Apologies for no Saturday posting without prior information
Race-1: Meghanan (4)
1.CHISOX: A speedy rig that can sprint well in this lowest class { never missed a place spot in this C&D} decent credentials
3.MEGA SUCCESS: No two runs are similar, needs 1400mts at least
4.MEGHANAN: Showed glimpses of old form when it ran a decent forward run in last run, won a similar race last summer and stays in contention
4.AMAZING STORM: Perfect 1200mts filly but could not show any notable form even in easier grades
8.EMBOSOM: One paced type that stays in same position thru out, cannot be fancied for win
9.DR CHOLESTAR: Seems to have improved in last two runs
Conclusion: All horses in this lowest class have poor form-lines, in such scenario I try to fancy front runners who can steal the race as rest of the field struggles. Chisox and Meghanan qualify on that count
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Race-2: CR SEVEN (4)
2. APHELION: A modest bred 6f specialist makes handicap debut under a top Jockey, has impressed in recent trials
3. MAGESTIC PERSONA: Victim of inept handling in last run, ran well against better horses earlier
4. CR SEVEN: In penultimate run was fancied strongly in this class, unsuccessfully though, not a pure sprinter but with aid of CNB can do well.
8. BEST OF US: Drops to lowest class, lacks speed so a whip-less Jockey will struggle to be with pace
Conclusion: Again a low quality race. Aphelion holds a distinct advantage in form department however CR Seven is open to improvement
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Race-3: OSAKA (9)
1.AGASTHEYESHWARA: A modest bred from Hyd that will use Bangalore runs for experience gaining
2. ZOBEL: Bred for longer distance, momentum building fast works in trials suggests this debut over sprint is a conditioning effort for future races
3.ASTRID: Related to group winners, showing out in trials but a second string Jockey tempers enthusiasm
5. FINE SILVER: First foal of lightly raced Dam, stretched out well with same Jockey in final fast work
7. FLAVINUS: Working well in trials after an easy debut, her dosage profile suggests she is a late grinder hence bound to struggle in this sprint race
8. MONSTERA: Both runs of career were in superior company, can excel in this relatively easier set
9. OSAKA: Surprisingly in last run Top Jockey chose a start to finish tactics only to lose eventually, most balanced profile for this 1200mts and a win is not far away
10. Rizz: Dosage indicates decent speed and stamina, prepared ideally showing a blow out, stretching and gate practice. Paddock looks and betting movements should be considered
Conclusion: Nice competitive sprint race for 3yrs maiden horses. Preference is given to experienced horses which at this stage favors Osaka and Monstera
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Race-4: MANDATE (9)
1.THRILL OF BRAZIL: Is the only Class and Distance winner in this set, however at a much lower handicap, mare carrying top weight is bound to struggle
3. BORTOLINO: An eye catching winner in last start, maintains form and can carry winning momentum in handicap class as well
5. DARDANUS: Winner of a sprint race in debut in November, has been given conditioning and momentum building gallops in trials but his sprint leaning dosage profile makes it hard to fancy him over 9 furlongs
9.MANDATE: Impressed in mock race after planting in reappearance run, this foal of a Oaks winner had realistic chance but the jockey booked to ride weighs 2kgs more than the handicap weight hence an overweight of 2kgs, still cannot be discounted easily
Conclusion: Ideal class-weight and pedigree to stay this 9 furlongs race becomes primary tool to pick a winner. Bortolino looks good on all count however Mandate is a live danger
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Race-5: STAR STUDDED (3)
1.PROKOFIEV: Peak ceiling revealed in last run where the gelding could not maintain momentum over mile, extra 400mts will stretch stamina
2. INSPIRE: Placed in progressive distances in 1400, 1600mts and now in 2000mts, improves with distance however uninspiring preparation of just one blow out exercise between last run to this run is not an encouraging factor
3. STAR STUDDED: Foal of an Indian Derby winner performed well at Kolkotta, finished a close 3rd in track debut over 1400mts last week, with better Jockey stays in contention
4. ICE OF FIRE: Winner of 1000G in Winters, mile appears to be best she can do so tough to fancy under a second string jockey over 10f
5. CACCINI: Strong classic profile validated by an impressive win in track debut, can defy a lenient penalty.
Conclusion: Proven form over this distance favors Caccini and Star Studded.
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Race-6: STUD POKER (6)
2.D'ARTAGNAN: Winner of Indian Colts stakes at Mumbai, stamped his class by a mighty impressive win in last run here beating a strong set, obvious claims for this first classic of the season
3. KNOTTY EMEPEROR: Impressive winner in debut, flashy works in trials, dosage supports this mile trip but will need a huge class lift to beat proven milers
5. SIEGE STORM: Was ridden shabbily last time with a momentary pause at bend and thereafter warming late only to find D'artagnan steal the show, recent trials are suggestive
6. STUD POKER: Was such an impressive winner in debut {Time form Rating 108} that I noted in my book he will win Colts Champion stakes before heading for a 2000G quest. A speedy mile oriented pedigree can ensure a safe passage of start to finish
7. ZAYYANA: Second entry of P Shroff most probably as pace maker or spoiler
Conclusion: First classic of the season The Colts Champion stakes boils down to a fight of supremacy between local champion trainer Prasanna { Horses 3,5 and 6} and Mumbai Champion trainer P Shroff { Hno 2&7}
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Race-7: STEFFEN (6)
1. LAUTERBRUNNEN: Drops to performing class {1 win and 1 third in two runs }, belongs to scheming connections
3. ZAYYANA: Consistent this season, will be carrying 1kg penalty
4. HUSHED: Fancied successfully by her scheming connections, tough to repeat under penalty
5. PANDUR: A speedy gelding,Winner of last start in Winter, struggles in First up runs {0/0/0/4 are the stats for first run after a break of 100 and over days}
6. STEFFEN: Winner of lower class last time, lightly penalized and drawn well for a repeat start to finish show
7. SUPREME SUCCESS: A well-bred gelding that recently cleared maiden status, hard to fancy over this pure sprint
8. JALWA: Last run excuse of stumbling, earlier won well validating form of R-13 of Winter, can be effective if pace is too hot or collapses
Conclusion: A Pure sprint that will reward strong front runners. Steffen can get this race
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Race-8: 10. NRI JET POWER (10)
1. JOYFUL SPIRIT: Drops to target class, race time odds will give clear picture, if fancied should be treated carefully else ignore
4. MYSTICAL DIVINE: Has good speed but drawn wide
6. LG'S SCRIPT: A rare failed gambles from a powerful Loknath Gowda, retained at same mark but tough to fancy this late moving horse over a sprint
7. MY SOLITAIRE: Won a race in this class last summer with the same jockey, all positive signs
9. LEGANDARY IMPACT: Failed to deliver at favorable mark in weaker sets
10. NRI JETPOWER: Started slowly in seasonal debut, appeared in a mock race on 16/06, can upset all calculations
Conclusion: All horses belong to scheming connections
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DAYS BEST: [6-6] STUD POKER