FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - Article for Sunday, 23rd February, 2020 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 22 Feb 2020
FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - Article for Sunday, 23rd February, 2020
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Kumar R. Dalal Gold Trophy – Class I & II – Distance :- 1200M
GAZINO :- Battle hardened 6 year old sprinter trained by Nosher Cama who has won 5 of his 24 starts so far with 11 placed finishes to his name as well for an excellent overall record. Besides 2 attempts over 7 furlongs, he has been confined only to sprint trips and all 5 of his previous wins have come over this trip which appears to be most suitable for him. He has had 2 prior runs this season, running well on both occasions, just failing to catch Clymene over this trip on his seasonal reappearance and not running badly over a sharp 5 furlongs last time out, ending up 3rd a length behind La Magnifique conceding 7 kilos. He concedes 6 kilos today so they are evenly matched on that score but the step up in trip back to 6 furlongs may just tilt the scales in his favour as 5 is clearly sharp for him. He has had 6 weeks off since his last run, his recent workouts suggest that he is well within himself and with retained rider P.S. Chouhan in the saddle, he looks to have an excellent chance to return to the winner’s circle and looks a strong fancy in spite of conceding weight to the rest.
LA MAGNIFIQUE :- Sparingly raced 6 year old filly from the stable of Altamaash Ahmed who has won 4 of her 16 starts so far and also placed on 6 occasions. Tried over longer distances in the first few races over her career as she won her maiden race over 1400M, she hit a rich vein of form in the latter half of 2018 when dropped to sprinting, rattling off 3 races on the trot, beating Gazino by a neck in the last of those 3 wins. However, she seemed to go a bit off the boil after that and has been steadily working herself back into form. She was given just 1 run on the opening day of the recent Pune season where she finished well beaten and was off the track for 5 months before reappearing this season where she has run 4 times already. After needing the opening run, she has placed on all her other 3 starts, twice being unfortunate to run into Iron Age and going down narrowly to Intense Stylist in the other run with Gazino a length away in 3rd. She finished a fair 3rd in the S.C. Jain to Iron Age and Intense Stylist and is closely matched at the weights with Gazino but may be vulnerable to him over this trip. Neeraj Rawal as usual takes the ride, she too seems to be in good nick and is likely to be involved in the finish.
SILVER FLAMES :- Progressive and in form 4 year old trained by Altaf Hussain who has an impressive 50% strike rate till date, victorious in 5 of his 10 races and has been in splendid form of late, coming into this race bidding for a hattrick although it will be his 3rd quick run in a short space of time, having just run last week. Except for one attempt as 7 furlongs, he too has been restricted to sprints, and seems equally adept over both 5 and 6 furlongs, winning twice over 1000 and thrice over 1200M. He has also run 4 times this season, finishing 3rd on the first 2 occasions but scoring impressive victories the last twice, last week getting up late to pip Joplin over 1000M. He appears to be in great heart at present, incurs a 4 kilo penalty for the last win and has David Egan in the saddle today replacing David Allan. He comes into this race bang in form and although he has now been upped in grade, he could progress again and looks a frontline contender if not feeling the exertions of last week.
EXCELLENT GOLD :- Inconsistent 6 year old gelding from the stable of Narendra Lagad who is the most experienced in this field having run 27 times with 4 previous wins to his name. All his 4 wins though came in consecutive races early on in his career, seeing his mark shoot up from 30 to 76 but since then he has failed to earn another bracket and has largely struggled with his handicap mark although he has gone close on a couple of occasions. He has run thrice this season and been largely disappointing in all of three runs and he still does appear to be in the grip of the handicapper. However, he does seem to be quite well handicapped on some of his past form with Gazino and in form apprentice P.S. Kaviraj takes over in the saddle today, claiming 3 ½ kilos which will see him run at a feather weight. He has disappointed in the past when being well placed on the scale so will need to show something of a revival but looks well placed if he can recapture some of his best form and is given a small chance to upset here.
CONCLUSION :- Silver Flames has been in terrific form and is the only 4 year old in the field so he is likely to start favourite but on the negative side, he is taking on tougher albeit older rivals and is also running within a week’s time. Those two factors may help us give the nod to the consistent Gazino here. He was close up to La Magnifique over a sharp 5 furlongs last time out and back up at the trip where he has gained all of his success, he is selected to get the better of the 4 year old.
Race No. 2 :- The Mystical Cup – Class IV & V – Distance :- 2400M
JAGER BOMB :- The elder statesman in this field at age 9, he has been a loyal servant to connections over the years, with 4 previous wins and also 17 placed efforts from his 51 starts. His form has deteriorated from it’s peak as he has gone on in years but he still seems to have zest for racing as he showed in his final start of the recent Pune campaign when he scored an emphatic 4 ½ length win in a similar contest with Gold Medalist finishing 3rd that day and Rogue One 7th. Nowadays he seems to get fit with his racing and has had 3 runs this season, 2 of them in the higher grade so should be reasonably fit and the step back up to 2400M, the drop in grade and the return of Neeraj Rawal, who rode him to victory last time out are all positives. He is just ¾ lengths worse off with Gold Medalist on their previous meeting and appears to be the only confirmed stayer over this trip in the field. He stands an excellent chance to score another victory in the twilight of his career and is strongly fancied today.
FANFARE :- 5 year old mare from the stable of S.K. Sunderji who has run 19 times till date, with 3 wins and 3 placed efforts to her name. She has been tried over a variety of trips but seems to be at her best over 2000M, 2 of her 3 wins coming over that distance and the 3rd over 1800M. After gaining her most recent success in April last year, she was mainly out of form in Pune but seems to have a preference for the Mumbai track and has been in good form in her last 3 starts this term, going very close over a mile a couple of runs ago when just failing to catch Power of Thor. She has run well in her last 2 starts over a mile as well, finishing quite close to the winner on both occasions and will be ridden for the first time today by Nicky Mackay which is a positive. However, she has only raced over this trip on 1 prior occasion, finishing 4th a length behind Jager Bomb so she is yet to convince that she has the stamina for this distance. She does appear to be in good shape though and if her stamina does hold out then she has a good chance to score for her in form yard.
ROGUE ONE :- Unreliable 5 year old gelding trained by Narendra Lagad who has managed just 1 win from his 18 runs so far although he has managed to place on 9 occasions. He has been tried over all distances ranging from 1400M to 2400M and while his maiden win came over 2000M beating Benevolence by 2 ¼ lengths back in March, his 2 previous runs over 2400M have been poor and he has finished well beaten on both occasions so he too seems to be suspect on stamina if it is a truly run race. He has been woefully out of form since that win but the handicapper has given him a chance and he is now back to close to his winning mark and hinted at a revival last time out over 1800M when finishing a fair 3rd behind Athulya. P.S. Kaviraj takes the ride but he does not convince as to having the stamina for this trip and true to his overall record, he looks capable of running into a place but will find it hard to win.
GOLD MEDALIST :- 5 year old gelding who used to be a stable companion to Fanfare but changed hands just before his last run and is now in the care of Trainer S. Waheed. He too developed into quite a consistent handicapper and has placed 11 times from his 19 starts but like Rogue One, has only 1 prior victory to his name which came over a mile a little over a year ago off a mark of 25. He has been fairly consistent since then without looking like he was ready to add to that tally but after having had a couple of runs this season to regain fitness, he ran a cracker over 2000M on his first start for new connections when finishing on very strongly in the closing stages and just failing to catch Ithaca. That run was quite a promising one and he ran quite well on his only previous run over this trip which came as recently as October, ending up 3rd behind Jager Bomb with whom he is ¾ length better off today. His new trainer may have sparked some improvement in him, K. Nazil who rode last time out retains the ride and if he is able to build on that previous effort, then he stands an excellent chance to score an early win for his new yard. Well fancied.
SIR RAMON :- The unknown quantity in this field, this 4 year old maiden trained by Hosidar Daji is winless in 8 starts till date but does not appear to have been seriously tried until now. His 8 runs till date have yielded one 3rd place finish which came at the end of the Pune season over 1400M where he finished 3rd behind Athulya and Queen’s Gate. That run suggested that he was coming to hand and he was well backed for his opening run of the current campaign, again over 7 furlongs and raced prominently until about 400M from home before dropping away. He has been rested and well prepared since that run and now takes a marked step up in trip to 2400M. His half brother Latest News won 2 races in Hyderabad over sprint trips and never raced over 1400M while the full sister Icy River has only had 3 starts so there are no clues from the pedigree side. Ice Stone herself won just once in 18 starts (over 1200M) but she did appear to stay at least 1800M. N.S. Parmar takes the ride today replacing A. Sandesh and if he does have the stamina to tackle this longer trip then he could be a factor but is probably best watched today.
CONCLUSION :- With Jager Bomb appearing to be the only confirmed 2400M stayer in this field, he is selected to outstay his rivals and score his 5th win in the closing stages of his career. Gold Medalist who finished on strongly over 2000M last time out is ¾ length better off on the scale and looks the main danger. If it becomes a slowly run race then Fanfare with Nicky Mackay up also comes into the reckoning
Race No. 3 :- The Intervalve Poonawalla Ltd. Million – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1200M
EL CAPITAN :- Excellent Art colt trained by Altaf Hussain who comes from a good family and has finished runner up in both of his previous starts. Making his debut over 1000M in mid January, he was 2nd favourite behind Rising Sun but looked green and inexperienced when asked for an effort, drifting out towards the outer rail under pressure which may have ultimately cost him as he finished ¾ length behind Soaring High but 1 ½ lengths clear of Rising Sun who ended up 3rd. Upped to 1200M next time out, he showed he had learnt from his debut run, keeping straight this time and finishing on well to be runner up to Golden Oaks, 4 lengths clear of reopposing Joaquin who was making his debut that day. He looks to have progressed again since that run, will benefit from having the forceful David Allan in the saddle today and looks one of the main contenders to win this and make it 3rd time lucky.
JOAQUIN :- Once raced colt trained by one of the younger generation of Trainers Shazaan Shah, he made a promising debut on Derby Day in the B.K. Rattonsey Multi-Million, travelling strongly and leading for a long way before fitness possibly became a factor and he tired in the closing stages to finish 3rd 4 lengths behind El Capitan who was runner up. He is sure to benefit from the experience and improve on that run and his recent workouts after the run have been impressive. While he has 4 lengths to make up on El Capitan which is quite a lot for a 3 year old, he is sure to be much closer to that rival today and may even be able to improve enough the reverse the places. A. Sandesh takes the ride today in the absence of Y.S. Srinath and he is definitely one to consider very seriously and is expected to give a much better account of himself today.
MARKET KING :- Leitir Mor gelding who comes from the yard of S.K. Sunderji and also comes from a relatively successful sprinting line being a half brother to Excellent Gold (by Excellent Art) and Agrami as also Class I sprinter Harvey (by Arazan), also trained by S.K. Sunderji and winner of 6 races. He made an eye catching debut over 1000M about 3 weeks ago, racing in midfield in the early part but finishing on like a rocket once he got the hang of things to be a flying close 2nd to Skyfall. He should no doubt improve from that debut run and looked like he would appreciate the additional furlong the way that he was finishing on. However, Nicky Mackay seems to have abandoned him in place of the debutant Pepper which may be a little clue in it’s own way and the form of his race is yet to be really tested. Neeraj Rawal has been booked to ride today, he looks likely to improve with the experience and is another who looks to have a good each way chance and should take a hand in the finish.
NORTH STAR :- Interesting looking debutant from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard who is a son of Admiralty, himself a very exciting prospect trained by Pesi Shroff and classy winner of his first 3 starts including the Gr. 2 Karnataka Juvenile Million. Sadly his career was cut short by injury after that and he reappeared just once more after an extended absence, taking his shot in the Indian 2000 Guineas where he finished down the field and he was retired immediately after but clearly was one with plenty of potential. He has been moving quite well in the morning trials and appears to have been well prepared for his debut run including finishing 3rd in a Mock Race a couple of weeks ago. A paddock check is advised but he should be fit enough and with P. Trevor in the saddle, clearly looks one to keep an eye on for his powerful yard.
PEPPER :- Surfrider debutant from the Sanjay Kolse yard who is a half brother to Properly Posh and it is interesting that Nicky Mackay has opted to ride him rather than the more experienced Market King whom he rode last time out so that may give a little clue that this one is held in quite high regard. The preparatory work has been modest without really making one sit up and take notice and a paddock check is clearly advised. He looks likely to need this opening run and should be better for the experience but could run into the frame if looking well first time out.
RISING SUN :- The most experienced runner in this field with 4 runs under his belt, this Gusto gelding trained by M.K. Jadhav has managed to place on all his 3 starts this season but keeps finding one or two too good and that may be the case again today. Finishing a close 3rd to Recall of You and Lady Lanette on his opening run over 1000M, he was well fancied over this trip next time out but succumbed to the class of Air Blast although he did have Zaiem back in 5th that day. Back down to 5 furlongs last time out, he was a short priced favourite but could only finish 3rd to Soaring High and El Capitan and it is hard to see him reverse the form with the last named today. He steps back up to 1200M, N.S. Parmar takes over from A. Sandesh and although he looks likely to place and make the frame again today, he is beginning to look exposed and it is hard to fancy him from a win perspective.
CIRCLE OF LOVE :- Kingda Ka filly from the yard of Imtiaz Sait who was given an educative run in the B.K. Rattonsey Multi Million on debut about 3 weeks ago, presumably to get her ready for this race. She was in the rear in the early stages, but began to pick up in the final furlong and finished on well to be close up 6th, about 3 ½ lengths behind Joaquin. She is likely to have improved from that effort and stripped fitter after the run and David Egan replaces S. Zervan in the saddle. She is expected to improve for that opening run and is given an each way chance if making the expected progress.
CONCLUSION :- While it is hard to look beyond El Capitan out of the horses who have had a run, the Shroff stable seems to have a powerful representative of their own and North Star appears to have been well prepared to make a winning debut and could prove to have too much class for this lot. The son of Admiralty has been well prepared including a good Mock Race and should be fit and raring to go. Circle of Love and Joaquin both made promising debuts and are capable of making enough improvement to trouble the form pick.
Race No. 4 :- The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million (Grade 1) – Terms 3 Years Old Only – Distance :- 1400M
AIR BLAST :- Classy looking 3 year old gelding from the S.K. Sunderji yard who has an impeccable pedigree coming from the highly successful family of Black Type winners like Chiavone, Mariinsky, Scimitar and Fleeting Arrow and more recently, Simply Soaring, winner of 3 of her 5 starts in Calcutta. He himself made an impressive winning debut, coming from the back with a powerful run to score over this trip, beating Rising Sun comfortably by 2 ¾ lengths. He was then travelled to Hyderabad for a Rich Million race but went down to Lombardy on her home turf, finishing runner up by a length and a quarter. He has returned back to his home ground now with hopes of gaining revenge over this extra furlong and clearly appears to be an above average sort. Nicky Mackay as usual takes the ride, he is expected to improve again for his 3rd start and looks a strong each way contender and should be involved in the finish.
GIANT STAR :- One of 4 unbeaten runners in the field and one of two runners for Deepesh Narredu in this race, he is the first son of Sweeping Star, winner of 4 of her 9 races and he got his career off to a winning start with an impressive performance over a mile on Derby Day, coming with a strong run to collar the front running Taimur before drawing away to win impressively by 2 ½ lengths. His brother recently sold at the highest price ever in the ring just recently so the pedigree is clearly a good one and he can only improve from his debut effort. Considering that he tackled a mile first time out, the drop in trip does not seem to be ideal but he is clearly one to keep on the right side of and is expected to fight out the finish with Yash Narredu in the saddle.
GOLDEN OAKS :- One of four out station challengers in this field and one of four representing the sponsors as well, this Leitir Mor filly trained by S. Padmanabhan has had 2 starts so far with one win to her name. She finished runner up to Forest Flame over 1200M on her debut in Bangalore before travelling to Mumbai and scoring a fluent win in the B.K. Rattonsey Multi Million on Derby Day, beating El Capitan, Joaquin and Circle of Love who run in the earlier race and will give some idea to the strength of that form. She is unlikely to be troubled by the additional furlong and will have the assistance of David Allan in the saddle. On paper it looks hard for her to turn the tables on Forest Flame who beat her by 5 ½ lengths but she is definitely an improving sort and is worthy of consideration in what looks a competitive event.
CALIFORNIA :- Daughter of Indian 1000 Guineas Godpseed from the Deepesh Narredu yard who is a stable companion to Giant Star and is herself held in very high regard. A hot favourite on her racing debut over 1200, she caught a tartar in Monarchos who beat her quite convincingly by 2 lengths but showed that she had improved substantially from the experience next time out when outclassing her rivals in the Gool S. Poonawalla Million (Gr.3) to win pulling up by 7 lengths from Lady Lanette. The strength of that form is a bit debatable but she did what was asked of her and she did not appear to be stopping that day so should not be troubled by the additional furlong. She appears to have maintained her form and fitness since the run and with man of the moment Suraj Narredu in the saddle, she too looks one to consider very seriously and a big run is anticipated.
FOREST FLAME :- Classy and unbeaten out station challenger from the yard of S. S. Attaollahi, this full sister to Mystic Bay has won both her starts in very impressive fashion and is likely to start as a favourite in this competitive event. Easily getting the better of Golden Oaks on her debut over 1200M in Bangalore, she travelled to Mumbai for the Breeders Produce Stakes which is the traditional lead up for this race and proceeded to annihilate her rivals over course and distance, winning by an incredible 9 ¼ lengths from Rubik Star with Super Girl back in 3rd and Monarchos well beaten in 4th. On a line through Monarchos, she should comfortably have the measure of California even with the given improvement and she also has the advantage of having won over this trip before. She seems to have ticks in all the right boxes, David Egan her regular saddle partner takes the ride and she definitely appears to be the one to beat and looks most likely to complete a glorious hat-trick.
LOMBARDY :- Comes from Hyderabad with a formidable reputation and has also won both her career starts on her home track quite convincingly, beating Air Blast a shade cosily on her last run over 1200M. She herself has shown good speed but there appears to be plenty of stamina from the dam’s side with her half brother Velocidad winning over 2000M and beyond which augurs well for her prospects over the longer trip. A. Sandesh gets a leg up today replacing David Allan, she too appears to be in great heart since arriving in Mumbai and is expected to make a brave bid to maintain her unbeaten record.
SUCCESSOR :- Daughter of Oaks winner Sweeping Success and from the stable of Dallas Todywalla, carrying the colours of the Sponsors, she has run twice till date and has acquitted herself well on both occasions. Racing over 1200M on debut, she finished on strongly from the rear to be a close 4th behind Royalty and 3rd placed Intense Approach is a winner since which gives strength to the form. She too went on to shed her maiden tag next time out and is the other runner besides Forest Flame to have won over today’s trip, showing a good attitude to score by 2 lengths from newcomer Alita. He recent trackwork since the run has been quite outstanding indicated that she has improved again and Neeraj Rawal has been booked to ride today. She could prove to be a value outsider in this field and with Dallas going for a hattrick of Poonawalla Millions after Ruffina and Missing You in the last 2 years, she cannot be ruled out.
SUPER GIRL :- Comes from the yard of S.S. Shah and has the disadvantage of being a maiden taking on winners at the same weight but she made her debut in a tough race, running in the Breeders Produce Stakes for the very first time and ran very well in the circumstances, running well for a long way before fitness possibly became an issue but still kicking on finish a creditable 3rd to Forest Flame. She did not appear to be fully wound up that day so should benefit from the experience and should be much fitter and sharper today. She does have the form behind Forest Flame so is expected to be closer to that rival today and she looks an interesting long shot who could run into the frame at a double figure price with N.S. Parmar taking the ride.
CONCLUSION :- As usual should prove to be a competitive affair but all signs indicate that Forest Flame will give the sponsors their 3rd consecutive win in this race and she is confidently selected to score. She could not have been more impressive in her lead up event and has won over the trip already which is a big plus. The battle for the additional places does look interesting though with California clearly one to consider after her runaway win in the Gool S. Poonawalla along with the unbeaten Lombardy and Air Blast who look closely matched back on the latter’s home track. For those looking to back something at a longer price, both Successor and Super Girl have a realistic chance to upset.
Race No. 5 :- The Florrie and Freddy Sopher Gold Trophy – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1400M
GOLDEN HIND :- Lightly raced and well performed 5 year old gelding from the stable of Vishal Gaikwad who has run 10 times till date with 2 wins and 5 second placed finishes to his name. He seemed to suffer a setback after finishing tailed off in the Golconda Derby in his Classic season and was off the track for 10 months, reappearing at end of Pune and finishing 3rd to Lorraine over a mile. He has been working his way back to peak condition slowly and has looked improved in his 2 starts this season, finishing 2nd to Mirabilis on his seasonal reappearance and last time out ending runner up to My Precious by a length receiving 11 kilos, both runs over the same trip. After being ridden by Trevor the last twice, 3 ½ kilo claimer P.S. Kaviraj takes over today so he gets some respite in the weight carried. He looks to be holding his form quite well but could be vulnerable to the improving 4 year olds and looks more likely to fight it out for minor honours today although he is given a small chance to win.
RAINBOW TROUT :- Progressive 4 year old filly trained by Dallas Todywalla who has been in top form in her limited career so far with 3 wins and 3 runner up finishes from her 7 starts. She needed a lung opener at the beginning of this season but has performed with credit since then. She won her very next outing over 1400M, coming with a smooth run to get the better of Sasakwa who finished 3rd, 3 ½ lengths behind the winner giving 3 kilos. She then went on to repeat over 2000M next time out, getting the better of Galloping Goldmine in a fighting finish only to lose the race in the Stewards room. Back down to 7 furlongs last time out, she again looked a winner before being nabbed in the dying strides by Kariega, going down by a head and probably losing out in the finish. P. Trevor takes over in the saddle today replacing A.S. Peter, she looks to be in fine shape at present and in spite of being 4 ½ kilos worse off with Sasakwa today, is likely to make a bold bid to return to the winner’s circle.
SULTAN SULEIMAN :- Made a very impressive start to his career winning his first two races impressively, beating Indian 2000 Guineas winner Trouvaille on the 2nd occasion and ran a fighting race in the Morvi on his first run this season finishing runner up to Indian Oaks winner Juliette. However, he has seemed to go totally off the boil since then running poor races in the Indian 2000 Guineas, the Ruia and the Indian Derby and reverts back to handicaps now. He has had 3 weeks off since his Derby exertions and this represents a marked drop in Class for him but he does seem to have a bit to prove at present, and even with David Egan in the saddle today, he is probably best watched today until he can show he is returning to his earlier form. Dark horse.
SASAKWA :- Well bred 4 year old filly from the Pesi Shroff stable who has been a bit up and down this season and still seems to be coming into her own. Winner of 2 of her 6 runs till date, she began the season with a hard fought win over 1200M before being overturned by Rainbow Trout as an odds on favourite next time out. Entrusted to 3 ½ kilo claimer P.S. Kaviraj last time out and ridden from off the pace, she finished on extremely strongly to be a close 3rd to Revelator last time out which was a marked improvement from her previous effort. She gets yet another Jockey change today with P.S. Chouhan taking over in the saddle, she looks better handicapped than Rainbow Trout on their previous meeting and if she can produce the same effort that she did last time, then she looks a very strong contender to get back to winning ways.
SUNRISE RUBY :- The 3rd filly in this race to carry the Dhunjibhoy family colours, this daughter of Venus Arising is trained by Hosidar Daji and has plenty of potential but seems to be coming back from a slight setback. Winner of 2 of her 3 starts till date, she returned from a long lay off at the end of Pune to win impressively over 1400M and repeated the feat over a mile on her first run of this season, showing a good attitude to hold off Majestic Warrior and prevail by 1 ¼ lengths. She was presumably due to run the Indian 1000 Guineas next but skipped that race possibly due to some niggle and is returning after a 3 month break so she is likely to need this run. She does have the scope to improve further and has been working reasonably well over the last couple of weeks so she cannot be ruled out altogether but chances are she will need some sort of a lung opener before she can return to her best. Considered but possibly one for the future.
MAKHTOOB :- Another enigmatic 4 year old gelding, this one from the stable of S.K. Sunderji, he has 2 wins from his 7 starts so far, the wins coming over 1400M on debut and then over 1200M in Pune when unfancied but winning stylishly from Sandman and Copper Queen. He has been unsuccessful in 2 starts this season, making his reappearance over 1400M and finishing a close 4th behind My Precious but he is worse off on the scales with Golden Hind for that run and he took a backward step last time out when finishing down the field over 1200M on Derby Day. The return to 7 furlongs is likely to suit him and he should be fit enough after 2 runs this term. C.S. Jodha, who has been riding him this season keeps the ride but he looks to have an outside chance to upset here and is more likely to fight it out for minor honours.
CONCLUSION :- Sasakwa appears to be the best placed on the scale and if she can build on her impressive last run over course and distance then she looks likely to score. Rainbow Trout is in top form and shapes as a live danger while the consistent Golden Hind is also capable of being involved. Sultan Suleiman is also respected back down in a handicap and would have an outstanding chance if at his best but there is a suspicion that he has gone off the boil at present and hence he is passed over today.
Race No. 6 :- The Dr. Goolam E. Vahanavati Trophy – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1200M
HIGHLAND LASS :- Nicely bred 5 year old mare from the Dallas Todywalla who has run only 7 times till date, with a maiden win to her name and four 2nd placed finishes. Three of those runner up races were the first 3 races of her career, and she was off the track for 8 months after a solitary run in Mumbai but returned to shed her maiden tag in fine style, beating Auspicious by 5 lengths over this trip. However, she ran poorly next time out under a penalty and was kept on cotton wool for another 5 months before reappearing in January and finishing runner up to Slam Dunk on her opening run this term. That was an older horses contest and she is taking on the 4 year olds today but she should come on for that run and strip fitter. David Allan is an eye catching Jockey booking, the return to this trip should suit and she does look an each way contender and is likely to finish in the frame.
GOD’S PLAN :- Well bred but headstrong 4 year old from the Vishal Gaikwad stable who clearly has ability but is also temperamental and needs things to go his way. Winner of 1 of his 5 starts till date, the win came on his 3rd run in Pune when well prepared after a long absence and it was a bloodless victory comfortably beating C’est L’Amour who is still a maiden. He has run twice since then, stepped up to 1400M next time out but finishing way behind Kildare and last time out he made late headway from the rear to end up 5th a length and a quarter behind the reopposing Properly Posh who he is taking on again today. After being ridden by Akshay in his last 3 starts, P. Trevor takes the ride today which looks a positive, he has been working well and looks a strong contender to succeed in this company.
PROPERLY POSH :- 4 year old filly trained by Altamash Ahmed who has a similar profile to God’s Plan with one win to her name from 6 starts but she seems to be a little more consistent and reliable. She too got off the mark over 1200M in Pune, destroying the field to romp home by 8 ¼ lengths and she put in a powerful performance next time out as well when finishing a close 3rd to Silver Flames and Majestic Warrior which looks solid form. She was disappointing behind Makhtoob on her final start of the Pune season but she did not seem to run her race that day and nearly pulled off an upset on her seasonal reappearance, worn down close home by the brilliant Del Mar and finishing a good 2nd. She should strip fitter and come on for that run and Neeraj Rawal as usual takes the ride. She looks a very strong contender to score in this company and has a very good chance to win here.
FREE GOLD :- The proverbial “dark horse” this well bred 4 year old filly from the yard of Imtiaz Sait will be ridden by David Egan and was a stylish winner of the Gool S. Poonawalla Million on her racing debut but has been somewhat of an enigma after that and has been tried over a variety of trips and with lots of different tactics but has come up short and failed to add to her tally. She has already had 3 runs this season, once over 1400M and the last twice over a mile and has finished midfield on each occasion. It is interesting that she now reverts back to the trip over which she gained her maiden success, her recent trackwork has been quite encouraging and if she is able to rediscover her form then she does have a good chance to be involved. Rank outsider with the potential to cause an upset.
MS BOSS :- Another 4 year old filly who seems to have lost her way after a promising start to her career, this one is from the stable of Sanjay Kolse and will be ridden by Nicky Mackay. She has run 7 times in total so far, beginning her career well with a runner up finish on debut followed by a maiden success next time out but she has run poorly subsequently, 2 starts in Pune and 2 prior runs in Mumbai yielding precious little. Having finished midfield in both her previous runs this season, her connections seem to be experimenting by stepping her up to 6 furlongs after 2 five furlong efforts and perhaps the extra furlong can bring about some improvement. She does have the scope to improve after just 7 starts and looks another interesting outsider.
ALPINE DANCER :- Lightly raced 4 year old filly from the yard of S.N. Joshi who has had just 3 career starts till date, 2 of them this season and after the needing the lung opener first time out when returning from a long lay off, she reproduced her good track work to run a very forward race over course and distance last time out, going down fighting to Memorable Memories and ending up a very good 2nd. She is likely to come on again for that run and after being ridden by rookie apprentice K. Pranil in her first 3 starts, she has a strong rider up for the first time with P.S. Chouhan booked to ride. She has been working very well since the run, has bagged the No. 1 rail draw and since she likes to dominate she is likely to try and make every post a winning one and should be feared
CONCLUSION :- Properly Posh and God’s Plan look closely matched on their last running but the former appears to have the stronger form and is just preferred. Bottom weighted Alpine Dancer led for a long way last time out and has the scope to upset the pair.
Race No. 7 :- The Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy – Div. I – Class V – Distance :- 1400M
WHITE RIVER :- Very interesting looking debutant from the S.K. Sunderji yard, this 4 year old gelding is a full brother to 2018 Pune Derby winner Pioneer and his making his belated racing debut in this lowly grade. Clearly an attractive prospect on paper, he appears to have been given a decent amount of preparatory work although he did appear to still be backward in a recent Mock Race. However, P. Trevor has been booked to ride first time out, he appears to be a classy sort and could be good enough to tackle this lot and win first time out. Paddock check advised but looks very interesting.
PAOLITA :- Unexposed 4 year old filly trained by Sanjay Kolse and to be ridden by Nicky Mackay, she has run twice before without success making her debut over 1000M earlier this season and finding things happening too quickly and then upped to this trip last time out where she made a little headway from the rear to finish 6th behind Peerless. She looks open to plenty of improvement on just her 3rd career start but did not show that much on the track after her last run and still may need more time. She did seem to appreciate this trip better though, Nicky Mackay returns to ride replacing S.J. Sunil who rode last time out and she looks capable of making the frame and running into a place if progressing again from her last effort.
PEZULA :- Withdrawn when fancied on her planned last start and given time to recover from then, this filly trained by Bezan Chenoy has run thrice before in Pune, sent off a firm favourite over 1000M on her debut but losing her chances by missing the kick. She gave an improved performance next time out when upped to 6 furlongs and ran a forward race to finish 4th behind Alauddin Khilji before making late headway from the rear last time out to finish 6th to Questina. She has been eased in grade into the lower class now and stepped in trip to 7 furlongs and Neeraj Rawal has been booked to ride. These are still early days having just her 4th start and she merits each way consideration if unlocking some improvement over this new trip. Keep an eye.
PERIWINKLE :- Maiden 4 year old filly from the yard of Hosidar Daji, she began her career in the stable of Pesi Shroff but was sold after a couple of disappointing performances. She has run a total of 6 times so far, and did nothing of note in her first 4 runs but hinted that she was coming to hand on her final start in Pune over 1200 where she finished on late to be 3rd to Articulate. She was given a lung opener this season to blow away the cobwebs and again finished on late down the outside to end up 6th behind Conscience with a feeble 5 kilo claimer up and she should come on for that run. She has been working well since that run, D.R. Shubham is replaced in the saddle by N.S. Parmar and she is likely to be suited by this step up in trip. She looks a strong each way contender in this field and looks to have a good chance to get off the mark today.
REGAL SHOT :- Aged 7 year old gelding from the stable of Karthik G. who has managed just win 1 from his 26 runs till date and has tumbled down in the scales with a string of poor efforts in recent times. Rated 45 at one point, he is currently on a mark of 24 so looks extremely well handicapped and has been running suggestively this season without quite earning a bracket. 4th to Grand Architect over 1200M on his penultimate run, he finished runner up to Peerless last time out over this trip. The booking of P.S. Chouhan today catches the eye taking over from Bhawani Singh and although he is taking on younger horses he is currently well handicapped and in good form and hence very dangerous to ignore.
SANDRA’S SECRET :- Unexposed 4 year old filly trained by Imtiaz Sait she has run just 4 times so far, three of them being maiden contests in Pune, her best effort coming on her 2nd start when making the frame behind Cliffs of Capri over 1200M. She has had just 1 run this season which looked to be something of a lung opener, finished 6th behind Direwolf on her handicap debut and she should come on for that run which was 5 weeks ago. She has been stepped up to a middle distance trip for the first time, C.S. Jodha has been booked to ride and her recent workouts have been encouraging. She looks capable of causing an upset in this field if unlocking some more improvement and is worthy of consideration especially if catching the eye in the paddock.
CONCLUSION :- The well bred White River could be good enough to tackle this lot first time out if he is reasonably fit and can begin his career on a winning note. Periwinkle looks well placed to make an impression as does the untried Sandra’s Secret who has been working well.
Race No. 8 :- The Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy – Div. II – Class V – Distance :- 1400M
ÉCLAIR :- Lightly raced and improving 4 year old filly from the stable of Dallas Todywalla who looks to have found a good opportunity to get off the mark with David Allan an encouraging Jockey booking. Having run just 5 times till date and showing good form in her juvenile season, she skipped the entire Pune season and reappeared in January after a 10 month break where she was given a lung opener over an inadequate 6 furlongs. She showed she had benefitted from that run when tried over a mile last time out, no match for new comer Parisian but running well to finish 3rd and she should progress again. She seems to have found a relatively weak field to take on today and looks to have an excellent chance to strike.
HONOURABLE EYES :- Exposed 6 year old gelding from the stable of Imtiaz Sait who had become quite frustrating to follow and finally managed to get off the mark at the 22nd attempt last time out but still had to share the winner’s spot when dead heating with Saffron Flower over course and distance. That however was his best performance till date and he seems to have maintained his form and fitness since the run. Decent 2 ½ kilo claimer A.S. Peter has been booked to ride today and although he is not completely reliable he should take some confidence from that win and try to gain a solo success in this weak field.
DIVIJA :- Untried and unexposed 4 year old filly trained by S.K. Sunderji who has run 5 times so far without showing any notable ability but was seen making some late headway over 1000M last time out which suggests that she should appreciate more galloping ground. Her recent trackwork has also been quite encouraging and C.S. Jodha takes the ride for the first time this season which suggests that she may be fancied today. She is an unknown quantity who could be better than her current mark and could add some spice to the finish if she has her galloping shoes on. Keep an eye.
PRINCIPESSA :- 13 race maiden from the Narendra Lagad stable who has been given plenty of races but does not seem to be coming to hand and has dropped down a long way in the scales as a result. All her 3 runs this season have been poor efforts and the only reason why she is being considered at all was one effort over this trip in Pune where she finished on nicely to be runner up to Star Comrade. She has run several poor races after that so that may have been just a flash in the pan but P.S. Kaviraj takes the ride today and she is running at a feather weight in a weak field so if she is able to produce something like that previous good run, she has the chance to spring a surprise
CONCLUSION :- A very weak lower division which presents a good opportunity for Éclair to get off the mark. She should be spot on for this after finishing 3rd over a mile last time out and foreign jockeys riding in Class V usually have a very good strike rate. Honourable Eyes finally managed to get his head in front last time out and shapes as a danger but is unreliable while the untried Divija also looks interesting.
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same).
