Despite what promises to be an exciting contest, I feel the Pesi Shroff-trained Zuccarelli, who annihilated a small field in his preparatory race last Sunday, should assert his class and win the Pune Derby
This picture has been used for representational purpose
The curtain comes down on the truncated Pune racing season on Sunday with bumper ten-race card framed for the occasion. The Pune Derby (Gr 1), to be run over the trip of ten furlongs, is the feature event.
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Among the dozen three-year-olds in the fray, Queen O' War (A Sandesh up) is the only filly. She, along with Zuccarelli (P S Chouhan up), appeal as prime contenders for the top spot. The duo, however, may face a stiff challenge from the Bangalore challenger A Star Is Born (David Egan up). Others, who may show dramatic improvement and therefore deserve a mention, are Alastair and Sunrise.
Despite what promises to be an exciting contest, I feel the Pesi Shroff-trained Zuccarelli, who annihilated a small field in his preparatory race last Sunday, should assert his class and win the Pune Derby.
First race at 12.30 pm
Selections:
Ruffina Trophy - Div II (Class V; 1400m)
Jubilant Journey 1, Bold Advance 2, Hellbent 3.
Pioneer Plate (Class II; 1800m)
Giant Star 1, Arcadia 2, Successor 3.
Jeremiah Plate - Div I (Class IV; 1200m)
Excelerator 1, The Awakening 2, Sovereign Master 3.
Noshir & Dolly Dhunjibhoy Sprint Million (Gr 3) (For 4y&O; 1200m)
Iron Age 1, St Andrews 2, Gazino 3.
Conrad Pune Cup (Class III; 1400m)
Fast rain 1, Tigrio 2, Exotique 3.
F D Wadia Trophy (Gr 3) (For 3y; 1400m)
Lit 1, Presidential 2, Petronia 3.
Ruffina Trophy - Div I (Class V; 1400m)
Love Warrior 1, Indian Crown 2, Midas Touch 3.
The Pune Derby (Gr 1) (For 3y; 2000m)
Zuccarelli 1, A Star Is Born 2, Queen O' War 3.
Aquilo Plate (Class IV; 1600m)
Mystical Rose 1, Lord Byron 2, Commandment 3.
Jeremiah Plate - Div II (Class IV; 1200m)
Monarchy 1, Pure 2, Windy City 3.
Recommendations
Best bet: Iron Age (4-1)
Upset: Arabian Phoenix (9-1)
Today's pools
Super jackpot pool: 5,6,7,8,9,10
Jackpot pool: I - 3,4,5,6,7; II - 6,7,8,9,10
Treble pool: I - 2,3,4; II - 4,5,6; III - 8,9,10
Tanala pool: All races.