FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - Article for Wednesday, 26th February, 2020 - By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 25 Feb 2020
FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - Article for Wednesday, 26th February, 2020
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Flying Brave Plate – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1000M
JULIO CESARO :- One of 5 runners for Narendra Lagad in the field of 8, this 5 year old gelding is an experienced handicapper, having won 3 of his 32 starts and also placed on 7 occasions. He is usually most effective over this minimum trip and already has a win to his name this season, holding off Wilshire by a neck over 1200M on the opening day. He has run 7 times since then in what has been a busy campaign, running off board on the first 6 starts but given a chance by the handicapper and looked like he was ready to score again last time out when finishing on strongly over this trip to be a close 3rd to stable companion Ustad Pedro. He has come back down to the mark that he won off at the beginning of the season, has been working well and J. Chinoy takes the ride. He looks to have a very strong each way chance here and should definitely finish on board.
RED CARNATION :- Stable companion of Julio Cesaro as well as three others and the mount of improving apprentice P.S. Kaviraj, this 5 year old has won 2 of his 21 starts as well as placing on as many as 8 occasions and is usually effective in this grade and over this distance. Both his wins have come over the 1000M trip and his most recent win was last time out when he took advantage of his decent handicap mark to score by a length from stable companion C’est L’Amour in the lower class. He has a 4 ½ kilo penalty to contend with for the win and is upped in grade against tougher opposition. He seems to be in good form at present and should make a bold bid to repeat so must come into consideration.
ISINIT:- 8 year old mare from the yard of S.N. Joshi who is a veteran of 57 races and is quite exposed with 4 wins to her name and plenty of placed efforts. She has run 6 times this season, managing a win over Outstanding and Kalina towards the end of December and also finishing runner up to Conscience on her penultimate start in this class. However, she is 2 lengths worse off on the scale with Falconette who finished 3rd that day so seems to be up against it on the scale. She also has to bounce back from a poor run last time out where she finished well down the field. A.S. Peter takes over in the saddle from K. Pranil which is a positive but although she does have the capability to make it into the frame, she seems more of a place prospect today and winning looks tough.
JUDY BLUE EYES :- Well bred and improving 4 year old from the stable of Nosher Cama who seems to have the maximum scope to improve in this field having run just 3 times till date and after 2 modest efforts in maidens, reappeared from a 5 month break making her handicap debut in January and scored in the lower class over this trip, making all the running and holding off Resolute to win convincingly. She is likely to have improved from that opening run of the season and a 4 ½ kilo penalty seems quite fair. Her recent track movements suggest that she is fit and well, P.S. Chouhan takes the ride and against mainly older and exposed opposition, she is strongly fancied to repeat and looks the one to beat.
FALCONETTE :- 5 year old mare trained by Narendra Lagad who has run 15 times till date, winning on 1 previous occasion and while she has mainly struggled since scoring her maiden success over this trip back in September 2018, she has also come down steadily in the weights. She hinted that she was potentially well treated last time out when finishing on to take 3rd behind Conscience and Isinit last time out and looks to have a good chance if building on that effort. Stable jockey Dashrath Singh takes the ride today replacing Nathan Evans, she is closely matched on the scale with Julio Cesaro on a line through Brave and if building on that last effort, she has a good chance to earn another bracket.
CONCLUSION :- This basically seems to be a case of Judy Blue Eyes versus the Narendra Lagad brigade but the 4 year old is confidently selected to prevail. She is sure to improve on her victory on her seasonal debut and looks likely to tackle this lot. Falconette and Julio Cesaro appear to be closely matched on handicap and shape as the dangers.
Race No. 2 :- The Noble Opinion Plate – Class V – Distance :- 2000M
SANDALPHON :- Maiden 6 year old gelding trained by Himmat Singh who has had 16 starts over varying trips but is still searching for that elusive first success although he has managed to place on 5 occasions. He has been tried over trips ranging from 1000M – 1600M but will be tackling this 2000M trip for the first time. He has run just twice this season, well fancied on his opening run over 1200M and dead heating for 2nd behind Eternal Dancer but ran poorly last time out in a similar contest when only 7th to Grand Architect and needs to bounce back from that. He has been working quite well of late and his previous run in a mile saw him finish a close 3rd so it is likely that he will appreciate more galloping ground. 5 kilo claimer A. Prakash has been booked to ride today which suggests that start to finish tactics might be employed and if he has the stamina for this longer trip then he looks capable of finally getting off the mark and merits consideration. Possibilities.
HIGHDARE :- Unexposed 4 year old Dean’s Kitten gelding from the stable of Rehanullah Khan who seems to have not been seriously tried in his 6 runs so far and has a strong rider up for the first time with P.S. Chouhan an eye catching jockey booking. His first four runs were over what were inadequate sprint trips but he has been stepped up to a mile for this last 2 starts and finished just outside the frame on both occasions. He had a lung opener earlier this season in the higher class, finishing 6th behind Galloping Goldmine and has been given time to improve and strengthen since then and has been eased in grade into the lower class. The fact that a good rider has been declared today suggests that connections will fancy their chances and if this longer trip is able to unlock some more improvement and he stays well, then he has the potential to score and get off the mark today.
WALK THE TALK :- Another 4 year old maiden, this one from the yard of Imtiaz Sait, he has a similar profile to Highdare having run 6 times so far but in contrast he seems to have been tried on many occasions, managing two 3rd place and two 4th placed finishes. He has been working well for quite some time but has not quite reproduced it on the track. He has had 2 starts this season, needing a lung opener early in the season when finishing 6th to Hokkaido and reappearing after a short break early this month and running a forward race over 1800M before retiring to finish up 4th to Tasman. That run was a promising one although there is no guarantee that he will stay this longer trip and David Egan takes over in the saddle today replacing A. Imran Khan. We have clearly yet to see the best of him so he does have some scope but needs to show a little more spark on the race grass. Worth considering each way but may need some more time.
MR. HONEY :- Exposed maiden 5 year old gelding trained by Nirad Karanjawalla who does not seem to be progressing much with his racing and is winless from 16 starts till date. He has managed to finish 3rd on a few occasions over middle distance trips but seems to lack consistency and his form this season has been quite patchy. He has had 4 runs this season over 1600, 1800 and 2000M and has managed to finish 4th once over a mile to Rhumba. The only reason why he would be at all considered today is that P. Trevor has been booked to ride which might increase his chances of making the frame. It is hard to fancy him from a win perspective and the percentage call is to oppose.
WHISPERING QUEEN :- 5 year old mare from the stable of Ivor Fernandes who in contrast to most of these in the field, has tasted prior success before, scoring her maiden win earlier this season over a mile, getting up late to beat Shapath right on the post. She finished 5th to Solo Mission under her penalty last time out and is another who looks like she will be suited by more galloping ground. She does have the scope to make further progress as she seems to have just come to hand this season, A.S. Peter retains the ride and she looks to have an excellent chance to score another success and looks a big danger to all if she can make some more progress over this new trip.
BIG BEN :- Maiden 5 year old from the stable of M.K. Jadhav who is a half brother to Mekong Delta and although winless in 12 starts to date, just seems to be coming to hand himself. After doing nothing of note in his first several starts over varied trips, he gave the first signs of some ability on his penultimate run over 1800M, making late headway from the rear to come and finish a faraway 3rd to Tasman with Walk The Talk alongside in 4th, and Mr. Honey and His Master’s Vice also behind and he did not seem to get the clearest of runs last time out when again finishing on from the rear to be 6th to Parisian over a mile. P.S. Kaviraj takes over in the saddle today which looks a positive, he too should be suited by the longer trip and looks to be a strong each way contender in this field.
CONCLUSION :- A poor race filled with mainly exposed and unexposed maidens and probably best to give it a miss from a betting standpoint. Highdare looks a scopey sort from a shrewd yard who has a strong rider up for the first time and could prove to be better than this lot. If he comes up short, Whispering Queen is one of two winners in this field and looks likely to be suited by the extra distance while Big Ben too seems to be coming to hand and could strike today with P.S. Kaviraj up
Race No.3 :- The F.K. Vakil Trophy – Class IV & V, 5 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1400M
HODSON’S HORSE :- Lightly raced but well performed 5 year old gelding trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha who has run 7 times so far and has finished outside the frame on just 1 occasion, winning once and placing 5 times for a good overall record. He appears to need time in between his runs and has placed on both his runs this season, finishing a faraway 2nd to Night Hunt on his seasonal reappearance over 1200M and last time out, upped to this trip again finished a respectable 3rd to Polyneices and Cormorant. After being ridden by stable apprentice Santosh G on his first 2 starts, 5 kilo claimer Malam Singh gets a leg up today and he has finished a close 2nd the only other time he has ridden him. He looks to be a consistent sort who is likely to finish in the frame again today and merits each way consideration in what looks an open older horses contest.
SAFDAR :- 7 year old gelding trained by Rehanullah Khan who is a veteran of 37 races, having won thrice before and also placed on 8 occasions. His first two wins came over 6 furlongs but his most recent win, albeit some time ago came over this trip off a mark of 45 and he is now rated 44 so he looks to be back on a workable mark. He has run 4 times so far this season and while his first 2 starts were quite promising, finishing a close 4th over a mile against the younger horses before again running a close 4th to Castilian over 1200M, his two most recent efforts in his own age group have been discouraging, last time out finishing 7th behind Anatevka over 1200M. The additional furlong looks likely to suit him though and the booking of A. Prakash today takes 5 kilos off his back in this lower grade and also suggests he may attempt to make all which is how he won his last start. He looks a good each way prospect who is well placed on the scale and should be capable of scoring if things go his way.
ANTARCTICA :- Another lightly raced 5 year old, this one from the stable of Altamaash Ahmed, she possesses a potent turn of foot which was on display in both the wins which she has gained from her 10 starts, both wins coming in the lower class though including on her penultimate start this season, when beating Highland Woods by a little over a length. She ended up 6th to Odessa last time out though and in the past also has struggled in this class so will need to find some improvement if she is to progress further. She is at her best when coming from behind off a decent pace and Bhawani Singh is replaced by S.A. Amit today. She seems to be working well though and can trouble them all if she has her galloping shoes on.
AQUARIUS :- 7 year old veteran from the M.K. Jadhav stable who has won 4 of his 41 starts till date and looks to currently be in prime form. Usually effective over middle distances in Class V as he showed when scoring over this trip early in the Pune season, he took 2 runs this term to return to his previous winning mark and get fit and after finishing an excellent close 2nd to Ithaca over a mile when he was only worn down late on by a younger horse, he earned another bracket over this trip last time out, making all with A. Sandesh up and holding off a strong challenge from Romanesque and Nusrat to emerge victorious. He has been penalized 4 kilos for the win but A. Sandesh retains the ride and he is likely to make a bold bid to repeat. He may be taken on for the lead by Safdar today which could be a factor but comes into the race in top form and cannot be ignored.
KALINA :- 7 years of age but seems to have had numerous problems as she has raced only 9 times but she got off the mark in most emphatic fashion last time out in the lower class over 1200M, making all the running and scoring by 5 ½ lengths from Adam’s Beginning with a bit in hand. She has been handed a 6 kilo penalty for that win which looks stiff for an older horse but she does appear to have the scope for further improvement and the slightly longer trip may suit. P.S. Chouhan keeps the ride, she could very well have more to give and looks capable of repeating for yard which is bang in form and is a strong fancy to go in again.
STICK TO THE PLAN :- 5 year old gelding from the stable of S.K. Sunderji who has had 8 runs till date, winning once and finishing runner up once and is another who looks open to further improvement. He seemed to come to hand midway through the last Pune season and opened his account over 1200M in the lower class when just holding off Suarez to prevail by half a length. He went on to finish a close 2nd to Articulate next time out upped to this grade and has been making steady progress this season to return to that form. He has run thrice this season and last time out, hinted that he was coming back to form over 1200M when finishing on late to be 4th to Memorable Memories. Although most of his racing has been done over 1200M, he look like he would be suited by another furlong and A.S. Peter takes over in the saddle from C.S. Jodha. He has been working well and comes into the reckoning.
CONCLUSION :- Quite competitive with several being able to stake a claim but there may be value in taking an each way punt on the 7 year old Safdar who has been running well against younger horses, has been eased slightly in grade and won pillar to post over this trip a little over a year ago off a similar mark. A. Prakash is a good front running rider and he should be available at good odds. Last outing winner Kalina looked to have a bit in hand that day and shapes as the main danger while Aquarius and Stick To The Plan also look capable of winning.
Race No. 4 :- The Lt. Col. Govind Singh (VRC) Trophy – Maiden 3 year olds – Distance :- 1600M
BLUE BLOOD:- Good looking chestnut colt who is a half brother to Sylvester and Queen of the Turf and made a promising debut over 1400M a couple of weeks ago, running a forward race before retiring to finish a close 6th behind Miss Muffet. He did not finish too far behind Live By Night that day (already had prior experience) and can only be expected to improve. The additional furlong is likely to be in his favour, Dashrath Singh takes the ride today replacing Neeraj Rawal and with the benefit of experience, he should run a much better race today and looks to have a decent chance of figuring in the frame.
BOLD LEGEND :- Win Legend debutant from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard who looks a good sort on paper, coming from a well performed dam line with his full sister Kirkwood a winner of 3 races from 10 starts and finished 3rd in the South India Oaks (Gr 1) and the Bangalore Juvenile Million (Gr.3) and his half brother Ophion (by Abbeyside) a winner of 5 races in Kolkotta including the Calcutta Million (Gr.2) and placed 3rd in the QE II Cup (Gr.3). He appears to have been reasonably well prepared for his debut run and David Egan has been booked to ride. A paddock check is advised to ascertain his condition and he is entitled to need this first run. He should eventually develop into a strong staying sort and can win first time out if he is fit enough. Worth keeping an eye on.
FLAMING LAMBORGHINI :- Planetaire Colt from the Imtiaz Sait stable who looked very green and inexperienced on his debut run over 1200M but seemed to get the hang of things late in the contest and made up ground from the rear to finish midfield. He should definitely have learnt from that run and stripped fitter and is expected to be much more aware of things today. The longer trip is also expected to be in his favour and A. Sandesh has been booked to ride. This field looks to be comparatively weaker than on debut and if making the expected improvement, he should be right there at the finish. Strong each way player.
LIVE BY NIGHT :- Improving son of Arazan from the in form stable of S.K. Sunderji he has already run twice till date, fancied on his debut over 1400M but ran poorly in the circumstances to finish 4th to Exotique quite a long way behind Salvo who was runner up that day. However, the run seemed to have benefitted him greatly and he ran a cracker over 1400M next time out, coming with a rattling run to take charge in the straight and only overwhelmed close home by a classy looking sort in Miss Muffet. He is expected to improve again and should appreciate the extra furlong, Nicky Mackay returns to ride replacing C.S. Jodha and he looks to be the form pick in this field and stands a strong chance to make it 3rd time lucky today.
SALVO :- Thriced raced Western Aristocrat colt from the stable of Vishal Gaikwad who looks likely to be suited by this mile trip and ran very promisingly on his 2nd start over 1400M where he had the odds on favourite Exotique in trouble and ended a half length 2nd with Live By Night back in 4th that day beaten 9 ¾ lengths and Moon River even further behind. He was well fancied when upped to a mile on the Derby weekend and partnered with A. Sandesh for the first time but ran disappointingly to finish a poor 5th behind Giant Star. He may have been affected by cutting pace with Taimur that day so deserves a chance to redeem himself and the slight drop in trip is likely to suit. P. Trevor takes over in the saddle today and if he is ridden more patiently then he should be right there in the finish.
MELANIA :- Leitir Mor filly from the family of Multi Classic winning Paso Robles – winner of 5 of her 8 starts including the Golconda 1000 Guineas Gr.2, the Golconda Oaks Gr.2 and 3rd in the Golconda Derby Gr. 1 and also Meritocracy – winner of 5 races in Hyderabad including the Gr. 3 Byerly Turk Million. She was given an educative run in the same race as Salvo on Derby Day finishing in 6th place just behind him and is sure to improve and strip fitter. P.S. Chouhan takes the ride today and with normal progression from 1st run to 2nd, she looks sure to improve and must be considered in this field.
CONCLUSION :- The form pick appears to be Live By Night who is expected to improve on his good 2nd last time out and win at the third time of asking. Salvo expended too much energy fighting for the lead with Taimur last time out and should run a much better race more patiently ridden. Bold Legend looks a promising debutant from the Pesi Shroff yard and must be respected while both the Imtiaz Sait trained runners Flaming Lamborghini and Melania should be a different proposition with a run under their belt. Plenty of possibilities and probably better avoided from the betting angle.
Race No. 5 :- The Maharaja Sir Pratapsingh Gaekwad Trophy – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1000M
HEADWAY :- Speedy and well performed 4 year old gelding from the S.K. Sunderji yard who has won 3 of his 9 starts till date and has made steady progress up the handicap ranks to his current level. All his wins have been over the 1200M trip, scoring impressive back to back victories in Pune before coming unstuck in his hattrick bid when 4th to Joplin. He has been without a win in 3 runs this season, finishing a good 2nd to Golden Guest first time out but then failing as an odds on favourite when outwitted by Castilian and last time out proving no match for stable companion Kildare and ending up a modest 4th. He has been showing plenty of speed in his morning workouts so it is interesting that he has been dropped to 1000M for the first time in his career and has blinkers fitted back on. He should have the speed to tackle this minimum trip and with Nicky Mackay in the saddle, looks a big danger to all in spite of top weight. Strong each way player.
HIDDEN GOLD :- 4 year old gelding trained by Dallas Todywalla who has looked vastly improved this season after returning from a long absence and has excelled in all his 3 prior runs over this trip. Running a forward race and finishing a good 2nd to Del Mar on his seasonal opener, he duly went on to shed his maiden tag with an authoritative performance next time out when making all to beat Speed Air convincingly and then took a 6 kilo penalty in his stride and showed that he can come from behind as well when getting up late to beat Copper Queen on Derby Day. He is up a further 5 kilos today but seems to be improving along with the handicapper and David Egan who has been riding him all season retains the ride. He looks to be in fine fettle at present and although out handicapped with Copper Queen, is likely to make a determined bid to complete his hattrick.
NAMAQUA :- Speedy 4 year old from the M.K. Jadhav yard who looks to be trying to regain his form which has taken a dip in recent times. Winner over 1000M on debut he went on to score his 2nd success early in the Pune season but has mainly struggled since then. He did manage one runner up finish behind Dandi March in Pune but since then ran a poor 4th upped to 6 furlongs and returning to his pet trip here in Mumbai, looked in need of the lung opener when finishing midfield behind Mystic Bay. He is likely to have come on for that run and stripped fitter and A. Sandesh retains the ride. He does look to be taking on some strong opposition today and may have to be content with fighting it out for minor honours.
COPPER QUEEN :- More experienced than some of the other 4 year olds with 10 runs already under her belt, this got abroad filly from the Pesi Shroff yard has taken her time to come to hand but seems to be a 5 furlong specialist at present and is at her best over the minimum trip. Her solitary success did come in Pune over 1200M but she has failed in 2 starts since and has been a revelation dropped to the minimum trip in her 2 runs this season. She has gone to the front on both occasions, first time out collared only in the dying strides by Warrior Clan and Chephirah and last time out, run out of it by the fast finishing Hidden Gold with whom she is weighted to gain revenge. With Leigh Roche unavailable today Neeraj Rawal takes over in the saddle, she looks to be quite well handicapped against most of these and looks to have a very strong chance to get back to winning ways from a good draw in Stall 3.
TURMERIC TOWER :- Another 4 year old 1000M specialist, this one from the stable of Narendra Lagad, she is a winner of 2 races from her 12 starts, scoring back to back wins on either side of the Pune season but seems to have gone off the boil since then and she has run below par in her 5 starts this season. 4th just behind Copper Queen on her 2nd run of the season, she went on to finish 3rd to Hidden Gold and after a poor run on her penultimate start, was again seen finishing on last time out to be 5th behind Hidden Gold and Copper Queen. P.S. Kaviraj’s allowance means that she is marginally better placed on the scales and running practically off a feather weight, she is given a chance to upset.
CONCLUSION :- With not much to choose between Copper Queen, Hidden Gold and Turmeric Tower who have been running with each other, it could prove lucrative to take a chance on the top weighted Headway. He is tackling this minimum trip for the first time but is likely to get a good lead into this race from the speedsters and could pick them all up late on. He is selected to get the better of the speedy Copper Queen with Turmeric Tower a possible longshot at the weights.
Race No. 6 :- The Bahrain Trophy – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1000M
DAGGER’S STRIKE :- Debutant from the stable of S.S. Shah who is a half brother to the speedy Juggernaut, winner of 4 races over sprints for Narendra Lagad and has moved quite pleasingly in his limited workouts so far and also jumped out well from the gates. A paddock check is clearly advised to ascertain his fitness but the booking of A. Sandesh suggests that connections fancy their chances and the form in the race is not particularly strong. He looks a promising youngsters and from a good draw in Stall 4 is expected to run well.
MONARCH :- Twice raced Air Support gelding from the stable of Deepesh Narredu who has disappointed in his 2 runs so far, needing the run on debut when finishing well down the field over 1200M but well fancied next time out upped to 1400M and coming with a brief challenge in the straight before fading away tamely to finish 8th to Miss Muffet. He is now being tried over the minimum trip and P. Trevor has been booked to ride, replacing David Egan. He does seem to have a bit to prove at present but is having just his 3rd start so is capable of improving and can spring a surprise.
FINALIST :- Twice raced Leitir Mor filly from the stable of Narendra Lagad who has been showing good speed in her morning workouts but has failed to reproduce the same in her 2 runs on the race grass. Making her debut in mid January she finished 5th to Soaring High, about 2 lengths behind Menilly who was also making her debut but then did not seem to make the required progression next time out when only 6th behind Skyfall again over this trip on Derby weekend. She continues to show good speed in the gallops and Dashrath Singh returns to ride her replacing J. Chinoy who was up last time out. She has bagged a good draw today in Stall No 2 and looks an each way player if she can eke out some more improvement.
MENILLY :- Made a satisfactory debut on her only previous run back in Mid January, making leisurely progress to finish in the frame behind Soaring High and she should confirm that form with Finalist with the benefit of experience. She has been brought along steadily since that debut run, is expected to improve for it and Nicky Mackay takes the ride today replacing C.S. Jodha. She appears to have improved judging from her subsequent workouts and with the yard in good form, looks to have an excellent chance to score here.
PENSE’ E :- Twice raced filly from the Pesi Shroff stable who made a very eye catching debut over 1200M back in December when finishing on from an impossible position to be a flying late 3rd behind Air Blast and she went into many notebooks on the strength of that run. Reappearing 3 weeks ago in the B.K. Rattonsey Multi Million she seemed to have lost condition in the paddock and ran a wretched race to finish 10th without ever looking like landing a serious blow. She has now been dropped to the minimum trip and has bagged the No. 1 rail draw as well with Neeraj Rawal in the saddle. She has failed to show early speed in both her previous runs so it will be interesting what she does from this inside draw and if she can return to the form of her earlier run then she does stand a very good chance.
CONCLUSION :- A tricky looking contest and Menilly seems the logical choice, having run promisingly on debut and expected to improve for the experience. Pense’ e would have an obvious chance but has to bounce back from a poor effort last time out while debutant Dagger’s Strike also looks interesting.
Race No. 7 :- The Fedora Plate – Class V, 5 Years Old & Over -_ Distance :- 1200M
AME :- Now 8 years of age but can still raise an effective gallop and has proved quite successful off this sort of mark in the past. Trained by M.K. Jadhav, he has managed to win 4 of his 52 starts and also placed on twelve occasions usually in this sort of contest. His last win came in Pune towards the end of September when beating Highland Wind by ¾ length off a mark of 30 and he is rated 29 today so looks to be on a mark he can win off. He has had 4 runs this season, all of them in the higher class and returns to this grade for the first time this season. A. Sandesh who has been aboard for his last 2 victories takes the ride again today and in spite of the heavy impost, he looks a strong each way contender and is likely to fight out the finish and finish on board.
ARABIAN STORM :- 7 year old gelding trained by Narendra Lagad who has won 3 of his 36 starts so far and has been brought down skilfully in the weights to what looks to be a very attractive mark. Effective over both 1200 and 1400M, he was rated as high as 49 in his prime and has now come down to a mark of 29 which is almost half that so he looks extremely well treated at present. He did run a couple of decent races in Pune without winning and has been brought down even further now. He has been given 3 runs this season to get him fit and now drops into the lowest grade. P.S. Kaviraj takes the ride today claiming 3 ½ kilos in the saddle, he should be fit enough now and looks to have an excellent chance to add another win to his tally and should be seriously considered if he retains his old ability.
OFFICER IN COMMAND :- Lightly raced 5 year old from the Adhirajsingh Jodha stable who has managed to win 1 of his 11 starts, narrowly holding off Ebony to prevail in this class on his 3rd career start. Since the win, he has largely struggled to make an impression but has been working his way steadily back into form and looked like he was ready to strike when dropped into this grade for the first time in a while, coming with a powerful late run and just failing to catch Maestro over course and distance. He has come back down to his last winning mark, seems to be well within himself and P. Trevor takes over in the saddle from Santosh G. The draw has not been kind to him in stall 14 but he is likely to build on that last effort and if he can find minimal improvement, then he looks to have an excellent chance to score and deserves serious consideration.
AMERICAN ODYSSEY :- Relatively unexposed and improving 5 year old mare trained by Dallas Todywalla who has had just 3 starts so far, making a promising debut in Pune over this trip when finishing a close 3rd to Stick To The Plan but failing to build on that when well fancied next time out, running disastrously with a 5 kilo claimer up to finish last of 13. She was put away and given time to improve after that run and looked to have done so on her opening run here when running a forward race and finishing a good 3rd to Grand Architect over this trip. That run was 6 weeks ago so she has been given time to progress again and C.S. Jodha takes the ride today. Her last couple of workouts have been eye catching, she has the maximum scope to improve from among this lot and she is strongly fancied to get off the mark today and has an excellent chance to win.
HIGHLAND WOODS :- 6 year old gelding trained by Nazzak Chenoy who has won 1 of his 15 starts till date, suffered a setback after his maiden win which kept him off the track for over a year and he has been trying to find his way back since returning to racing at the end of August in Pune. He has had 5 runs this season, his best effort coming a couple of runs ago over this trip when finishing on late to be runner up to Antarctica and has finished just outside the frame the next twice. 5 kilo claimer K. Pranil takes the ride, he looks to be an exposed type and although he is capable of adding some spice to the finish, he is likely to find one or two too strong today and seems to be more of a minor berth contender.
POWER OF NEATH :- Sparingly raced 5 year old gelding who used to be trained by Bezan Chenoy but has recently been sold into the yard of S. N. Joshi and is winless from 7 starts till date. He made a promising start for his new connections on his opening run of the season when running a forward race over course and distance and kicking on to finish 3rd to Ron in the higher class. He has been eased in grade now into Class V for the first time and A.S. Peter has been booked to ride. He is still relatively unexposed, can improve again from that last effort and if making further progress could prove to be dangerous to all and should not be ignored.
CONCLUSION :- A difficult finale but if the price is not too prohibitive then it would be worth taking a chance on American Odyssey. She looks to have improved from her opening run of the season and could be better than her current mark. Officer in Command ran suggestively last time out and must rate a live danger with P. Trevor up while Arabian Storm too could prove a danger
FROM THE HORSES MOUTH – Article For Wednesday 26th February 2020
Race No. 1 :- The Flying Brave Plate – Class IV & V – Distance :- 1000M
JULIO CESARO :- One of 5 runners for Narendra Lagad in the field of 8, this 5 year old gelding is an experienced handicapper, having won 3 of his 32 starts and also placed on 7 occasions. He is usually most effective over this minimum trip and already has a win to his name this season, holding off Wilshire by a neck over 1200M on the opening day. He has run 7 times since then in what has been a busy campaign, running off board on the first 6 starts but given a chance by the handicapper and looked like he was ready to score again last time out when finishing on strongly over this trip to be a close 3rd to stable companion Ustad Pedro. He has come back down to the mark that he won off at the beginning of the season, has been working well and J. Chinoy takes the ride. He looks to have a very strong each way chance here and should definitely finish on board.
RED CARNATION :- Stable companion of Julio Cesaro as well as three others and the mount of improving apprentice P.S. Kaviraj, this 5 year old has won 2 of his 21 starts as well as placing on as many as 8 occasions and is usually effective in this grade and over this distance. Both his wins have come over the 1000M trip and his most recent win was last time out when he took advantage of his decent handicap mark to score by a length from stable companion C’est L’Amour in the lower class. He has a 4 ½ kilo penalty to contend with for the win and is upped in grade against tougher opposition. He seems to be in good form at present and should make a bold bid to repeat so must come into consideration.
ISINIT:- 8 year old mare from the yard of S.N. Joshi who is a veteran of 57 races and is quite exposed with 4 wins to her name and plenty of placed efforts. She has run 6 times this season, managing a win over Outstanding and Kalina towards the end of December and also finishing runner up to Conscience on her penultimate start in this class. However, she is 2 lengths worse off on the scale with Falconette who finished 3rd that day so seems to be up against it on the scale. She also has to bounce back from a poor run last time out where she finished well down the field. A.S. Peter takes over in the saddle from K. Pranil which is a positive but although she does have the capability to make it into the frame, she seems more of a place prospect today and winning looks tough.
JUDY BLUE EYES :- Well bred and improving 4 year old from the stable of Nosher Cama who seems to have the maximum scope to improve in this field having run just 3 times till date and after 2 modest efforts in maidens, reappeared from a 5 month break making her handicap debut in January and scored in the lower class over this trip, making all the running and holding off Resolute to win convincingly. She is likely to have improved from that opening run of the season and a 4 ½ kilo penalty seems quite fair. Her recent track movements suggest that she is fit and well, P.S. Chouhan takes the ride and against mainly older and exposed opposition, she is strongly fancied to repeat and looks the one to beat.
FALCONETTE :- 5 year old mare trained by Narendra Lagad who has run 15 times till date, winning on 1 previous occasion and while she has mainly struggled since scoring her maiden success over this trip back in September 2018, she has also come down steadily in the weights. She hinted that she was potentially well treated last time out when finishing on to take 3rd behind Conscience and Isinit last time out and looks to have a good chance if building on that effort. Stable jockey Dashrath Singh takes the ride today replacing Nathan Evans, she is closely matched on the scale with Julio Cesaro on a line through Brave and if building on that last effort, she has a good chance to earn another bracket.
CONCLUSION :- This basically seems to be a case of Judy Blue Eyes versus the Narendra Lagad brigade but the 4 year old is confidently selected to prevail. She is sure to improve on her victory on her seasonal debut and looks likely to tackle this lot. Falconette and Julio Cesaro appear to be closely matched on handicap and shape as the dangers.
Race No. 2 :- The Noble Opinion Plate – Class V – Distance :- 2000M
SANDALPHON :- Maiden 6 year old gelding trained by Himmat Singh who has had 16 starts over varying trips but is still searching for that elusive first success although he has managed to place on 5 occasions. He has been tried over trips ranging from 1000M – 1600M but will be tackling this 2000M trip for the first time. He has run just twice this season, well fancied on his opening run over 1200M and dead heating for 2nd behind Eternal Dancer but ran poorly last time out in a similar contest when only 7th to Grand Architect and needs to bounce back from that. He has been working quite well of late and his previous run in a mile saw him finish a close 3rd so it is likely that he will appreciate more galloping ground. 5 kilo claimer A. Prakash has been booked to ride today which suggests that start to finish tactics might be employed and if he has the stamina for this longer trip then he looks capable of finally getting off the mark and merits consideration. Possibilities.
HIGHDARE :- Unexposed 4 year old Dean’s Kitten gelding from the stable of Rehanullah Khan who seems to have not been seriously tried in his 6 runs so far and has a strong rider up for the first time with P.S. Chouhan an eye catching jockey booking. His first four runs were over what were inadequate sprint trips but he has been stepped up to a mile for this last 2 starts and finished just outside the frame on both occasions. He had a lung opener earlier this season in the higher class, finishing 6th behind Galloping Goldmine and has been given time to improve and strengthen since then and has been eased in grade into the lower class. The fact that a good rider has been declared today suggests that connections will fancy their chances and if this longer trip is able to unlock some more improvement and he stays well, then he has the potential to score and get off the mark today.
WALK THE TALK :- Another 4 year old maiden, this one from the yard of Imtiaz Sait, he has a similar profile to Highdare having run 6 times so far but in contrast he seems to have been tried on many occasions, managing two 3rd place and two 4th placed finishes. He has been working well for quite some time but has not quite reproduced it on the track. He has had 2 starts this season, needing a lung opener early in the season when finishing 6th to Hokkaido and reappearing after a short break early this month and running a forward race over 1800M before retiring to finish up 4th to Tasman. That run was a promising one although there is no guarantee that he will stay this longer trip and David Egan takes over in the saddle today replacing A. Imran Khan. We have clearly yet to see the best of him so he does have some scope but needs to show a little more spark on the race grass. Worth considering each way but may need some more time.
MR. HONEY :- Exposed maiden 5 year old gelding trained by Nirad Karanjawalla who does not seem to be progressing much with his racing and is winless from 16 starts till date. He has managed to finish 3rd on a few occasions over middle distance trips but seems to lack consistency and his form this season has been quite patchy. He has had 4 runs this season over 1600, 1800 and 2000M and has managed to finish 4th once over a mile to Rhumba. The only reason why he would be at all considered today is that P. Trevor has been booked to ride which might increase his chances of making the frame. It is hard to fancy him from a win perspective and the percentage call is to oppose.
WHISPERING QUEEN :- 5 year old mare from the stable of Ivor Fernandes who in contrast to most of these in the field, has tasted prior success before, scoring her maiden win earlier this season over a mile, getting up late to beat Shapath right on the post. She finished 5th to Solo Mission under her penalty last time out and is another who looks like she will be suited by more galloping ground. She does have the scope to make further progress as she seems to have just come to hand this season, A.S. Peter retains the ride and she looks to have an excellent chance to score another success and looks a big danger to all if she can make some more progress over this new trip.
BIG BEN :- Maiden 5 year old from the stable of M.K. Jadhav who is a half brother to Mekong Delta and although winless in 12 starts to date, just seems to be coming to hand himself. After doing nothing of note in his first several starts over varied trips, he gave the first signs of some ability on his penultimate run over 1800M, making late headway from the rear to come and finish a faraway 3rd to Tasman with Walk The Talk alongside in 4th, and Mr. Honey and His Master’s Vice also behind and he did not seem to get the clearest of runs last time out when again finishing on from the rear to be 6th to Parisian over a mile. P.S. Kaviraj takes over in the saddle today which looks a positive, he too should be suited by the longer trip and looks to be a strong each way contender in this field.
CONCLUSION :- A poor race filled with mainly exposed and unexposed maidens and probably best to give it a miss from a betting standpoint. Highdare looks a scopey sort from a shrewd yard who has a strong rider up for the first time and could prove to be better than this lot. If he comes up short, Whispering Queen is one of two winners in this field and looks likely to be suited by the extra distance while Big Ben too seems to be coming to hand and could strike today with P.S. Kaviraj up
Race No.3 :- The F.K. Vakil Trophy – Class IV & V, 5 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1400M
HODSON’S HORSE :- Lightly raced but well performed 5 year old gelding trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha who has run 7 times so far and has finished outside the frame on just 1 occasion, winning once and placing 5 times for a good overall record. He appears to need time in between his runs and has placed on both his runs this season, finishing a faraway 2nd to Night Hunt on his seasonal reappearance over 1200M and last time out, upped to this trip again finished a respectable 3rd to Polyneices and Cormorant. After being ridden by stable apprentice Santosh G on his first 2 starts, 5 kilo claimer Malam Singh gets a leg up today and he has finished a close 2nd the only other time he has ridden him. He looks to be a consistent sort who is likely to finish in the frame again today and merits each way consideration in what looks an open older horses contest.
SAFDAR :- 7 year old gelding trained by Rehanullah Khan who is a veteran of 37 races, having won thrice before and also placed on 8 occasions. His first two wins came over 6 furlongs but his most recent win, albeit some time ago came over this trip off a mark of 45 and he is now rated 44 so he looks to be back on a workable mark. He has run 4 times so far this season and while his first 2 starts were quite promising, finishing a close 4th over a mile against the younger horses before again running a close 4th to Castilian over 1200M, his two most recent efforts in his own age group have been discouraging, last time out finishing 7th behind Anatevka over 1200M. The additional furlong looks likely to suit him though and the booking of A. Prakash today takes 5 kilos off his back in this lower grade and also suggests he may attempt to make all which is how he won his last start. He looks a good each way prospect who is well placed on the scale and should be capable of scoring if things go his way.
ANTARCTICA :- Another lightly raced 5 year old, this one from the stable of Altamaash Ahmed, she possesses a potent turn of foot which was on display in both the wins which she has gained from her 10 starts, both wins coming in the lower class though including on her penultimate start this season, when beating Highland Woods by a little over a length. She ended up 6th to Odessa last time out though and in the past also has struggled in this class so will need to find some improvement if she is to progress further. She is at her best when coming from behind off a decent pace and Bhawani Singh is replaced by S.A. Amit today. She seems to be working well though and can trouble them all if she has her galloping shoes on.
AQUARIUS :- 7 year old veteran from the M.K. Jadhav stable who has won 4 of his 41 starts till date and looks to currently be in prime form. Usually effective over middle distances in Class V as he showed when scoring over this trip early in the Pune season, he took 2 runs this term to return to his previous winning mark and get fit and after finishing an excellent close 2nd to Ithaca over a mile when he was only worn down late on by a younger horse, he earned another bracket over this trip last time out, making all with A. Sandesh up and holding off a strong challenge from Romanesque and Nusrat to emerge victorious. He has been penalized 4 kilos for the win but A. Sandesh retains the ride and he is likely to make a bold bid to repeat. He may be taken on for the lead by Safdar today which could be a factor but comes into the race in top form and cannot be ignored.
KALINA :- 7 years of age but seems to have had numerous problems as she has raced only 9 times but she got off the mark in most emphatic fashion last time out in the lower class over 1200M, making all the running and scoring by 5 ½ lengths from Adam’s Beginning with a bit in hand. She has been handed a 6 kilo penalty for that win which looks stiff for an older horse but she does appear to have the scope for further improvement and the slightly longer trip may suit. P.S. Chouhan keeps the ride, she could very well have more to give and looks capable of repeating for yard which is bang in form and is a strong fancy to go in again.
STICK TO THE PLAN :- 5 year old gelding from the stable of S.K. Sunderji who has had 8 runs till date, winning once and finishing runner up once and is another who looks open to further improvement. He seemed to come to hand midway through the last Pune season and opened his account over 1200M in the lower class when just holding off Suarez to prevail by half a length. He went on to finish a close 2nd to Articulate next time out upped to this grade and has been making steady progress this season to return to that form. He has run thrice this season and last time out, hinted that he was coming back to form over 1200M when finishing on late to be 4th to Memorable Memories. Although most of his racing has been done over 1200M, he look like he would be suited by another furlong and A.S. Peter takes over in the saddle from C.S. Jodha. He has been working well and comes into the reckoning.
CONCLUSION :- Quite competitive with several being able to stake a claim but there may be value in taking an each way punt on the 7 year old Safdar who has been running well against younger horses, has been eased slightly in grade and won pillar to post over this trip a little over a year ago off a similar mark. A. Prakash is a good front running rider and he should be available at good odds. Last outing winner Kalina looked to have a bit in hand that day and shapes as the main danger while Aquarius and Stick To The Plan also look capable of winning.
Race No. 4 :- The Lt. Col. Govind Singh (VRC) Trophy – Maiden 3 year olds – Distance :- 1600M
BLUE BLOOD:- Good looking chestnut colt who is a half brother to Sylvester and Queen of the Turf and made a promising debut over 1400M a couple of weeks ago, running a forward race before retiring to finish a close 6th behind Miss Muffet. He did not finish too far behind Live By Night that day (already had prior experience) and can only be expected to improve. The additional furlong is likely to be in his favour, Dashrath Singh takes the ride today replacing Neeraj Rawal and with the benefit of experience, he should run a much better race today and looks to have a decent chance of figuring in the frame.
BOLD LEGEND :- Win Legend debutant from the powerful Pesi Shroff yard who looks a good sort on paper, coming from a well performed dam line with his full sister Kirkwood a winner of 3 races from 10 starts and finished 3rd in the South India Oaks (Gr 1) and the Bangalore Juvenile Million (Gr.3) and his half brother Ophion (by Abbeyside) a winner of 5 races in Kolkotta including the Calcutta Million (Gr.2) and placed 3rd in the QE II Cup (Gr.3). He appears to have been reasonably well prepared for his debut run and David Egan has been booked to ride. A paddock check is advised to ascertain his condition and he is entitled to need this first run. He should eventually develop into a strong staying sort and can win first time out if he is fit enough. Worth keeping an eye on.
FLAMING LAMBORGHINI :- Planetaire Colt from the Imtiaz Sait stable who looked very green and inexperienced on his debut run over 1200M but seemed to get the hang of things late in the contest and made up ground from the rear to finish midfield. He should definitely have learnt from that run and stripped fitter and is expected to be much more aware of things today. The longer trip is also expected to be in his favour and A. Sandesh has been booked to ride. This field looks to be comparatively weaker than on debut and if making the expected improvement, he should be right there at the finish. Strong each way player.
LIVE BY NIGHT :- Improving son of Arazan from the in form stable of S.K. Sunderji he has already run twice till date, fancied on his debut over 1400M but ran poorly in the circumstances to finish 4th to Exotique quite a long way behind Salvo who was runner up that day. However, the run seemed to have benefitted him greatly and he ran a cracker over 1400M next time out, coming with a rattling run to take charge in the straight and only overwhelmed close home by a classy looking sort in Miss Muffet. He is expected to improve again and should appreciate the extra furlong, Nicky Mackay returns to ride replacing C.S. Jodha and he looks to be the form pick in this field and stands a strong chance to make it 3rd time lucky today.
SALVO :- Thriced raced Western Aristocrat colt from the stable of Vishal Gaikwad who looks likely to be suited by this mile trip and ran very promisingly on his 2nd start over 1400M where he had the odds on favourite Exotique in trouble and ended a half length 2nd with Live By Night back in 4th that day beaten 9 ¾ lengths and Moon River even further behind. He was well fancied when upped to a mile on the Derby weekend and partnered with A. Sandesh for the first time but ran disappointingly to finish a poor 5th behind Giant Star. He may have been affected by cutting pace with Taimur that day so deserves a chance to redeem himself and the slight drop in trip is likely to suit. P. Trevor takes over in the saddle today and if he is ridden more patiently then he should be right there in the finish.
MELANIA :- Leitir Mor filly from the family of Multi Classic winning Paso Robles – winner of 5 of her 8 starts including the Golconda 1000 Guineas Gr.2, the Golconda Oaks Gr.2 and 3rd in the Golconda Derby Gr. 1 and also Meritocracy – winner of 5 races in Hyderabad including the Gr. 3 Byerly Turk Million. She was given an educative run in the same race as Salvo on Derby Day finishing in 6th place just behind him and is sure to improve and strip fitter. P.S. Chouhan takes the ride today and with normal progression from 1st run to 2nd, she looks sure to improve and must be considered in this field.
CONCLUSION :- The form pick appears to be Live By Night who is expected to improve on his good 2nd last time out and win at the third time of asking. Salvo expended too much energy fighting for the lead with Taimur last time out and should run a much better race more patiently ridden. Bold Legend looks a promising debutant from the Pesi Shroff yard and must be respected while both the Imtiaz Sait trained runners Flaming Lamborghini and Melania should be a different proposition with a run under their belt. Plenty of possibilities and probably better avoided from the betting angle.
Race No. 5 :- The Maharaja Sir Pratapsingh Gaekwad Trophy – Class III & IV – Distance :- 1000M
HEADWAY :- Speedy and well performed 4 year old gelding from the S.K. Sunderji yard who has won 3 of his 9 starts till date and has made steady progress up the handicap ranks to his current level. All his wins have been over the 1200M trip, scoring impressive back to back victories in Pune before coming unstuck in his hattrick bid when 4th to Joplin. He has been without a win in 3 runs this season, finishing a good 2nd to Golden Guest first time out but then failing as an odds on favourite when outwitted by Castilian and last time out proving no match for stable companion Kildare and ending up a modest 4th. He has been showing plenty of speed in his morning workouts so it is interesting that he has been dropped to 1000M for the first time in his career and has blinkers fitted back on. He should have the speed to tackle this minimum trip and with Nicky Mackay in the saddle, looks a big danger to all in spite of top weight. Strong each way player.
HIDDEN GOLD :- 4 year old gelding trained by Dallas Todywalla who has looked vastly improved this season after returning from a long absence and has excelled in all his 3 prior runs over this trip. Running a forward race and finishing a good 2nd to Del Mar on his seasonal opener, he duly went on to shed his maiden tag with an authoritative performance next time out when making all to beat Speed Air convincingly and then took a 6 kilo penalty in his stride and showed that he can come from behind as well when getting up late to beat Copper Queen on Derby Day. He is up a further 5 kilos today but seems to be improving along with the handicapper and David Egan who has been riding him all season retains the ride. He looks to be in fine fettle at present and although out handicapped with Copper Queen, is likely to make a determined bid to complete his hattrick.
NAMAQUA :- Speedy 4 year old from the M.K. Jadhav yard who looks to be trying to regain his form which has taken a dip in recent times. Winner over 1000M on debut he went on to score his 2nd success early in the Pune season but has mainly struggled since then. He did manage one runner up finish behind Dandi March in Pune but since then ran a poor 4th upped to 6 furlongs and returning to his pet trip here in Mumbai, looked in need of the lung opener when finishing midfield behind Mystic Bay. He is likely to have come on for that run and stripped fitter and A. Sandesh retains the ride. He does look to be taking on some strong opposition today and may have to be content with fighting it out for minor honours.
COPPER QUEEN :- More experienced than some of the other 4 year olds with 10 runs already under her belt, this got abroad filly from the Pesi Shroff yard has taken her time to come to hand but seems to be a 5 furlong specialist at present and is at her best over the minimum trip. Her solitary success did come in Pune over 1200M but she has failed in 2 starts since and has been a revelation dropped to the minimum trip in her 2 runs this season. She has gone to the front on both occasions, first time out collared only in the dying strides by Warrior Clan and Chephirah and last time out, run out of it by the fast finishing Hidden Gold with whom she is weighted to gain revenge. With Leigh Roche unavailable today Neeraj Rawal takes over in the saddle, she looks to be quite well handicapped against most of these and looks to have a very strong chance to get back to winning ways from a good draw in Stall 3.
TURMERIC TOWER :- Another 4 year old 1000M specialist, this one from the stable of Narendra Lagad, she is a winner of 2 races from her 12 starts, scoring back to back wins on either side of the Pune season but seems to have gone off the boil since then and she has run below par in her 5 starts this season. 4th just behind Copper Queen on her 2nd run of the season, she went on to finish 3rd to Hidden Gold and after a poor run on her penultimate start, was again seen finishing on last time out to be 5th behind Hidden Gold and Copper Queen. P.S. Kaviraj’s allowance means that she is marginally better placed on the scales and running practically off a feather weight, she is given a chance to upset.
CONCLUSION :- With not much to choose between Copper Queen, Hidden Gold and Turmeric Tower who have been running with each other, it could prove lucrative to take a chance on the top weighted Headway. He is tackling this minimum trip for the first time but is likely to get a good lead into this race from the speedsters and could pick them all up late on. He is selected to get the better of the speedy Copper Queen with Turmeric Tower a possible longshot at the weights.
Race No. 6 :- The Bahrain Trophy – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1000M
DAGGER’S STRIKE :- Debutant from the stable of S.S. Shah who is a half brother to the speedy Juggernaut, winner of 4 races over sprints for Narendra Lagad and has moved quite pleasingly in his limited workouts so far and also jumped out well from the gates. A paddock check is clearly advised to ascertain his fitness but the booking of A. Sandesh suggests that connections fancy their chances and the form in the race is not particularly strong. He looks a promising youngsters and from a good draw in Stall 4 is expected to run well.
MONARCH :- Twice raced Air Support gelding from the stable of Deepesh Narredu who has disappointed in his 2 runs so far, needing the run on debut when finishing well down the field over 1200M but well fancied next time out upped to 1400M and coming with a brief challenge in the straight before fading away tamely to finish 8th to Miss Muffet. He is now being tried over the minimum trip and P. Trevor has been booked to ride, replacing David Egan. He does seem to have a bit to prove at present but is having just his 3rd start so is capable of improving and can spring a surprise.
FINALIST :- Twice raced Leitir Mor filly from the stable of Narendra Lagad who has been showing good speed in her morning workouts but has failed to reproduce the same in her 2 runs on the race grass. Making her debut in mid January she finished 5th to Soaring High, about 2 lengths behind Menilly who was also making her debut but then did not seem to make the required progression next time out when only 6th behind Skyfall again over this trip on Derby weekend. She continues to show good speed in the gallops and Dashrath Singh returns to ride her replacing J. Chinoy who was up last time out. She has bagged a good draw today in Stall No 2 and looks an each way player if she can eke out some more improvement.
MENILLY :- Made a satisfactory debut on her only previous run back in Mid January, making leisurely progress to finish in the frame behind Soaring High and she should confirm that form with Finalist with the benefit of experience. She has been brought along steadily since that debut run, is expected to improve for it and Nicky Mackay takes the ride today replacing C.S. Jodha. She appears to have improved judging from her subsequent workouts and with the yard in good form, looks to have an excellent chance to score here.
PENSE’ E :- Twice raced filly from the Pesi Shroff stable who made a very eye catching debut over 1200M back in December when finishing on from an impossible position to be a flying late 3rd behind Air Blast and she went into many notebooks on the strength of that run. Reappearing 3 weeks ago in the B.K. Rattonsey Multi Million she seemed to have lost condition in the paddock and ran a wretched race to finish 10th without ever looking like landing a serious blow. She has now been dropped to the minimum trip and has bagged the No. 1 rail draw as well with Neeraj Rawal in the saddle. She has failed to show early speed in both her previous runs so it will be interesting what she does from this inside draw and if she can return to the form of her earlier run then she does stand a very good chance.
CONCLUSION :- A tricky looking contest and Menilly seems the logical choice, having run promisingly on debut and expected to improve for the experience. Pense’ e would have an obvious chance but has to bounce back from a poor effort last time out while debutant Dagger’s Strike also looks interesting.
Race No. 7 :- The Fedora Plate – Class V, 5 Years Old & Over -_ Distance :- 1200M
AME :- Now 8 years of age but can still raise an effective gallop and has proved quite successful off this sort of mark in the past. Trained by M.K. Jadhav, he has managed to win 4 of his 52 starts and also placed on twelve occasions usually in this sort of contest. His last win came in Pune towards the end of September when beating Highland Wind by ¾ length off a mark of 30 and he is rated 29 today so looks to be on a mark he can win off. He has had 4 runs this season, all of them in the higher class and returns to this grade for the first time this season. A. Sandesh who has been aboard for his last 2 victories takes the ride again today and in spite of the heavy impost, he looks a strong each way contender and is likely to fight out the finish and finish on board.
ARABIAN STORM :- 7 year old gelding trained by Narendra Lagad who has won 3 of his 36 starts so far and has been brought down skilfully in the weights to what looks to be a very attractive mark. Effective over both 1200 and 1400M, he was rated as high as 49 in his prime and has now come down to a mark of 29 which is almost half that so he looks extremely well treated at present. He did run a couple of decent races in Pune without winning and has been brought down even further now. He has been given 3 runs this season to get him fit and now drops into the lowest grade. P.S. Kaviraj takes the ride today claiming 3 ½ kilos in the saddle, he should be fit enough now and looks to have an excellent chance to add another win to his tally and should be seriously considered if he retains his old ability.
OFFICER IN COMMAND :- Lightly raced 5 year old from the Adhirajsingh Jodha stable who has managed to win 1 of his 11 starts, narrowly holding off Ebony to prevail in this class on his 3rd career start. Since the win, he has largely struggled to make an impression but has been working his way steadily back into form and looked like he was ready to strike when dropped into this grade for the first time in a while, coming with a powerful late run and just failing to catch Maestro over course and distance. He has come back down to his last winning mark, seems to be well within himself and P. Trevor takes over in the saddle from Santosh G. The draw has not been kind to him in stall 14 but he is likely to build on that last effort and if he can find minimal improvement, then he looks to have an excellent chance to score and deserves serious consideration.
AMERICAN ODYSSEY :- Relatively unexposed and improving 5 year old mare trained by Dallas Todywalla who has had just 3 starts so far, making a promising debut in Pune over this trip when finishing a close 3rd to Stick To The Plan but failing to build on that when well fancied next time out, running disastrously with a 5 kilo claimer up to finish last of 13. She was put away and given time to improve after that run and looked to have done so on her opening run here when running a forward race and finishing a good 3rd to Grand Architect over this trip. That run was 6 weeks ago so she has been given time to progress again and C.S. Jodha takes the ride today. Her last couple of workouts have been eye catching, she has the maximum scope to improve from among this lot and she is strongly fancied to get off the mark today and has an excellent chance to win.
HIGHLAND WOODS :- 6 year old gelding trained by Nazzak Chenoy who has won 1 of his 15 starts till date, suffered a setback after his maiden win which kept him off the track for over a year and he has been trying to find his way back since returning to racing at the end of August in Pune. He has had 5 runs this season, his best effort coming a couple of runs ago over this trip when finishing on late to be runner up to Antarctica and has finished just outside the frame the next twice. 5 kilo claimer K. Pranil takes the ride, he looks to be an exposed type and although he is capable of adding some spice to the finish, he is likely to find one or two too strong today and seems to be more of a minor berth contender.
POWER OF NEATH :- Sparingly raced 5 year old gelding who used to be trained by Bezan Chenoy but has recently been sold into the yard of S. N. Joshi and is winless from 7 starts till date. He made a promising start for his new connections on his opening run of the season when running a forward race over course and distance and kicking on to finish 3rd to Ron in the higher class. He has been eased in grade now into Class V for the first time and A.S. Peter has been booked to ride. He is still relatively unexposed, can improve again from that last effort and if making further progress could prove to be dangerous to all and should not be ignored.
CONCLUSION :- A difficult finale but if the price is not too prohibitive then it would be worth taking a chance on American Odyssey. She looks to have improved from her opening run of the season and could be better than her current mark. Officer in Command ran suggestively last time out and must rate a live danger with P. Trevor up while Arabian Storm too could prove a danger
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same).
