Fantastic Face should gallop away with Pakistan Day Cup
By Ian Fyfe
KARACHI, March 22: The thoroughbred four-year-old bay filly Fantastic Face, after pocketing up the Sprinter’s Cup a few weeks ago with Sher Mohammad in the saddle going over five furlongs, is our fancy to gallop away with the Pakistan Day Cup, when racing resumes at the Winter Gymkhana Race Meeting on Wednesday.
Now having to cover two furlongs more, the Tanuf-Kafocia sibling has the speed and the stamina to negotiate the seven furlong journey and should be challenged by King Of Sanghar and Real Gift. Al Faris, the four-year-old bay colt carrying a crushing weight of 9-11 on her back, could provide the element of surprise.
Also on the programme is the Breeder’s Cup to be contested by five colts and fillies going over the sprinting distance of six furlongs in the fifth event.
In this event, Ghanchaker a thoroughbred bay colt should win this six furlong journey hands down, closely followed home by the Moon King-Thunder Shower chestnut colt King Of Kings, a comfortable winner in his very first outing two weeks ago.
An eight-event card has been chalked up for the afternoon’s programme. The first four events will be contested over five furlongs, three over six and one race going over the distance of seven furlongs.
In the opener, top weight Taneez is fancied to sprint to victory over Jango, with Roop Ki Rani grabbing the third spot.
The blue roan Jaguar, looks all set to pick up the spoils once again followed home by She Is Magic and Tag Team, an impressive winner last time out in the next race.
In the third race with 15 runners vying for the top honours, Noor-e-Arab although carrying 9-2 on her back should win this five furlongs sprint with a good lad astride, followed home by Snake River and Clapping.
Aie Bahar is on song to register a fine hat trick on Wednesday in the fourth event, chased all the way past the winning post by Issey Miyke and Charming Girl.
The sixth race on the afternoon’s programme seems reserved for top weight Ceasar’s, challenged throughout the six furlong journey by Sarazan and Sonia.
If all goes well, the concluding event should be won by top weight Ghazan Prince, with Penny and Fantasia battling it out for the second and third spots. The first race starts at 1.00pm.
Following is the field and our selections:
PAK PLATE CLASS VII DIV VI 5F
Taneez 9-0, Roop Ki Rani 9-0, Black Magic 9-0, Afzaal Prince 8-11, Recondition 8-11, Super Boy 8-8, My Majesty 8-8, Little Sunny 8-3 and Jango 8-3.
Win: Taneez
Place: Jango & Roop Ki Rani.
PAK PLATE CLASS VII DIV IV-A 5F
Tag Team 9-1, Jaguar 9-0, She Is Magic 9-0, Leopard 8-12, Royal Loyality 8-12, Raaz 8-11, Sea Biscuit 8-11, Lex Luger 8-10, Silver Sweet 8-5 and Cool Water 8-5.
Win: Jaguar
Place: She Is Magic & Tag Team.
PAK PLATE CLASS VII DIV III 5F
Noor-e-Arab 9-2, My Yanga 9-0, Jet Zone 9-0, Clapping 8-13, Lucky Lucky 8-12, Snake River 8-11, Desperado 8-10, Safeena-e-Arab 8-6, Gold Disc 8-5, Street Fighter 8-4, Groak 8-3, The Ripple 8-2, Eve Lady 8-1, Ladla 7-13 and First Shot 7-13.
Handicap race for three-year-old colts and fillies.
Ghanchaker 9-0, Super Conqueror 9-0, King Of Kings 8-9, Tharkyee 8-9 and Makina 8-6.
Win: Ghanchaker
Place: King Of Kings.
PAK PLATE CLASS VII DIV I 6F
Ceasar’s 9-0, Sarazen 9-0, Midnight Moonlight 8-13, City Honour 8-10, Metro 8-10, Terrorist 8-8, Mera Jugnoo 8-8, Sonia 8-6, Bold Doll 8-5, Ever So Clever 8-1, Casual Look 8-0, Gold Tip 8-0, Flying Bird 7-1 and The Princess 7-1. Win: Ceasar’s Place: Sarazen & Sonia.
PAKISTAN DAY CUP 7F
Handicap race for Pakistani horses four-year-old and upwards. Captain Crash 10-0, Red Ransom 10-0, Al Faris 9-11, King Of Sanghar 9-7, Fantastic Face 9-0, Donatello 8-5, Wonder Thundr 8-2, Leo 8-2, Killer Instincts 8-0, Real Gift 7-1, Sharp Cat 7-1 and Silent Witness 7-1.
Win: Fantastic Face
Place: King Of Sanghar & Real Gift.
Upset: Al Faris.
SINDH PLATE CLASS VI 6F
Ghazan Prince 9-3, Sweet Grandy 8-13, Ghoroghantel 8-10, Fantasia 8-9, Penny 8-8, Dr. Good Head 8-5,Al Jarrar 8-5 and Super Salute 8-3.
