Noraiah, Manuel prime contenders for feature event

Representation pic

Despite being a race for maiden three-year-olds, the Southern Command Gold Cup chooses itself as the feature event of the Sunday card at Pune thanks to the prestige attached with the race.

Of the four colts and four fillies in the fray for the seven-furlong trip, the two who made their debut on the rain-infested track of Aug 2--Manuel and Noraiah--appear to be slightly better than the rest.

Others like David and Snow Girl may also improve dramatically to lock horns with this duo, especially the last-named who was moving quite attractively in her last run before jostling with rivals and losing crucial momentum. I expect Noraiah to catch the judge's eye first.

First race at 1.30 pm.

Selections:

Ishpingo Plate (For 4y&o, Class V; 1000m)
House Of Lords 1, Trail Blazer 2, Bravo Zulu 3.

Star Future Plate (Class II; 2000m)
Golden Dancer 1, Yourmanorborne 2, Endurance 3.

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Memorial Trophy - Div I (Class IV; 1200m)
Organised Chaos 1, Azaadi 2, Santana Row 3.

September Handicap (For 3y, Class IV; 1600m)
Mahogany 1, Chilton Lodge 2, Victory Flair 3.

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Memorial Trophy - Div II (Class IV; 1200m)
Staria 1, Mother's Gift 2, Sir Churchill 3.

Southern Command Gold Trophy (For 3y, Maidens; 1400m)
Noraiah 1, Manuel 2, David 3.

Col Kaikhushroo Maneckji Bharucha Memorial Trophy (Class IV; 1600m)
Savage Peacock 1, Giant Gold 2, Acropolis 3.

Spearhead Plate (Class IV; 2000m)
Enrich 1, Alexios 2, Age Of Reason 3.

Recommendations
Best bet: Mahogany (4-1)
Upsets: Lord Murphy (5-2) & Snow Girl (6-7)

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