Selections for 15th August, 2008 - Pune races

Liquidator with the benefit of an easy outing over a seven furlong should win the Independence Trophy, the highlight of the day’s card. Liquidator is pitted against the well-bred Vale of Leven ,Chevron and Uruj Should take care of the trio comfortably. My rest of the selections are as follows:
.


Race No. 1 : Musical Rhythm 2) Vantage 3) Alohamora

Musical Rhythm had an easy run in the maiden class in her only start of this season. Earlier in the mumbai season it had come 4th to Veera Wang inspite of bad interfearance. Today amongst mediocre field is expected to prevail over her opponents. Vantage also had three educational runs in her mumbai campaign. Moving well in the morning trials but since it has no advantage of a run can extend the former in this class. Remember it has some bad habits at the starting stalls and unless and until it performs on race track satisfactorily it is best to ignore. Rest of the field looks ordinary.

Race No. 2 : Nara 2) Chopasni

Nara can earn her corn bill against this mediocre opposition. Chopasni should run close. Only these two seem to have the measure of traveling mile satisfactorily at Mumbai. Nara covered acre’s of ground to finish notable 5th to Free Spirit over 1200m was last till bend finished on when all was over. Should be hard to down this mile trip. Chopasni has an excellent chance to figure on board as the others are having no potential even to place. Regina has shown nothing much whereby even a place berth is doubtful.

Race No. 3 : Thunder Star 2) Dance Maestro

Thunder Star finished a fair 3rd to Spiritual over the same trip at Mumbai when from 6th till 1000,7th till 200 improved on the outside to finish 3rd. At Pune in Race No. 7 was in rear till bend, finsihing on unextended 8th can strike when right money is on as the owner is in the habit of deciding in the paddock. Hence watch the betting ring and play a decent amount. Dance Maestro like rest of the field has not shown worthy performance in the present class and also over the present distance. Beau Monde has bad starting habit so best left alone. Hence Thundering Star has better credentials than Dance Maestro and should be backed with authority.

Race No. 4 : Victory Star 2) Spitz 3) Belligerent

Victory Star was seen finishing on well from 9th position at 400 and finished a good 3rd to Blue Daffodils at Mumbai. Tracking excellently in the morning trials. On 6th inst. was seen moving in hand when finishing ahead of Englehart a pure class I horse. Spitz won the mock-race run last Saturday in a convincing manner and should also be a force to reckon in this set but at this meagre odds it is better either eat it or play Victory Star a sizeable amount each way.

Race No. 5 : Liquidator 2) Uruj 3) Calling The Shots

Liquidator is expected to improve on his last run. It was given a trial run earlier with this cup in view when from 7th position till 1000, 6th till bend improved through the middle with a halfhearted effort to finish good 2nd. Uruj has the experience of travelling the distance at Mumbai and in the last run almost won the race in the same class when 5th till 1000, 4th till 600, 3rd at 400, 2nd at 300, where collided with fallen horse and ran riderless else it was a winner at that stage. A very good place prospect with good odds. Vale of Leven has not shown much improvement since winning on debut . Hence Calling The Shorts with apprentice jockey can also place.

Race No. 6 : ANGELS GLORY 2) Monopoly 3) Highland Conquest

Angels Glory was a runaway winner earlier and should continue its winning rhythm till defeated. Last time it took charge and pulverized the opposition over the same trip in Class III left the field cold in the straight with a stunning display of speed. With a Class II official rating I cannot visualize defeat since it has far better speed rating and handicap rating. Hence according to me it is days best proposition to back it. Monopoly though short of run comes in next and may trouble the former. So one can play a good place bet. Highland Conquest also blew the field away over the same trip in the maiden class, I doubt it can trouble Angels Glory since it is much lower in speed as well as handicap rating.

Race No. 7 : Babeinthewoods 2) Oh So Romantic 3) Indian Summer

Babeinthewoods was 9th till 800 then 6th till bend improved under whip to finish a good 3rd improving steadily. Has a good chance to score here with the benefit of a run. Else the field is tricky as all three come level in the working. Just leave the race.

Race No. 8 : Xiamen 2) Vijayi Bhava 3) Sea Gull

A tricky race wherein any of the above three can score. It will depend on the bend position. Best leave it.

Days Best : ANGELS GLORY

Good Double: Liquidator ad Angels Glory

Kainchi w/pl : Nara, Thundering Star, Liquidator and Angels Glory

Good luck to all

Thanking you,

Jimmy