Hyderabad Invitation weekend 2/3/2019

Hyderabad Invitation cup weekend 2/3/2019

Note: All outstation horses contesting in handicap races are penalised 10 rps I.e 5kg.

12.30 This race is confined to four 4yo’s VALEGRO from western India, TREASURE DELIGHT and AKITA PRO both from Bangalore and the local contender SUPER DART. 

AKITA PRO was an impressive 1400m winner in Bangalore and finished close third to Ciel Etoile over a mile trip in her next start. Has low weights but loses out on handicap against TREASURE DELIGHT who is 2.25l better if compared with common horse Ciel Etoile. Although TREASURE DELIGHT has a run advantage on this track but he beat nothing of note other then C. Etoile in race no 24. SUPER DART is a last start failed favourite and is yet to win a race over this distance, for minor honours. Western India challenger VALEGRO ran a forward race in Indian Derby till 300m before giving up and finished 6th. Now back over his pet trip and the winner of two 1400m races gets my vote in this weekend opener. 

My pick #5 VALEGRO 

1.00 MIDNIGHT DREAM has weights to carry and has a bad draw. Ignore. 

ROLL CALL is half bred to Siobhan and will relish the step up in trip. Is unbeaten so far. 

STORM FLAG was an impressive winner and will run a good race here. 

AGNI ran on strong to finish on the winner's heels last start over same trip. Will try to make amends with top rider repeating.

CONSIGLIORI gets the blinkers for the first time and runs with the hope. 

ICE WARRIOR hammered the field last time out over C&D and would be tough to stop if replicating that level of form here. Is the only C&D winner in this field. 

Bangalore challenger ROMA VICTOR arrives race-fit and on the back of a good win, steps up in distance and local champion rider repeats. 

VICTORY PARADE finished close third behind stablemate Agni last time and will fight out. 

My pick #8 ROMA VICTOR 

Upset #7 ICE WARRIOR 

1.35 All about one horse here. #2 SIYABONGA just missed as a favourite at only start this season, this half sister to Bangalore 1000G winner Proserpine will appreciate the step up over a mile trip and is the one to beat. 

Bangalore contender #9 DUXTON can chase the selection home to pick up silver medal. 

2.15 LA MER. BARACK, VALLEE BLOOMER, MOZAMBIQUE and RUN FOREST RUN are the main contenders in this race. Sparingly raced #5 BARACK from the ace trainer Pesi Shroff’s yard gets the nod. #5 VALLEE BLOOMER could reward forecast backers. 

2.50 THE SPRINTERS’ CUP ( Grade 1) 

Looks a close competitive race between the top four selections. Champion filly RUFFINA who has 2 wins from two attempts this campaign and also last years Sprinters’ cup winner at Kolkata, a leading contender. TUTANKHAMUN a gutsy performer and only just missed last start, finishing a short neck back from the winner Mauritania at Bangalore , among the chances. MAURITANIA 2 wins ( both at 1200m) from three attempts this campaign and rates highly with Scottish pro David Allan retaining the ride, in with a fine chance. SC Jain Sprinters cup winner CAPTAIN COURAGE who made a welcome return to form in absence of Ruffina, although out handicapped but still in this.

My pick #13 RUFFINA 

3.25 Hard to split the top two picks. BRAINSTORM and ISABELLA. Former being thrice unlucky beaten on the post and will try to make it 4th time lucky. While later left a favourable impression when winning over C&D last time and is the one expected to put up most resistance. Appeals on weights and has age in her favour. 

My pick #10 ISABELLA 

4.00 THE DR. M A M RAMASWAMY STAYERS’ CUP ( Grade 1) 

FABULOUS is slowly coming back in form but doesn’t appeal with this rider.

KAMBAKU is a genuine stayer but lacks form. His last run was very disappointing. 

Byculla Trophy winner RAEES has developed into a formidable stayer and a leading contender. 

REUNION looks the pick of the recent winners and has more to offer over this gruelling trip. 

WATCHMYSCRIPT will be favoured by most for her current good form but doesn’t impress over this trip. 

SACRED ROMAM was not in the league of top 3 in the Indian derby but was not disgraced in defeat. The son of Holy Emperor will certainly stay until cows come home and it will be folly to ignore this 4yo from ace trainer’s yard.

My pick #4 RAEES

Upset #10 SACRED ROMAN 

4.45 Debutant #4 STARBOY is well prepared to make an impact first time up. While last start failed favourite #1 FREEDOM FIRE can make amends in this lower grade. Watch betting. 

DAYS BEST : ISABELLA 

GOOD LUCK