First look picks for 12/06/2019 Mysore.
 1-3 Speed Queen
 2-4 Eudora
 3-3 Berlin
 4-6 Nikka
 5-5 Colour Proof/ 5-10 Sea Lagoon
 6-2 Latin Dance
7-2 On Her Own.

BANGALORE SELECTIONS  09/06/2019.

Race 1:   The spotlight will be on Ekalavya(1), Princess Amu(5) and to some extant last start failed favourite Turf Striker(8) but my instinct says Galino(7) who is being campaigned in the longer distance race first time may upset.

Race 2:  Desert Angel(1), Chula Vista(2), Songkran(5) & Darashani(8) have some numbers to show and winner could emerge from out of these. Again relying on instinct I prefer Songkran(5), who has had a lung opener earlier in this season who was seen finishing on, to improve on that performance with a positive switch in saddle.

Race 3: Natalma(4), who was forced to run wide in her last start from draw 10, was further pushed wider at the first turn by rider less horse, was seen finishing purposefully even though 8 ¼ lengths in arrears to the winner who was too good that day. If ridden with purpose she can overhaul the other contenders Another Rainbow(1), Limato(2) & King Kreole(3).

Race 4:  Lacking in initial speed Fair Warning found the 1200m trip too short for his liking even though he covered a lot of ground in the final stages in his previous start in race #26. With that run benefit and 200m more to run he may provide sporting patron Tripthi Kohli an opportunity to lead him in the victory podium. Challenge to his bid should emerge from Set To Win(2) & Striking Grey(4).

Race 5:  Tutankhamun(1) & Mauritiana(2) are locked in battle one more time and winner picking is always hazardous in these type of races. However I find the credentials of Knotty Ash(10) very appealing for an each way wager, even though I would have preferred he is ridden by Akshay Kumar, who is missing in action this weekend.

 Race 6:  Very difficult race to pick winner. Sir Lancelot(4), Roman Senator(3), Hukumat(7) & Kirkwood(8) do have some credentials but none could be picked with confidence. However Northern Alliance (3) who is working well with the same rider could find a place in board and a place bet on him might bring rewards.

Race 7:   Career first start winner, grade 3 runner Star Cavalry is finding himself in a class 4 company should assert himself. Pity the connections are not ambitious and they are taking him up through the handicap route.

Good Luck.

BANGALORE SELECTIONS  08/06/2019.

Race 1:   Charmed Life(1), Orenda(3), Super Normal(4) & Ultimate Speed deserve good look being the 4yo horses in this class 3 D2 race for 4YO& Over. The last two named can be ignored as they were backward in their recent runs and also the riders riding now. Of the remaining two my nomination goes to Orenda(3), who has had a better record than the other who is not seen in the morning work records of late.

Race 2:  With nothing much to go by with the withdrawal of Tenno Sho from the fray Commodus(3) & Donna Bella(11) will be in focus as both of them have had some preparations and also entrusted to top flight jockeys.

Race 3: Amazing Angel(3) and Incitatus(7) are the two horses looks to be in contention. Even though the latter has a better saddle assistance my vote goes in favour of former who won her last start in lower class quite creditably.

Race 4:  Having had a lung opener finishing 3^rd to Knotty Ash in Race #4, Courage(3), should not find it difficult here only if Heidi’s Folly decides not to spoil the party.

Race 5:  Controversially dislodging the rider in his last start Prodigal(1), may find himself in the spotlight again and Stari Grad (3) may rub some salt by upstaging him in this race.

 Race 6:  Ambrosio (1) is on a roll. Aeolus (3) is no mug either. But Akita Pro (2) who has matched strides with the likes of Shesmyscript, Salvador Dali & Valegro has better credentials what with steady preparation in the morning track work and ace rider in the saddle. She is my days best nomination.

Good Luck.

BANGALORE SELECTIONS  15/03/2019.

Race 1:   Ability wise Nayaab(1), Premier Premises(2) & Aqua Blessings(3) are closely matched. The first named had shown good promise in her last start after removal of blinkers and I am hoping she will prevail today. Kruger Park(8) always has been a front runner and if this 5yo mare decides to  put her best foot forward she can upset.

Race 2:  Having run in higher class in his last start, with a 4^th placed effort just 3.75 lengths adrift the winner Benediction(4yo), Gandharva has a very good chance now that ace jockey Trevor is guiding his fortunes. Long in tooth the 9 year old mare Yellow Zone(12) may create a flutter as this may be her final start in her racing career.

Race 3: This is a very difficult race to decipher, with all the runners showing no pattern whatsoever. Capstone(1) has shown some sort of form in her last two starts could take the race. If Cashmere(7) can get to an advantageous position from her draw 1, then she can throw a challenge.

Race 4:  Having had two educative runs, the fashionably named duo of Alexander Dumas(1) and Kirkwood(7) are in contention. Both are working well but Kirkwood who impressed me with her latest spurt in morning work and with exposure in graded races is my pick. Port Of Beauty(8) may finish in the money.

Race 5:  Twice failed as a favourite, Kvasir(3) has the ability to make amends. The challenge to Kvasir will not be from Tarini(1) but from Reczai(5) and Madame Sultana(7). Keep an eye on them.

 Race 6:  Failed as a favourite in R 49, Fire Glow who has been running game races in Class 1A (74 & Above) races, can see the winning post first ahead of Pinyada(3), Punjabi Girl(7) & lofty Thoughts(8). Punjabi Girl though expected by many to win this race, is not my fancy since she is coming down in distance from 2400m in her last start to 1400m, which in my assessment very difficult task.

Race 7:   Having run in 2400m race in her last start Blue Moon may find it tough to win this race over 1400m, which should open up the chances for the likes of Into The Groove(2), Spiritous(4) & Orenda(4). There is very little to differentiate between Spiritous & Orenda. However I am inclined to nominate Orenda(4) to claim this race in view of her experience in matching strides with quality opposition in graded races. Into The Groove, though has better credentials is returning to race track after a gap of 6 months which will be her undoing.

Race 8:    There is very little to go by for picking the winners in this sort of races. Without wasting much space I am nominating unexposed Tudor Prince(10) to win against the now exposed runners like Soviet Union(1), Heart To Remember(2) & Propine(5).

Race 9:  Most challenging race of the day. Interesting(1), Silken Striker(2), Maybe Forever(4), Gold Mist(9) & Flicka(11) are closely matched in ability. It will be interesting if Interesting(1) decides to put her best foot forward with A Velu aboard. I for one would not be surprised if she wins.

Good Luck.

MUMBAI SELECTIONS  14/03/2019.

Race 1:   The horses that command consideration in this B class race are Fanfare(1), Aquarius, Tianjin Honey(5) & Rospomare(6). Fanfare having won this class in her last but one start may find the going tough on handicap. Aquarius could find distance difficult. That leaves us with two horses Tianjin Honey(5) & Rospomare. The former though younger in age getting to travel this distance first time in his career. The later, however, has shown promise in his last start by finishing 3^rd over longer, in higher class, within 3 lengths, to the winner Momentum who went on to score an encore. This encourages me to fancy his chances more than Tianjin Honey especially with positive switch in saddle.

Race 2:   Ignoring older horses 3,7 & 8 the focus is resting on on Arrowfield(1), Excellent Sorrento (2), Octavious(4), Dance The Dream(5) & Medici(6). Octavious loses out for having finished over 13 lengths to the winner in his last start. Excellent Sorrento & Dance The Dream are both first career start winners. The former has Million race run benefit & the latter Graded race run benefit. If you ask me put my hand up between these two I will go with former since the latter is getting to mile race first time in his career though his half brother Jack Frost has travelled up to 3000m. Arrowfield(1) has got everything going for him, who won this class on his first appearance this season,went to Hyderabad to participate in Golconda Derby Grade 1 and is returning to home center. But I am worried on 3 counts. The handicapper has not penalized him even though he finished higher than horses rated far higher in the Derby. He is coming down in distance from 2400m to 1600m and the anti-post odds indicates he is overwhelming favourite to the exclusion of others. So I am going with Excellent Sorrento who gets value now. Medici(6)i is the joker in the pack.

Race 3: Highland Wind(2), Huzzah’s Grace(3), Smoky Haze(8) & Lovely Fairy(9) are the contenders. Huzzah’s got exposed while finishing 4^th to Aberlour at 20/1 and also BV case, hence pass. It is difficult to choose between the other three but I am going with Lovely Fairy who came up with a rattle from the back of the field in race 85 to finish on the haunches of Smoky Haze in 3^rd.

Race 4:  Without going into the nitty-gritty of the contenders I am confidently going along with King Khalil who is well in at weights and also he is always a front runner.

Race 5:  Cormoront(2), Night Hunt(3), Hi Ho Silver(8), Saffron Flower(9) & Allegria(10) will be in the betting focus in this race. I am giving it a pass for the last two named for having won the class already this season. Hi Ho Silver is not able to establish the right distance for her and Night Hunt is having a negative switch in the saddle extinguishing some hope on him. Cormorant has good numbers to bag the race after having had two educative runs in this center and the last one in a class 4 million race finishing fifth with just 2.5 lengths in arrears to the winner. Trevor riding won’t hurt.  Keep an eye on Princess Eliza(4) who can upset the applecart.

Race 6:  With higher class run benefit in her last start where she finished 3.75 lengths behind winner, Shivalik Queen is my choice in this race following a pattern for class 4 race. Tenerife(2) emerges as the threat among other runners.

Good Luck.

MUMBAI SELECTIONS  10/03/2019.

Race 1:   In this mile race of class 3 open class, there are two horses of 4yo Western Front (3) & Pablo(5). The former has had two consecutive victories in B class (3^rd career start) and in class 4 and poised for hat-trick a la Flaming Martini. The latter has had his maiden victory in Pune in his 3^rd career start and thereafter twice 3^rd in class 3 one second 2^nd place in class 4. In this class horse rated 46 & below very rarely wins and as such my vote goes to Western Front(3) to carry the day. Sparingly raced Khartoum (1) though is a year older can upset having won this class at a rating of 47. I have noticed earlier that horses rated 49 & below win class 3 their next win is also in class 3.

Race 2:   I have seen that horse rated below the rating of 80 being accepted to run this class under eligible to run clause they have gone on to win this class. Lord Of The Sea and Bateleur are recent instances this happened. On this score I am expecting Eyes For You(5) to score here in spite of lot of negatives; coming down in distance from 2400m to 1400m; just one career win so far; has failed as a favourite in class 4 and 18.5 lengths behind winner in her last start. Grand Accord (4) is my next choice.

Race 3: In this class 2 race I am fancying Iron Age coming back from Sprinters trial race, to repeat in this same class. The course and distance record holder Ruffina is the only runner who is better than him by 3 ¼ lengths. He should not lose in spite of stiff handicap.

Race 4:  After failing to make an impression in Bangalore Derby, where he was ambitiously campaigned, this half brother to Jacqueline, Kennedy(1) should not face any difficulty in annexing this trophy race.

Race 5:  Caprisca winner of Pune Oaks was fancied to win Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia Trophy Last December. However he was found to have broken his blood vessel and allowed Vulcan with whom he is competing today to finish ahead. Hopefully he has recovered well and subject to his blood vessels holding, he stands tall and is set to win this race.

Race 6:  Working decently in the morning tracks Tristar (13) is expected to score over Belenus (8), Track Star (6) and Athulya (7).

Race 7:   Red Carnation (8) & She Is A Spy both finished 3^rd in their last start may be the most favoured runners in this race. But they got themselves exposed in their last run with the former bred for longer and the latter failed with the same rider earlier may find themselves failing to touch the winning post first.  But Ebony(5) who also finished 3^rd  in her last start and has better finishing time to both the above runners may pul this race off to give the owners three wins in the day.

Good Luck.

KOLKATA SELECTIONS  09/03/2019

Race 1:   Casablanca(7)/ Aiyana(4)

Race 2:   The Sixth Seal(8)/ Archivolt(2)

Race 3:    Dangal(3)

Race 4:    Astoria(6)

Race 5:    Arjuna(6)

Race 6:   Gold Bond(5)         

Race 7:   Shivansh(4)

Race 8 :  Glorious Run(9)/ Eastern Flame(11)

BANGALORE SELECTIONS  08/03/2019 & reflections on results.

Race 1:   Coming out of setback of sorts 5yo mare,  Savisa(7), was expected to score in her last start, but unfortunately stumbled badly at a crucial stage and thereby extinguishing all her chances there. Now entrusted to top rider should get this race as favourite. If for any reason, dubious or otherwise, she fails then Dallas, Turf Prospector, Jersey Storm or Tiger Returns may have chances in that order of preference.

Results & Reflections:    Savisa won at 4/1 odds. Tiger Returns ran a game race. Savisa will come on after this race having seen the winning post first after a setback. Tiger Returns now got exposed and the gamble failed, will bide his time. Forget Jersey & Turf Prospector till they improve gate manners. Dallas was in the vanguard in first half of the trip, note in a similar set with positive switch in saddle.

Race 2:  David Allan choosing to ride Well Connected (11) over Lady Of Fame(8), the full sister to the illustrious Sir Cecil, is an indicator of its better chances. Both are working well. But keep an eye on another Win Legend progeny Winall(12) who has had an eye catching spurt with S John astride in the morning work.

Results & Reflections:    With the withdrawal of Paddy’s horses Electra used the opportunity to notch up victory and very well at it. Winall had an educative race run.

Race 3: The race has a seemingly good contest between Ninon(2), Fiorenzo(3),Limato(5) & Love Is Life(8). LIL if wins, then it is a made up race bidding farewell to 9yo, but ability wise difficult. Fiorenzo was withdrawn for lameness last start, discounting his chances a great deal. Ninon is a higher class runner finishing within a length to the winner in her last two starts and has a very good chance with her regular rider. But after watching Limato winning his last start without being fully extended and clocking the same timing as Ninon in higher class encourages me to nominate him to score an encore.

Results & Reflections:    The intentions from the connections of Limato appeared to be place money and the rider did not attempt for victory. Kept far behind came up well after the race has been well & truly sewn up by Ninon. The race panned out accordingly. Other runners lack ability and should struggle in this class. Third placed Noble Splendour can pick up a race in the lower class if placed judiciously in summer.

Race 4:  As per the pattern for D2 of class 4 races, only maiden 4yo with the rating of 22 & above should be considered and as such horses 1 to 5 come into consideration. Touch Your Destiny(1), has been within 4 lengths to the winner in his last 3 starts with more reputed riders. Now with a claimer declared and with a finishing timing of around 1:14.15 to 1:14.35 can at best place. Colonel Harty (2) having career first start does not impress with morning workouts and hence cannot be confidently backed. Bella Destiny(4) is a back marker hence ignored. Tio Roco (3) could not clear maiden status in 8 attempts and does not instill confidence despite being entrusted to top rider. That leaves us with Chula Vista(5), who has had an educative run in R 156 and finished just 2.5 lenghts behind Star Man the winner, who can be expected to take this D2 Trophy race.

Results & Reflections:    Chula Vista had every chance in the final furlong but went down like a pricked balloon. The hype surrounding the Win legend progenies are not founded on sound facts. Nor every Win Legend son or daughter will perform well. Tio Roco did well to clear her maiden status.

Race 5:  A difficult race to decipher but if you look at the obvious choice i.e. #4 Nitromax who failed as a favourite in R 69, should make amends with top rider assisting the mare. If you make it complicated, then Maada, Reference, Wild Wild Angels & Colour of Gold come into picture. I strongly advice to keep it simple and go with Nitromax.

Results & Reflections:    This race has brought to light the qualitative difference between the top two riders Suraj & Trevor. Whatever the reputation Suraj is carrying he is one or two notches above Trevor. In the final furlong Suraj proved he is far superior in riding talent. Once he came abreast Nitromax he stopped whipping and rode out hands and heels vigorously at the same time allowing just only that much room on the inside to Trevor. Trevor continued to whip in the cramped space losing the momentum. Clever ride by Suraj. Trevor taking Nitromax on a start to finish is also not helping matters. Perhaps Nitromax is one paced, I am not sure. Although Masada is a year older, her experience of running in higher class has given her the edge over Nitromax and Suraj ride has clearly proved decisive in the end.

 Race 6:  Even though Aesir(7) has strong claims with last start victory in lower class Louisiana has better credentials to claim honours this class 1 trophy race, in my opinion.

Results & Reflections:    Louisiana is suffering from some veterinary issues and also not in good frame of mind it appears by the fact that it was led early to the starting gates but arrived last there. Naoh’s Ark ran a fantastic race but unlucky to be defeated by PSC & Aesir, who has responded tremendously in the final 50 metres. Both have clocked excellent time.

Race 7:   As per the pattern for D1 races of class 4 races, maiden 4yo horses with a rating of 27 & above generally wins with rare exceptions. On this score Armin(1) stands tall with Great Celebration(12) likely to finish faraway 2^nd.

Results & Reflections:    Armin proved me right even though there were lot of jostling in the race. The win was not fluent though. An 8yo almost caught him. Nothing much can be read from this race on his potential.

Race 8:    In this class 2 race it is very difficult to choose between Shesmyscript(7) & Velocidad(10). Iam sticking my neck out in favour of the former, who is a first start maiden winner and has graded race experience against the latter who needed 4 runs to shed his maiden status.

Results & Reflections:    Shesmyscript has vindicated my faith by winning the race in no uncertain manner. If campaigned in a terms category next start can be followed.

Race 9:  Most challenging race of the day. Secret Superstar(5) has clocked 1:12.64 which is class 2 winning time. Aceros (9) has beaten the former when they met in lower class. Sahara(7) has been highly thought of by the connections initially that they entered her in Hyderabad & Cheenai classics but now taking handicap route is not far behind in potential. And finally Sun Power in his 12 th start may suddenly sprout wings. My vote goes to Sahara(7).

Results & Reflections:    Secret Superstar has reproduced the last start form by winning this race nicely. Baymax was gallant in defeat. Nazerul Alam on Sahara took her on a world tour, and finished 2.75 adrift the winner, finally. Aceros was not interested in the proceedings as was Sahara but the rider of the former is an experienced one and did not exhibit it in the race but Nazerul Alam did. All these 3 horses will get their turn eventually.

BANGALORE SELECTIONS  08/03/2019

Race 1:   Coming out of setback of sorts 5yo mare,  Savisa(7) was expected to score in her last start, but unfortunately stumbled badly at a crucial stage and thereby extinguishing all her chances there. Now entrusted to top rider should get this race as favourite. If for any reason, dubious or otherwise, she fails then Dallas, Turf Prospector, Jersey Storm or Tiger Returns may have chances in that order of preference.

Race 2:  David Allan choosing to ride Well Connected(11) over Lady Of Fame(8), the full sister to the illustrious Sir Cecil, is an indicator of its better chances. Both are working well. But keep an eye on another Win Legend progeny Winall(12) who has had an eye catching spurt with S John astride in the morning work.

Race 3: The race has a seemingly good contest between Ninon(2), Fiorenzo(3),Limato(5) & Love Is Life(8). LIL if wins, then it is a made up race, bidding farewell to 9yo, but ability wise difficult. Fiorenzo was withdrawn for lameness last start, discounting his chances a great deal. Ninon is a higher class runner finishing within a length to the winner in her last two starts and has a very good chance with her regular rider. But after watching Limato winning his last start without being fully extended and clocking the same timing as Ninon in higher class, encourages me to nominate him to score an encore.

Race 4:  As per the pattern for D2 of class 4 races, only maiden 4yo with the rating of 22 & above should be considered and as such horses 1 to 5 come into consideration. Touch Your Destiny(1), has been within 4 lengths to the winner in his last 3 starts with more reputed riders. Now with a claimer declared and with a finishing timing of around 1:14.15 to 1:14.35 can at best place. Colonel Harty (2) having career first start does not impress with morning workouts and hence cannot be confidently backed. Bella Destiny(4) is a back marker hence ignored. Tio Roco (3) could not clear maiden status in 8 attempts and does not instill confidence despite being entrusted to top rider. That leaves us with Chula Vista(5), who has had an educative run in R 156 and finished just 2.5 lenghts behind Star Man the winner, who can be expected to take this D2 Trophy race.

Race 5:  A difficult race to decipher only if you refuse to look at the obvious choice i.e. #4 Nitromax, who failed as a favourite in R 69. She should make amends with top rider assisting . If you make it complicated, then Masada, Reference, Wild Wild Angels & Colour of Gold come into picture. I strongly advice to keep it simple and go with Nitromax.

 Race 6:  Even though Aesir(7) has strong claims with last start victory in lower class Louisiana(4) has better credentials to claim honours this class 1 trophy race, in my opinion.

Race 7:   As per the pattern for D1 races of class 4 races, maiden 4yo horses with a rating of 27 & above generally wins with rare exceptions. On this score Armin(1) stands tall with Great Celebration(12) likely to finish faraway 2^nd.

Race 8:    In this class 2 race it is very difficult to choose between Shesmyscript(7) & Velocidad(10). I am sticking my neck out in favour of the former, who is a first start maiden winner and has graded race experience against the latter who needed 4 runs to shed his maiden status.

Race 9:  Most challenging race of the day. Secret Superstar(5) has clocked 1:12.64 which is class 2 winning time. Aceros (9) has beaten the former when they met in lower class. Sahara(7) has been highly thought of by the connections initially that they entered her in Hyderabad & Chennai classics but now taking handicap route is not far behind in potential. And finally Sun Power(12) in his 12th start may suddenly sprout wings. My vote goes to Sahara(7).

Good Luck.