Earth tipped as first choice for Cursetjee Dhunjishaw Trophy at Mumbai season finale

Mahalaxmi racecourse in Mumbai. Pic/Shadab Khan

I have always felt that Earth, trained by Sanjay Kolse, is a specialist seven-furlong horse, but requires a very strong rider to correct her habitual drift in long Mahalaxmi homestretch. On Monday, when the Mumbai racing season 2025-26 bids goodbye, Kolse has pitched Earth in the feature event, the Cursetjee Dhunjishaw Trophy (Class II; 1400m), and engaged A Sandesh to ride. Therefore, though the eight-horse field looks quite competitive on paper, I have no hesitation in nominating Earth as first choice.

First race at 4.30 pm.
Selections:

Brave Hunter Plate (Class V; 1600m)
Abhyankar 1, Mighty Hero 2, Ma Cherie 3.

Western India Race Horse Owners' Association Trophy (Class III; 2000m)
Black Thunder 1, Youremanorborne 2, Wings Of Fury 3.

Blue Pencil Plate (For 3y, Maidens; 1000m)
Queen Caroline 1, Lucky Diamond 2, Absolute Emperor 3.

Amber Flash Plate (For 3y, Maidens; 1600m)
Incredible Luck 1, Shaandaar 2, Golden Eye 3.

Cursetjee Dhunjishaw Salver (Class II; 1400m)
Earth 1, Your Unforgettable 2, Bee Magical 3.

Busy Lizzie Plate (Class IV; 1100m)
American Eagle 1, Ensky 2, Rafael 3.

Secret Treasure Plate (Class III; 1200m)
Matisse 1, Neutralist 2, Eastern Monarch 3.

Recommendations
Best bet: None
Upsets: Caccini (2-1), Dreams Come True (3-6) & Chagall (5-1)

Today's pools
Super jackpot pool: 2,3,4,5,6.7
Jackpot pool: 3,4,5,6,7
Treble pool: 4,5,6
Tanala pool: All races.