Prakash Gosavi gosavi@ mid- day. com Iron Age, the Imtiaz Saittrained speed ball who shattered the Mumbai course record for five furlongs when he won the Sir Homi Mehta Sprint Challenge ( Gr 3) seven weeks ago, now chooses to run in the Dr SC Jain Sprintersu2019 Championship ( Gr 2), the feature event of todayu2019s eight- race card. He has to contend with four rivals today, of which, he had beaten three during that run, albeit over the shortest scurry of five furlongs.
Though, technically, Iron Age is today better placed with respect to Intense Stylist ( runner up on that occasion) at the scales, the extended trip distance ( 1,200m) could be a cause for concern. Because Intense Stylist, despite a four kg disadvantage, can get stronger at the finish due to his running style.
To make matters more complicated, trainer Altamash Ahmed has pitched in two of his form horsesu2014 Augustus Caesar and La Magnifiqueu2014 in the fray. The former has been on a winning spree and the latter gave proof of her razor sharp condition when she went down fighting to Intense Stylist in last run. The race promises to be an exciting affair, and Iron Age will need to be at his best to deliver. I personally feel Intense Stylist may prevail in a narrow finish.
First race at 2 pm.
Race selections on www. mid- day. com
