June 06, 2007	Wednesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 20, 1428

LAHORE, June 5: Five-year-old bay mare Eid looks in good form to return to action when she contests the feature event, the Kotri Plate class V division I to be gone over 900 metres during the day/night midweek Lahore Gymkhana races at the Racecourse on Wednesday.

Owned by Malik Hamid Ali Noon, and trained by Haji Fazal Hadi, Eid, was beaten by the filly, Don't Follow, to second place ran over 1000 metres on Sunday last.

The distance of the race has now been reduced by 100 metres, which goes in her favour. The bay filly Shim Jim and the gelding Cross Ruff, who have been dropped from Class IV division III to class V, may fight for the second place. Perhaps there was no way to hold this race because of the shortage of entries, so they have been demoted out of turn.

A general principle is followed in the handicap that, if a horse is placed, he is dropped after three running off the frame. But they were placed and have been demoted after one run off the frame. However, this is the discretion of the handicapper where to place a horse. This will be the fifth and last race of the card.

Dark-bay mare, Dazzy Against All, who was placed second behind Great Bulbul on May 2 last seems a cut above in class in the fourth and supporting event, Kotri Plate class V division 11 over 900 metres.

Her close rivals could be Safe And Sound and Major Rana.

Tyson, Bird Fly, Shah Pari and Dogar Gift are the pick of the four-strong field for the third race, Karachi Plate class VII division I. Although the chestnut colt, Tyson, has been showing improvement, he was defeated in his previous outing. He should make amends this time and win the race. The other three should fight for the places.

Thrice beaten to second place Royal Palace is in good form but unlucky. Perhaps, her rider is not accustomed to properly handle her while riding in a race, that's why she is defeated for the third time in a row. With better support from the saddle she may win this time. Gold Round, Lucky Coin and Tosca should be her challengers. This will be the second race in racing order.

The first race has a dozen runners, mostly without pedigrees certification. On previous form and showing in races, King Cobra, Queen Of Gold and Golden Queen look good among the contestants. They should fight for the spoils, if past performance and handicap is indicator to judge the capabilities of the horses. But who knows what owners and trainers have in mind?

A card of five races will be decided. All races will be contested over the sprinting distance of 900 metres.

The following are the fields and our selections:

KARACHI PLATE CLASS VII

DIV II-B 900M:

Mere Lal 9-0, Queen Of Gold 8-13, My

Princess 8-11, Mosaic 8-11, King Cobra 8-9, Shehzadi 8-9, Mahima 8-9, Gringo 8-7, Nomad 8-5, Golden Queen 8-3, Leader's Wing 8-1 and Ginger 7-11.

Win: King Cobra.

Place: Gold Queen and Queen Of Gold.

KARACHI PLATE CLASS VII

DIV II-A 900M:

Royal Palace 9-4, Chinkara 9-0, Wah Bhai Wah 9-0, Lucky Coin 9-0, Tosca 8-7, Dashing Paradise 8-4, Company 8-1, Happy Mayla 8-0, Baggi 8-0 and Gold Round 7-13.

Win: Royal Palace.

Place: Lucky Coin and Gold Round.

KARACHI PLATE CLASS VII DIV I 900M:

Sapna 9-0, Bird Fly 8-11, Tyson 8-10, Blu's Wendy 8-8, Sabbat Qadam 8-6, Araafa 8-6, Shah Pari 8-5, Golden Faith 8-4, Houstan 8-2, Miss Mano 7-10, Cannon Queen 7-8, Love Minister 7-8, Lucky Star 7-8 and Dogar Gift 7-8.

Win: Tyson.

Place: Bird Fly and Shah Pari.

KOTRI PLATE CLASS V DIV II 900M:

Dazzy Against All 9-0, Safe And Sound 8-10, Major Rana 8-6, Gold Bird 8-6, Lucky Short II 8-2, Weldon Shogun 8-2 and Princess Afaq.

Win: Dazzy Against All.

Place: Safe And Sound and Major Rana.

KOTRI PLATE CLASS V DIV I & II 900M:

Shim Jim 9-0, Gorcee The Great 9-0, Cross Ruff 8-6, Hallow Dancer 8-6, Eid 8-5 Philosopher 7-8 and Hamza Prince 7-8.

Win: Eid.

Place: Cross Ruff and Shim Jim.