The 2011 Pune racing season begins today with a well-filled nine-race card, the feature event being the seventh race, the Star Of Gwalior Trophy for class IV horses. Thirteen horses are in the fray, and in all likelihood, Oriental Dawn, trained by Nina Lalwani and to be ridden by YS Srinath, return home the winner.

Highway Express and Ocean Star are tipped as betting propositions in their respective races, while Western Challenge, on the strength of his relative class, should be able to deliver the goods, and shapes as a chance bet.

First race at 1.30 pm.

Selections:
Race 1: Blue Mellon 1, Etiquette 2, Musical Rhapsody 3.
Race 2: Western Challenge 1, Daughter Of Destiny 2, Apache Indian 3.
Race 3: Creme De La Creme 1, Ocean Of Faith 2, Crescendo 3.
Race 4: Solar Angel 1, Gloria 2, Marudhara Ratan 3.
Race 5: Ocean Trail 1, Matilda 2, Peregrine Falcon 3.
Race 6: Highway Express 1, Suki Suki 2, Sheriff 3.
Race 7: Oriental Dawn 1, Enchanted 2, Star Builder 3.
Race 8: Ashwa Prajot 1, Blessed 2, Expelliarmus 3.
Race 9: Steely Dan 1, Silver Soul 2, Prince Of Troy 3.

Recommendations
Best bet: Highway Express (6-6)
Good bet: Ocean Trail (5-3)
Chance bet: Western Challenge (2-2)
Upset: Glowing Star (7-3)
Today's pools
Super jackpot pool: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Jackpot pool: I - 3,4,5,6,7; II - 5,6,7,8,9
Treble pool: I - 3.4.5; II - 6,7,8; III - 7,8,9
Tanala pool: All races