FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SUNDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2017- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Posted on - 12 Aug 2017
FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - RACE FORM ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR SUNDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2017
- By Cyrus Naterwalla
Race No. 1 :- The Ismail Khan Plate – Class IV, 3 Years Old Only – Distance :- 1200M
GOLDIES PET :- She is a 3 year old filly from Dallas Todywalla's yard who has had 6 starts till date, all over sprint trips and has performed well so far. She began her career by chasing home Wise Child over 1000M who has subsequently run well in Class III to give that form substance. She duly built on that when winning her maiden convincingly beating Gods Own with Roosevelt (making his debut) 5 lengths away in 4th. . After aiming too high in the Gool S. Poonawalla where she could only managed 7th she ran a cracker over 1200M when only succumbing late to Bottega Louie. She has had a run already over course and distance this season where she finished 2nd to Summer Rays at level weights and well clear of the 3rd placed horse. She is clearly the best performed in this field but has to concede weight all around as a result and giving 7 kilos to Roosevelt who has improved since will not be easy. She is strongly fancied with in form Trevor up but looks likely to finish 2nd today.
POLYNEICES :- She hails from the stables of young Shazaan Shah and has had 3 starts till date so has scope to improve further. She is a half sister to Polydences who won 4 of his 11 starts and Polyanna winner of 1 race, both owned by the same connections. She made her debut over 1000M back in February, finishing a modest 4th to Pokerface in what has turned out to be an average maiden. She stepped up to 6 furlongs next time out when showing a little improvement to run 3rd to Cambridge and Sereno. Her last start in Pune though was worrisome as after being with the field till midway, she rapidly began to drop back and finished well beaten. That could have been just a lung opener and P.S. Chouhan is an eye catching booking but she has something to prove now and may compete for the minor places.
ROOSEVELT :- He is a got abroad colt from the powerful Vishal Gaikwad yard and has maximum scope for improvement having raced just twice. He made his debut over 1000M in the same race as Goldies Pet and was not given a hard time to finish 4th, 5 lengths behind her but conceding 1.5 kilos. He stepped up markedly on that form when finishing a good close 3rd to Awesome Hooves in the B.K. Rattonsey Multi Million which is a very strong piece of form. He has been brought along steadily since then and has done some good pieces of work of late. He has the assistance of A. Sandesh in the saddle and looks to have improved enough to exploit an 8.5 kilo weight reversal with Goldie's Pet and looks the most likely winner here. His pedigree too is excellent as his sire Power was a Multiple Group race winner in the UK winning the Coventry and the National Stakes and the dam Sinetta having a nice pedigree being a daughter of Red Ransom with Grand Lodge her maternal grandsire.
POWERHAUS :- Comes from the Narendra Lagad stable and is a maiden after 3 starts over varying trips. He was given an educative run on his debut over 6 furlongs in January where he finished 6th to Timeless, beaten about 8 ¾ length. He stepped up on that run when contesting the Sohna Stud Million over 1000M on Derby weekend when he was prominent throughout and stayed on to finish 5th to Lincoln about 6 lengths behind the winner. However his last run over 7 furlongs was quite dismal as he finished 6th well beaten by Manifold and Mygrator and has not raced since then. His form appears well below that of the top two but he has been doing some decent track work of late and with Dashrath Singh in the saddle again and the yard having their horses in good form, he could fight it out for minor honours. His dam Leonora has produced All is Well who is a winner of only 1 race from 12 attempts in Delhi.
CONCLUSION :- Roosevelt looks likely to live up to his fine bloodline and with an 8.5 kilo reversal with Goldie's Pet and anticipated improvement, he looks likely to score. Goldie's Pet emerges as the clear 2nd choice in spite of top weight and could trouble Roosevelt if he is off his game. Polyneices and Powerhaus should fight it out for minor honours.
Race No. 2 :- The Zephyr Bay Plate – Class V – 4 Years Old & Over – Distance :- 1600M
TORREZZO :- This 4 year old Got Abroad gelding from Hosidar Daji's yard has raced 7 times till date over distances ranging from 1200 – 1800M and has run well down the field in all but one of his races. His only decent run came on his 5th start over 7 furlongs back in December where he finished 4th about 3 ¼ lengths behind Classicus and Spiridon who have both gone on to become decent handicappers. He again ran poorly in his next 2 runs but has been eased in grade since. He has been putting in some good work of late and the booking of A. Sandesh suggests that connections fancy their chances today. He appears to be taking on a weak field of exposed older horses and hence looks to have an excellent chance to gain his maiden victory today.
SWEEP ASIDE :- is a 5 year old mare from C.D. Katrak's yard who had raced 8 times till date with one 3rd and one 4th to her name early in her career before she appeared to lose her way. On just her 2nd start albeit over a mile she finished 3rd to Sacred Fire and Mogadishu before dropping to 6 furlongs and finishing 4th about 3 ¼ lengths behind Hidden Soul. She then appeared to have a setback, having a solitary unplaced run in Pune and flopped badly when strongly fancied over a mile on her first start of the Mumbai season, showing speed to lead until the bend before retiring to finish dead last. She was given 3 subsequent runs, twice over a mile and once over 6 furlongs and on her penultimate start, she had a useful lead into the straight but again stopped abruptly. She does not appear to be totally straightforward but has been well prepared and may go well fresh. P.S. Chouhan is a very positive jockey switch and this full sister to Queen Credible does merit consideration in this field especially if there is money for her.
GOLDEN ORCHID :- This 4 year old filly from Dallas Todywalla's yard catches the eye on pedigree being a half sister to Class I Sprinter Brahmachari as well as Adeline and Turning Point, both of whom have done relatively well so far. The family appears to be best over 1200-1400M so this distance appears to be on the longer side and from a form perspective she has done absolutely nothing of note. She finished 11th over course and distance 2 weeks ago with the same rider up so winning looks a very distant challenge but in this weak field, she could be fancied to run into a place with the benefit of fitness and the hopes that she will live upto her fine pedigree. She looks a dark horse who could be involved in the placings if showing some improvement.
WINDHOEK :- 4 year old filly from Sanjay Kolse's yard who looks very exposed and has been struggling to shed her maiden tag and not looked like doing so as yet. She has raced 13 times till date over varying trips, her best form has been over galloping trips and she did seem to be finding some consistency towards the end of the Mumbai season. In fact her last run over a mile was probably her best when she ended up 3rd beaten only 3 lengths by Star Scholar who has won subsequently to frank that form. She does not appear to have been given much track work recently so maybe lacking in fitness but has C.S. Jodha up and she too, could fight it out for minor honours. On the pedigree side, her dam has thrown two previous foals, with Counter Point winning 4 races over a mile in Mysore but the other sibling On Her Own having a similar profile and is winless in 10 starts.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY :- Another fully exposed 5 year old handicapper from the stables of Shazaan Shah, he is yet to pass the post first in 20 attempts till date and is becoming quite frustrating to follow. He was not tried and brought down in the scales for the first part of his career, and the first time he was seriously tried was back on Derby weekend in 2016 when he had a good jockey declared for the first time over a mile but could finish only 7th. He was further brought down in the scales and showed some signs of ability in the last Mumbai season where he finished an unfancied 3rd to Prince of Heart over 9 furlongs with Windhoek 2 ½ lengths adrift in 4th. He was strongly fancied over a mile next time out but could only finish 3rd to Shivalik Skies and Star Ace and again ran 3rd on his last start behind Frosted and Star Scholar. The booking of Neeraj Rawal catches the eye but he looks a frustrating sort and again minor honours appear the best that he can hope for.
SECRET FLAME :- This 5 year old mare is the most experienced of this lot having raced as many as 35 times already but has to her advantage the fact that she is the only previous winner in this field, having won twice previously over this trip off a similar sort of mark. Her first win came in July 2016 where she edged out Unico Corazon and Sanam in a bunched finish and she won again over this trip in Mumbai beating Simona and Kookaburra. She has been brought back down to a mark which she won off in December, she has been working very well of late and has the services of N.S. Parmar in the saddle. In a field with many questionables, she is likely to be strongly fancied with Lagad having his string in forward condition and she has an excellent chance to earn another bracket
CONCLUSION :_- A race which clearly should be left alone from a betting standpoint. However, the two to concentrate on appear to be Torrezzo who is lightly raced and has scope to improve and the only previous winner Secret Flame.
Race No. 3 :- The Eve Champion Trophy (Grade 3) – Terms – 4 Years Old & Over – Distance:- 2000M
COLUMBIANA :- High quality 5 year old colt who is a quirky sort who often gets left in the gates but clearly is the class act in this field and has proven his ability in these sort of contests. He is a winner of 7 of his 21 starts, the last 5 being Group Races over distances ranging from a mile to 10 furlongs. He has also finished 2nd on 7 occasions which is quite a noteworthy record. His past victories include the Ruia, The Armed Forces Trophy, the Harisinghji and The Indian Champion Cup in Kolkotta. He finished 6th in the Invitation Cup this year to Temerity and on his last start was a poor last of 3 in the Tata Housing Turf Championship won by Commodore. However, he has been working extremely well on the Pune Track and was visually very impressive in a Mock Race last week where he broke on level terms and won without barely breaking a sweat with Jack Frost well held that day. He is well suited by the Terms of the contest and provided he takes a level jump, he looks the proverbial good thing here.
GERMANICUS :- Has been mainly in the background but has proved to be a very reliable customer in his own right, coming along quietly and winning his share of races. He has raced 13 times till date, winning on 5 occasions and dominated the Hyderabad Winter season, winning the Golconda 2000 Guineas and the Hyderabad Derby in great style. While coming up short in the Indian Classics, he warmed up well for this race when looking very gross and unfit but still finishing on well to be a close 2nd to Traherne over 7 furlongs which should put him spot on for this race. However, this year's Classic crop appear to be some level below last years and he is unfavourably placed with Columbiana on the scale. He can upset but looks vulnerable on the Terms.
JACK FROST :- Gallant 6 year old gelding who has been a tribute to Trainer Vinesh's small string and has finished in the first 3 in 14 of his 18 career starts, winning 6 races including the Southern Command last year and the C.N. Wadia Gold Cup in Mumbai. He finished well behind Columbiana in a recent Mock Race so although he is the 2nd best placed on the Terms, he looks vulnerable here and in all likelihood will run 3rd. Trevor is a rare ride for the yard and he is sure to give it his best effort.
ESCALA :- 4 year old outstation challenger from Bangalore who has done extremely well in her limited career and has a 50% strike rate till date of 4 wins from 8 starts. She has progressed steadily up the handicap ranks and was a winner in Class I on her penultimate start before finishing a close 4th over 9 furlongs to Fabulous. She still looks well short of this level on what she has done so far but her shrewd young trainer obviously feels she has the ability to compete at this level and hence she must be respected. Possibly the worst suited of the 5 by the Terms but given an outside chance nonetheless. P.S. Chouhan rides.
WINTER RENAISSANCE :- 4 year old filly from Imtiaz Sait's yard who was struggling to win in Class IV but showed a dramatic transformation once stepped up to a mile and half. After shedding her maiden tag with a battling success over Rousseau and Respect in Class IV, she went on to run an admirable 4th in the Indian Oaks and trumped that with a magnificent effort in the Indian Derby where she finished a close 4th to Hall of Famer, beaten just a length. She seemed to be over the top in the Invitation Cup when finishing down the field and was rightly rested. She has had a lung opener over 7 furlongs already to blow away the cobwebs and should be fit and ready for this task. She may find things happening too quickly over a mile and a quarter in this small field but although out on the Terms here, she would possess the potential to cause a huge upset at the weight difference.
CONCLUSION :- Barring any mishaps or temperamental issues, Columbiana looks quite outstanding here with a potential upset coming from the relatively unexposed Winter Renaissance. Germanicus looks the other threat on form and must be respected as well.
Race No. 4 :- The Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw Memorial Trophy – Class III – Distance :- 1600M
IN MY DREAM :- This 4 year old filly trained by C.D. Katrak was a one time Classic hopeful but her career seems to have been plagued by setbacks. She is a winner of only 1 of her 6 starts till date but has performed creditably on every occasion. Runner up to Germanicus on debut over 7 furlongs she proceeded to become one of the hottest maidens around, finishing a desperately close 2nd in the Breeders Produce Stakes to Bold March and ending up runner up to Accolade in the Poonawalla Million. She ran just one race in Pune where she ended a close 3rd to Temerity and Eternal Sunshine receiving 3 kilos which was a bit of a disappointment. Reappearing on the opening day of the Mumbai Season she finally shed her maiden tag over 7 furlongs in Class III but had to work hard to hold off Batman and Streetjammer. She finished a respectable 5th in the Indian 1000 Guineas and has been off the track since. She has had 2 Mock Races already to get fit but looks vulnerable off top weight and may struggle to win this.
NELSON'S BLOOD :- This half brother to Laurita from Vishal Gaikwad's yard is another lightly raced and potentially improving sort who began his racing career in January as a 4 year old and has won 2 of his 6 starts all of which have been over a mile. After being given a nice introductory run on debut, he gave notice of his potential when finishing a good 2nd to Star of Harmony in the Usha Stud Million, leading almost all the way and only giving way late on. He started favourite in his next run but most likely hold up tactics did not suit when he could only finish 4th to shock winner Elsa. A switch to forcing tactics saw him duly win his maiden convincingly next time out and he made a fine reappearance a couple of weeks ago when he again won from end to end beating Frivolous comfortably. A 5 kilo penalty may not be enough to stop him and he should be able to dominate again in this small field so looks to have an excellent chance to repeat with Sandesh up.
VOLANTIS :- Enigmatic and temperamental filly from the Malesh Narredu yard, she appears more exposed than most of these and lacks the scope to improve too much having raced 12 times till date with 2 wins to her name over 9 furlongs and a mile respectively. After a string of good efforts in maidens she finally shed her maiden tag over 1800M in November finishing fast and late to beat Mariska and Covert Action. She was then taken to Hyderabad for a tilt at the Golconda Oaks but was outclassed and could only finish 5th well behind Veronese. She returned to Mumbai to beat Sensex right on the line over a mile in this Class but has been in the handicappers grip since then. This race may become tactical which will not play to her strengths and she looks more likely to run into a place today .
GLORIOUS EYES:- Has a similar profile to Volantis with 2 wins from 12 starts as well and she too looks an exposed handicapper from whom a great deal of improvement should not be expected. Her last win came over 7 furlongs in February in Class IV, easily beating Hunting Pleasure but she too has struggled under her penalty and has not been able to win since. She did finish a length ahead of Nelson's Blood on her penultimate run conceding 1.5 kilos so she is 4 ½ lengths better off with him on straight handicap, but he appears to have improved enough to negate that. She has been working well, Imtiaz has begun the season with a bang and she should be right there with C.S. Jodha booked to ride.
TIMELESS :- The only 3 year old in the field he quickly developed into one of the leading 3 year olds at the centre before an inexplicably poor last run when he finished last of 7 as a hot favourite in the Juvenile Colts Championship. After a fluent maiden success over Windsor Forest, he finished runner up to Tutankhamun in the Breeders Produce Stakes and then 3rd to Ruffina in the Poonawalla Million. He has been given a break after the last debacle and has been diligently prepared for this run by S.K. Sunderji. However, he looks to have been handed a stiff opening handicap mark for what he has achieved so far and although he is expected to run well, he may find one or two of these too good today. 3 year old first time out in Pune is always vulnerable and looks a likely runner up today.
CONCLUSION :- A small but tricky contest. The improving Nelson's Blood is taken to defy his 5 kilo penalty and follow up his earlier success as he should be able to control the gallop again in this small field. Glorious Eyes is handicapped to be the main danger going 4 ½ kilos better on their last meeting while Timeless could be a threat as well.
Race No. 5 :- The Southern Command Gold Trophy – Maiden 3 Year Olds – Distance :- 1400M
MAGIC DUST :- 3 year old gelding from Narendra Lagad's yard who was raced 4 times till date with his best effort being 2nd to stable companion Orion's Belt over 1200M on his penultimate run. He showed progress in each of his 3 runs in Mumbai, improving from his debut to finish 6th over 1400M before chasing home Orion's Belt over 1200M. He has already had a run over 1000M this season but finished way down the track which is a bit of a concern. His recent trackwork suggests that he has improved though and the longer trip would be to his advantage. Dashrath Singh takes the ride, he is the 2nd highest rated among these and looks to have a good each way chance. He is a full brother to Blossom who was a seasoned performer winning 5 races from 31 starts in Hyderabad and Zacara who won twice from 11 attempts in Kolkotta. Both the siblings won only upto 1200M.
FOREST FAIRY :- This beautifully bred filly from the yard of Bezan Chenoy catches the eye on pedigree being out of the Champion mare Forest Fantasy. The line has already done extremely well in Western India with some of the best performers being Spectacular Quest, Ruben Star and more recently Flashing Chieftain and Ace Fantasy. She has finished runner up on both starts till date. She looked soft in the paddock but finished on well to be runner up to Benefactor on debut over 6 furlongs and then went down narrowly to Daffodil as a favourite over 7 furlongs back in April beating Texas Gold and Daughterofthesun who were subsequent winners. She appears to have been well prepared for her reappearance, is the highest rated of these and looks the most likely winner but in all probability will be available at cramped odds.
ICE DANCER :- Phoenix Tower filly from the yard of C.D. Katrak who has raced thrice till date and made the frame on every occasion. Making her debut over 5 furlongs in March, she finished 3rd to Kramer and Lady Sergeant in a strong maiden and followed that up with another good effort stepped up to 6 furlongs when a close 2nd to Lady Sergeant, beaten only ½ a length. She too has had a lung opener in Pune over this trip but was a shade disappointing when a faraway 4th to Selfie Star. She should improve for the run nonetheless and looks one of the main dangers with Prashant Dhebe retaining the ride. Of the progeny, O Princess raced in Western India and won 1 of her 12 starts over a mile while Prom Queen raced in Bangalore and Mysore winning 3 of her 30 starts over a mile and 7 furlongs.
MY PRECIOUS :- Has an eye catching pedigree which looks speedy on paper with Excellent Art imparting plenty of speed to his progeny and Evatina a Champion sprinter in her own right. However unlike her siblings Soothsayer and Pristina who were effective over sprints, My Precious appears to want more galloping ground and does not seem to possess early speed. She has made steady progress with each run and step up in trip. She finished 4th in the R.J. Kolah over 5 furlongs in what looked a strong race beaten by Kramer and Oracle and then stepped up to mile she was runner up to Gloriosus. She had a lung opener in Pune in the same race as Ice Dancer, running a forward race before dropping right away so not certain that this trip will suit her. Neeraj Rawal in place of Bhawani Singh is a positive but she needs to improve drastically on the bare form to have a say here.
VICTORIANA :- 3 year old filly trained by Malesh Narredu who is a full sister to Zinfandelle (winner of 1 of her 6 starts) and Sun Moon and Stars ( 2 wins from 5 starts and runner up in the Bangalore Winter Million) and a half sister to Unico Corazon (1 win from 17 starts). She has raced twice till date, finishing unplaced on her debut in Mumbai but looking to have improved when catching the eye making good late headway over 1000M to finish a notable 4th to Shamwari a couple of weeks ago. She should improve for that effort and has been working quite well of late and looks likely to greatly appreciate the step up in trip. The yard has not had the best start to the season but she looks a big danger with P.S. Chouhan booked and should give the most trouble to Forest Fairy.
CONCLUSION :- Forest Fairy looks set to shed her maiden tag at the 3rd time of asking and looks a strong fancy. Victoriana appears to be the main danger while Ice Dancer too could be respected if ignoring her poor last run.
Race No. 6 :- The Snowstorm Plate – Div. II – Class IV – Distance :- 1000M
CRYSTAL BALL :- This 4 year old filly from Altaf Hussain's yard is relatively unexposed as she was skilfully brought down in the weights in her first few starts and was a winner the first time she was tried when scoring with authority over 1000M on her last run in Mumbai, beating Asahi by three parts of a length. She showed she had maintained her form when finishing 3rd on the opening weekend to God's Own with the same rider up and hence should have a fitness advantage today. She seems to be progressing nicely and in spite of being given a wide draw in Stall 12, she looks to have a strong chance to win again.
SPEEDO :- 5 year old gelding from the stables of Adhiraj Jodha who has his string fit and well, he has a solitary win to his name from 25 starts so his overall profile is unreliable. His win came in April 2016 over 1000M in Mumbai beating Pretty in Patpong by 3 lengths off a mark of 22. He is now rated 28 and talented apprentice S.A. Amit takes a further 2 ½ kilos off so his mark seems quite workable. He had a string of placed efforts back in the Mumbai season before running poorly in his last 2 or 3 starts. He has been working quite well and if regaining his old form then he could figure in the finish.
AME :- Another exposed 5 year old, this one from M.K. Jadhav's yard he has a similar profile to Speedo, winner of 1 race from 25 starts till date, his win coming in April 2016 as well, when scoring effortlessly by 4 ¼ lengths from Generous Lady over 1200M off a mark of 20. He has now come down to 24 after a string of unplaced efforts but looked to be rediscovering form when finishing 4th to Juggernaut on the opening day. A. Sandesh now takes over from inexperienced claimer which is a big positive and he too must make the short list although again drawn wide in stall 11.
VOULEZ VOUS :- 4 year old trained by Narendra Lagad who finished 3rd in each of her first 3 starts over sprints but seemed to have lost her way since then and has been running well below par. She has raced a total of 12 times till date the last run being in March 2017 but could have been freshened up over the break. She was being scrubbed along in a Mock Race last week but suddenly picked up and began to gallop in the closing stages which was a promising effort. She has an inexperienced claimer in the saddle but looks a potential upset and comes into consideration.
ALYATIES :- Unexposed 4 year old from Mansoor Shah's yard who is unexposed, having raced just thrice till date and gave glimpses of some ability on her last start when finishing 4th to more fancied stable companion over 1200M with inexperienced apprentice on board having run a forward race throughout. P.S. Chouhan now takes over from inexperienced apprentice and having just her 4th start, she could be too good for this field. She has a decent draw in Stall 4 and looks a big danger if fit and ready to go.
WALK ON BY :- Another unexposed 3 year old this one from the Hosidar Daji, she has had just 2 starts till date so has a lot of potential to improve. After an unplaced run over 6 furlongs in Mumbai she showed improvement when running a forward race on the opening day, in the front bunch throughout and keeping on to finish 5th about 7 lengths behind Shamwari. She too has a lot of scope to improve from the speedy family of Bee Quick and Don Corleone although K. Nazil now takes over from Kishore Kadam and the draw has not been kind to her in Stall 15.
CONCLUSION :- Crystal Ball appears to be the form choice as she is still unexposed as a sprinter and has had the benefit of a good run already this season. The unexposed Alyaties looks a big threat with P.S. Chouhan up while Walk On By also merits respect.
Race No. 7 :- The J.E. Hughes Trophy – Class II – Distance :- 1000M
DEEP DIVER :- He is beginning to get on in years now 7 years of age and has raced 32 times winning 4 but also has placed on 16 occasions so he has been quite consistent over sprints. He drops in grade having raced in the higher class since December and has been running modestly without quite looking like he was ready to win. He has bagged the plum rail draw and S.A. Amit will take a further 2 ½ kilos off in the saddle but he looks vulnerable from a win perspective and looks more likely to place here.
ABBEY :- Speedy 5 year old mare from Faisal Abbas' stable who has developed into a high quality sprinter over the last year. She was the epitome of consistency during the last Pune season finishing 2nd on 4 consecutive starts beaten in a photo in 3 of them. She really came into her own during the Mumbai season winning 3 races on the trot, last time out giving Undisputed 3 ½ kilos and beating him by a length and a quarter clocking 0.57.84 that day which is just a fraction off the course record. She appears to be in the form of her life at present and in spite of shouldering 61 kilos, she looks hard to stop at present and is strongly fancied to complete the 4 timer with C.S. Jodha up.
VALENTINO :- Enigmatic 6 year old gelding from the Narendra Lagad stable who is a 46 race veteran with 5 wins to his name till date. He is a hold up performer who needs to be delivered very late in the day and needs the gaps to open up at just the right time but still retains his ability as he showed last time out over 7 furlongs when motoring home and finishing an excellent close 2nd to Carbonara. He is sure to find this stiff 5 furlongs on the sharp side but D.S. Daman retains the ride and he could be climbing over all of them at the finish.
GOVERNOR GENERAL :- Has always been very highly regarded by his connections but his career has been plagued by injuries and even though he is 5 years old, he has raced only 9 times winning 4 of them and being runner up on 3 occasions which outlines his ability. 5 furlong is definitely on the sharp side for him as he could only finish 3rd to Cataleya and Queen Credible over the trip in Mumbai but was very impressive over 1200M last time out when getting up late to beat Ancient Glory. He can be given a squeak here with Sandesh in the saddle but he may find things happening too quickly here. Respected nonetheless.
UNDISPUTED :- He is a tough and consistent 5 year old handicapper from S.K. Sunderji's yard who has been steadily moving up the handicap ranks and was a ready winner over this trip last time out, beating Nascar and Incentio quite comfortably. He has 4 wins to his name from 20 starts till date and seems to be at his best over this trip nowadays. He is closely matched with Abbey on their meeting in Mumbai and appears to be the chief danger over this trip. He is working well and A. Imran Khan is a good booking.
CONCLUSION :- Abbey and Undisputed are the proven 5 furlong specialists here and they are expected to fight it out with an edge to the former. Governor General and the in form Valentino should both be doing their best work in the closing stages and could be considered potential upsets.
Race No. 8 :- The Snowstorm Plate – Div. I – Class IV – Distance :- 1000M
DEMOCRAT :- Got abroad 4 year old from M.K. Jadhav's yard who was raced 7 times till date and come into his own in his last few starts winning 2 of his last 3 over sprints. He edged out Ridgewood Star over 1200M last time out off a mark of 34 and his 5 ½ kilo penalty is practically negated by his rider's claim. He could go well fresh and should be respected although he seems more of a place prospect.
PRINCESS P :- This 3 year old filly trained by Dallas Todywalla has already established herself as a useful sprint handicapper, having one win to her name from 5 starts. She has showed progression with every run, racing exclusively over 5 furlongs except when used as a pacemaker in the Poonawalla Million. She finished 2nd on her handicap debut over this trip on the opening day, well beaten by Gods Own but probably inconvenienced by being drawn very wide that day. She has a much better draw today in Stall 6, Prashant Dhebe is already amongst the winners in Pune and she looks a strong contender to resume her winning ways.
QUIXOTIC :- Got abroad 4 year old from Malesh Narredu's yard he began his career in bright fashion, winning over 6 furlongs on debut and then short headed by Minstrel Heights over course and distance but seems to have gone off the boil since then and has had a poor Mumbai season finishing unplaced in 6 starts. He has had a lung opener this season to blow away the cobwebs and P.S. Chouhan now takes over from weak apprentice which is a big positive. Returning to his favoured Pune track, he must be feared if regaining form and looks a big danger to all.
ROCK N RIO :- Is a 4 year old gelding who has raced 18 times, winning just once but running a string of good races in defeat including against much stronger company on a couple of occasions. He moved very well in a recent Mock Race with speedy younger horse Oracle and with D.S. Daman booked and a decent draw, he looks another to consider very seriously with the yard in good form.
GRAN PARADISO :- 4 year old speedster from the Hosidar Daji yard who has raced 11 times till date with 1 win and 3 seconds mainly over sprint trips. She finished 2nd to the classy Odessa over 1200M last time out and should not be troubled by the shorter trip. Sandesh has been riding in good form of late and hence this filly merits serious consideration and should be involved in the finish.
BLITZKREIG :- 5 year old gelding who has shown plenty of speed in many of his runs but has not quite been seeing out his races and has not been able to build on his pillar to post maiden success on debut. He has been showing a lot of speed in the morning trials and although he has an inexperienced claimer booked to ride, he looks an outsider who could spring a surprise.
SHOGUN :- Nicely bred 4 year old Phoenix Tower gelding who seems to be coming back to form after a setback and has raced just 6 times till date so has scope to improve. He placed a couple of times over sprints on this track last season and returned only in April after several months off to finish 5th over 1200M to Democrat. He should have stripped fitter now, has been working well and with A. Imran Khan a positive booking, he must be strongly considered if back to his best.
CONCLUSION :- The progressing Princess P is selected to score from Rock N Rio and the lightly raced and potentially smart Shogun
(Disclaimer : Views are entirely that of the correspondent only and RWITC takes no responsibility for the same)
