Eleven to contest for Aslam Kader Salver

Representational Image

A field of 11 runners will face the starter in the Aslam Kader Salver, the first running of a race named after one of the finest riders this country has seen, who succumbed to lung cancer on October 9 last year.

The Shazaan Shah-trained Dedication will possibly head the list of prime contenders thanks to David Allan being booked to ride; but remember, at the end of the day even Dedication, like many of his rivals, is the kind of horse that had initially shown promise as a three-year-old, before belying the connections' hopes. Asking such horses to test their stamina over the trip of 2000m makes the contest even more intriguing, and an upset cannot be ruled out.

I personally feel that if jockey Sandesh can somehow control the keenness of Diego Garcia, who has flopped twice-in-a-row as favourite, and settle him comfortably, the Adhirajsingh ward may run a really big race in the closing stages and shock the field. At any price over 5-to-1, it could be considered a value bet--of course, with prayers on.

First race at 1.30 pm.

Selections:

White Metal Trophy - Div II (For 5y&o, Class IV; 1200m)
Spotlight 1, Manor House 2, Flashman 3.

Aslam Kader Salver (Class IV; 2000m)
Diego Garcia 1, Dedication 2, Cornerstone 3.

Behram A Engineer Salver (Class III; 1400m)
Tyrannus 1, Axlrod 2, All For Love 3.

Kheem Singh Salver (For 3y, Maidens; 1200m)
Margaretta 1, Mystica 2, Victory Flair 3.

Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa-Area Trophy (Class II; 2000m)
King Ke 1, Alpine Star 2.

White Metal Trophy - Div I (For 5y&o, Class IV; 1200m)
Escape Velocity 1, You 2, Ashwa Gypsy 3.

FK Vakil Salver (Class IV; 1000m)
Enforcer 1, Akitania 2, Rafael 3.

RR Komandur Plate (Class V; 1200m)
Agatha 1, Whisper 2, We Still Believe 3.

Recommendations
Best bet: King Ke (5-2)
Upsets: Renoir (2-9), Money Fair (3-8) & Ekla Cholo (8-9)

Today's pools
Super jackpot pool: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Jackpot pool: 4,5,6,7,8
Treble pools: I - 2,3,4; II - 6,7,8
Tanala pool: 1,2,3,4,6,7,8