May 09, 2007	Wednesday	Rabi-us-Sani 21, 1428

LAHORE, May 8: Three-year-old bay filly, Ikon, who had been beaten twice, should make amends and win the third race during the midweek- day/night Lahore Gymkhana races at the Racecourse on Wednesday.

This filly from the bloodline of Bedouin Invader out-of-Magnifico, Ikon, owned by Lahore Race Club (LRC) steward, Masood Pervaiz was beaten by the margin of four lengths from Borne To Win on April 29. If the filly produces that kind of run, she should prevail over her 14 rivals. She is contesting in a big field of 15 runners in Kahna Plate, a class VII division I handicap race to be gone over 900m.

Lucky Coin, Fearless Leader and Janu may put up some challenge to Ikon, who on form looks day's best proposition.

In the feature event, the Kot Lakhpat Plate class V division I has seven runners, if there are no last-minute withdrawals.

On recent run of form and the bloodline only two of them look to be real contenders, namely, Great Bulbul and Cobbler. The rest are just to make the field.

Three-year-old filly, Great Bulbul, a progeny of Fair Magic out-of Cool Down, has won two races in-a-row and will be on the course to make it a hat-trick of victories. The chances are equal.

The supporting and fourth event, the Kot Lakhpat Plate class V div 11 comprising eight runners looks like an open affair.

None of them is so outstanding on the present form but one thing is common between them, they all have come down in the handicap, some after winning one or two races or being placed and a few yet to win a race. This is altogether different story, if any of them is capable to land a big gamble. It would be better, if punters watch connections before backing any.

The second race has the second biggest field consisting of a dozen runners, five of them with unknown pedigrees. On the present form, My Shanga, Shah Pari ,So Romantic and Tornado attract attention. They should fight for the top honours.

Yet another field of a dozen will face the starter in the opener barring last-minute withdrawals. In such races the unscrupulous among the owners/trainers are out to take advantage, to steal easy money.

In the past it has been seen, that even chance horses do not figure on the board. The LRC steward issue warning to some prior to the start of the race but these warnings often fail to achieve desired results. In order to attract entries to run the mid-week racing, stewards often take lenient view. So the unscrupulous get away with their booty.

A card of five races will be decided. The first race will start at 5.30pm.

Following are the fields and our selection.

KAHNA PLATE CLASS VII DIV II-B 900M:

Mere Lal 9-0, Prince Of Rana 9-0, Goldie 8-12, Dogar Gift 8-12, Queen Of Gold 8-12, Lucky Star 8-11, Shahzadi 8-10, Leader's Wing 8-10, Naseeb Apna Apna 8-10, Loving Heart 8-10 Ginger 8-10 and Booster 8-8.

Win: Dogar Gift.

Place: Lucky Star and Queen Of Gold.

KAHNA PLATE CLASS VII DIV II 900M:

Grace Glamour 9-0, Super Master 9-0, Wendy 8-12, My Shanga 8-12, Tornado 8-10, Shah Pari 8-7, So Romanctic 8-6, Mosaic 8-6, Cheeko Khan 8-0, Blacky 8-0 Golden Queen 8-0 and God Gift 8-0.

Win: Shah Pari.

Place: My Shanga and So Romantic.

KAHNA PLATE CLASS VII DIV I 900M:

Bone Crusher 9-0, Golden Faith 8-12, Lucky Coin 8-10, Tyson 8-10 Ikon 8-9, Fearless Boy 8-6, Dream Land 8-6, Princess Afaq 8-4, Malang Aya 8-2, Token Of Love Love Minister 8-0, Have No Fear 7-13, Blu's Wendy 7-11, Janu 7-9 and Royal Palace 7-8.

Win: Ikon.

Place: Fearless Boy and Janu.

KOT LAKHPAT PLATE CLASS IV

DIV II 900M:

Houstan 9-0, Sabat Qadam 9-0, Nut Cracker 8-6, Scooby Do 8-6, Philosopher 8-5, Sher-e-Lahore 8-2 Dam Dama Dam 8-1 and Weldon Shogun.

Win-Place: Watch connections.

KOT LAKHPAT PLATE CLASS V

DIV I 900M:

Cobbler 9-1, Sindbad 9-0, Volcano 8-12, Great Bulbul 8-10, Armida 8-10, Untar 8-8 and Aaja Bulbul 7-8.

Win: Great Bulbul Vs Cobbler.