With the Mistrys of Manjri stud reportedly paying king's ransom to buy a share in wonder filly Lady In Lace, the first Classic of the Mumbai racing season 2017-18--the grade 1,
With the Mistrys of Manjri stud reportedly paying king's ransom to buy a share in wonder filly Lady In Lace, the first Classic of the Mumbai racing season 2017-18--the grade 1, Spartan Poker Indian 1000 Guineas--which is slated as the feature event of Saturday's nine-race card has virtually become a battleground for top breeders of the country. Dr Cyrus Poonawalla of Poonawalla stud farms and Ameeta Mehra of Usha stud farm own the other two top contenders--Ruffina and Manifold respectively.
Representational pic
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The three top 3y old fillies will line up at the mile chute of the Mahalaxmi racetrack to face the starter at 4.30 pm today, and going by the division of opinion among experts as well as enthusiastic racegoers, all three of them will receive massive backing from their supporters.
The Hyderabad-based filly Lady In Lace (Chinese Whisper - Sea Spray) and her trainer KSV Prasad mocked western India-based horses when winning the Pune Derby two months ago; and the job of restoring the dented local pride now rests on the able shoulders of the Dallas Todywalla-trained Ruffina (Excellent Heart - Miss Danehill) who has won all her five starts so far, and the Pesi Shorff-trained Manifold (Multidimensional - Dhaawiah), winner of the Bangalore summer derby.
Lady In Lace will be ridden by Suraj Narredu, and Neeraj Rawal will pilot Manifold over the mile trip. English rider David Allan who, according to turf historian Maj Srinivas Nargolkar, is on the threshold of eclipsing Sandy Barclay's record of 22 Classic wins on Indian turf, will partner Ruffina. My hope--and money--will ride on Ruffina who I think will be able to maintain her unbeaten status thanks to having an able ally in David Allan.
First race at 1.15 pm.
Selections:
Sir Rahimtoola Chinoy Trophy (Class II; 1600m)
Odessa 1, Pugnacious 2, Uncle Scrooge 3.
Uttam Singh Trophy - Div II (For 3y, class IV; 1200m)
Lesrel 1, Wabi Sabi 2, Tanjo 3.
Ranjit V Bhat Memorial Gold Trophy (Class I; 1000m)
Goldie's Pet 1, Nascar 2, Abbey 3.
Faiz Jasdanwalla Trophy (For 2y, maidens; 1000m)
Dancing Lances 1, Gold Medalist 2, Riquewihr 3.
Uttam Singh Trophy - Div I (For 3y, class IV; 1200m)
Goshawk 1, Grand Accord 2, Arc Shine 3.
Kejriwal Trophy (For 4y&o, class IV; 1200m)
Knight's Quest 1, Kodiac Queen 2, Philadelphia 3.
Spartan Poker Indian 1000 Guineas (Gr 1) (For 3y; 1600m)
Ruffina 1, Lady In Lace 2, Manifold 3.
M N Nazir Trophy (For 5y&o, class IV; 1400m)
Merabella 1, Vengence Is Mine 2, Grand Vitesse 3.
Mrs Patmore Trophy (Class V; 1600m)
Happy Birthday 1, Goldsmith 2, Eternal Dancer 3.
Recommendations
Best bet: Goshawk (5-3)
Upsets: Art O War (2-4) & Airlift (6-2)
Today's pools
Super jackpot pool: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Jackpot pool: I - 2,3,4,5,6; II - 5,6,7,8,9
Treble pool: I - 3,4,5; II - 6,7,8; III - 7,8,9
Tanala pool: All races.
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