been quite sparingly raced with 2 wins to his name from 14 starts. He has been quite consistent over the last 12 months, winning 1 race in Pune over this trip when quite comfortably getting the better of Ebony by a length although this field seems to be decidedly stronger. He has had a lung opener this season when finishing 5th to Tenerife and should be fitter today and with S. Zervan taking over in the saddle from Dashrath Singh, he looks likely to fight it out for minor honours but looks to have only a small upset chance from a win perspective.
ANTARCTICA :- 5 year old mare who is also quite lightly raced and possesses a smart turn of foot which has been apparent in the 2 wins which she has managed in her limited 9 race career. Both the wins have come over course and distance when she has finished on strongly from off the pace, scoring by a wide margin on the first occasion but just getting up in the nick of time on the latter run which incidentally was her most previous effort, pipping Highland Woods close home in the lower class. She has only been penalized 4 ½ kilos for the win which seems reasonable but now steps up in grade and is taking on much tougher opposition today. She appears to have maintained herself well since the run though, Bhawani Singh who knows her well retains the ride today and having some scope for further improvement compared to most of these, she should make a brave bid to repeat and must figure in overall calculations.
CONCLUSION :- A very difficult and competitive affair and with several horses looking well handicapped it is hard to identify a clear winner. Safdar has been holding his own in younger company and looks fit and well as does Odessa who has come down considerably in the scales and has run suggestively on the last couple of occasions. Thomas Hardy appears to have been prepared specifically for this race while the speedy Steppenwolf could attempt to make all. The winner should emerge from among this quartet although an upset here is highly possible.
Race No. 7 :- The Kingfisher Sundowner Million – Class V – Distance :- 1200M
MIKAYLA’S PRIDE :- Half sister to Run Forrest Run who is trained by Asad Siddiqui who usually produces decent results with his small string and this twice raced filly seems to be improving rapidly. Finishing 7th although not beaten far behind Belgravia on her debut in Pune, she showed she had improved for that run on her earlier start here when making good late headway from the rear to finish runner up to Ron about a month ago. She has been given time to improve and strengthen since then and her workouts suggest that she has done so. She has been eased in grade into the lowest class now and A. Imran Khan has been booked to ride in place of the suspended Neeraj Rawal. She looks likely to have progressed again and should be a danger to all in spite of top weight. Strong fancy.
SENIORITY :- Speedy looking 4 year old gelding from the Imtiaz Sait yard who has run twice till date but has been a shade disappointing on both occasions and may not have come into his own just yet. Making his debut in a 6 furlong maiden at the end of August he ran a forward race before finishing 4th to Elusive Star and was a well backed favourite on his opening run this season but faded away tamely after being prominent till the bend, ending up a poor 5th to En Sabah Nur. He too has been eased in grade into the lower class and is likely to improve on just his 3rd career start. S. Zervan takes the ride today replacing Neeraj Rawal, he has gotten a wide draw in Stall 12 and although he should strip fitter today and the yard is in better form than they were at the beginning of the season, he may need a little more time and should fight it out for minor honours today.
BRILLIANT GOLD :- Comes from the stable of S.K. Sunderji and has raced only over 1400M and 1800M in his 4 runs so far so he is taking a marked step down in trip trying his hand at sprinting. 6th on debut over 1400M in Pune, he had been working very well and was well fancied over 1800M but dropped away after leading till the bend to finish a poor 2nd behind Sea The Dream. He had one more unplaced maiden run in Pune making him eligible for a mark and made his reappearance over 1800M here when very well backed but again after being 2nd till the bend, dropped right away to finish a wretched 7th. He continues to show out well in the morning gallops and has run prominently both times that he has been fancied so perhaps this drop to sprints will see him in a better light. Nicky Mackay takes over in the saddle from David Egan today and he looks an unexposed type over this trip and could very well spring a surprise so keep a close watch.
BLAZING BAY :- Relatively exposed 4 year old gelding from a yard that loves to have upset winners on big days and his last effort over 1000M suggesting that he was coming to hand. He is winless in 11 runs till date and has also been tried over a variety of trips his best effort being a distant 2nd to Sasakwa over 1400M. However, after being withdrawn on his intended reappearance, he ran a cracker over 1000M on his seasonal reappearance with the same rider up, finishing a good 4th behind Del Mar. The winner and the runner up Hidden Gold have gone on to win subsequently so the form looks strong and he will be suited by the additional furlong. Colm O’ Donoghue who rode him last time out keeps the ride again today, he should come on for that opening run and the fact that his rider has kept the faith is quite suggestive and he looks to have a strong chance to score in this company.
PRINCESS SCARLET :- Well bred maiden 4 year old filly from the stable of trainer Vinesh who has run 6 times till date without success but she appears to have been largely untried until now and 5 of those runs were in maidens. She looked to have improved on her handicap debut this season when making leisurely late headway to finish an unconcerned 4th to Memorable Memories and there has been an inquiry into her performance that day. Imran Chisty takes over from Nirmal Jodha in the saddle, she is largely unexposed so could be better than what she has shown so far and looks to be a possible upset in this field.
GOLDEN STEAL :- Half brother to Excellent Sorrento who is trained by Dallas Todywalla and although winless in 8 runs so far, has looked to be making gradual improvement. He has had3 starts this season, being ridden by David Egan on all 3 occasions and after 2 forward runs over 7 furlongs, put in his best effort yet when dropped to this trip, finishing runner up to Direwolf without getting the clearest of runs in the straight. He is likely to come on for that run as well and has been showing out well in the morning gallops of late. David Egan persists with him again today, this trip seems to be suitable at this point and if he is able to build on that last effort and improve again then he looks to have a strong each way chance.
NORTHERN SINGER :- Improving half sister to Power of Thor who is one of 3runners from the Narendra Lagad stable and will be ridden by 3 ½ kilo claimer P.S. Kaviraj. She has run 5 times till date, all over sprint trips and seems to be slowly coming to hand and she caught the eye on her opening run of the season over 1000M when finishing on strongly from the rear to be a flying late 6thon her handicap debut, just 2 ¼ lengths behind Blazing Bay. That run suggested that she would be better suited by this additional furlong and she is likely to improve and strip fitter. She is very closely matched with Blazing Bay on handicap taking the rider’s allowance into consideration and if she can build on that last effort, then she should be right there at the finish and looks a good priced outsider.
CONCLUSION :- Another very difficult finale and considering that these races often throw up an upset, there may be value in making a small punt on Northern Singer. Unexposed till date, she made eye catching late headway from the rear last time out to finish just behind Blazing Bay and could surprise at a price now. The last named also looks a contender for the short list while Golden Steal did not get the clearest run last time out and Brilliant Gold could prove to be much better at this new trip.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same).
