The Pune racing season kicks off on Thursday as the curtain goes up on the annual monsoon racing season at the Pune race course--as racing under the Royal Western Turf Club revives approximately 94 days after the end of Mumbai racing season.
The 24-day season has prize money of Rs. 8.31 crore against the Rs. 9.31 crore in 2016, however, on a per day average the stakes are on par with last season.
Thoroughbreds who participated in the recently concluded Mumbai racing season will be seen in action at the Pune race course after a good three-month-long rest.
The race course, which boasts of a spectacular monsoon track, should ensure uninterrupted racing during the entire season to carry on through to October 22.
The horses are looking in good shape to produce their best and the form books will start ticking off with each race run. To start off on your waging venture, it is best to play a safe hand in the first few weeks and only when the horses settle down, you ought to unbridled your purse strings.
Thursdays should hopefully see a better turnout as the rain Gods seemed to be appeased right now which is good for the monsoon track.
The horses are in a better condition due to the change in the weather. London, out of Phoenix Tower (USA)-Fair Always, from the stables of M Narredu, to be piloted by Prashant P Dhebe over a distance of 1400 meters looks all set to grab the Fair Haven Trophy.
This race is for Indian horses in Class I, horses rated 80 and upward (60 to 79 eligible). Other attraction of the afternoon is P Hadow Trophy. A tough and good card of seven races has been for the opening day of the afternoon.
Three good bets are Elysee (2-1), Ascension (6-3) and Synchronicity (8-4).
The top trainers whose horses are blazing tracks at Pune are from the stables of Pesi Shroff, Imtiaz Sait, M Narredu, Bezan Chenoy, MP Jodha, CD Katrak, Dallas Todyalla and SK Sunderji.
Selections for Pune Monsoon Races July 27
First race at 2 pm
Race 1: 1400m Art O War (11) Mocassin (7) Carnival (4).
Race 2: 1000m Elysee (1) Juggernaut (4) Sudarshan Chakra (6).
Race 3: 1400m London (7) Winter Renaissance (4) Germanicus (3) Staristocrat (2).
Race 4: 1400m Furious n Fast (4) Judicious (2) Domination (1).
Race 5: 1000m God’s Own (3) Princess P (2) Crystal Ball (11).
Race 6: 1000m Ascension (5) Magic Dust (3) Shamwari (7).
Race 7: 1200m Irish Bailey (5) Shaoqing (8) Adeline (9).
Race 8: 1200m Synchronicity (4) Petronius (3) Golden Orchid (15) Panatela (2).
Day’s best: Irish Bailey (7-5).
