KARACHI: Chestnut horse Violent Romeo is expected to make amends by capturing the Winter Cup in the Gymkhana race meeting at the Karachi Racecourse on Saturday.
The cup race heralds the start of KRC winter season which will culminate in the last week of March next year.
Violent Romeo, which opened as a favourite last week, had to be content with third place behind Thunder Star and Spirit. This time it looks poised to overcome five other contestants in the five furlongs race — the last of a five-event card — under top scale order of I and II.
Violent Romeo may be followed by bay horse Geo Jalal. However, filly Blazing Arrow also has the potential to pull off an upset.
Fancied colt Come On Champion is on course to complete hat-trick should it maintain form in the fourth and supporting race under scale order II, III and IV to be run over four-and-a-half furlongs.
Come On Champion has won its last two races and seems to be the best bet in a field of 10 horses. It is expected to be chased by mare Zahrish and dark bay colt Night Vision. Mare Sweet Golden can spring a surprise.
Mare Baby Champion, which seized second place on board on its debut last week, is on chance to open her account by claiming the opening race under scale order VIII being run over four furlongs. It may be challenged by dark bay horses The Company and Zayan among 10 acceptors.
Another 10 horses will vie for honours in the second race which is likely to be dominated by bay horse Hi Alert which has finished second in his last two outings. The race has been classified under scale order VI and VII and will be contested over four furlongs.
Mares Sana Again and Sheba may grab the next two places on board respectively. Either of the two stablemates — Lady Challenger and Little Darling — if backed by connection, can upset the applecart.
Having finished runner-up in its last outing, Mare Galileo Lady is tipped to return with flying colours in the third race under scale order IV, V and VI being run over four-and-a-half furlongs and is likely to be followed by Faisal The Great and Club Champion among a dozen horses. Colt Eye Of The Tiger and filly Silent Response look capable to stun the favourite.
Altogether, a good number of 48 horses will make their presence felt in the races barring last-minute withdrawal(s).
The first race starts at 2pm.
KRC ELECTIONS ON 30TH
Meanwhile, the 31st annual general body meeting of the Karachi Race Club (KRC) will be held at the club premises on Oct 30 at 4pm.
The meeting, among other matters, will elect a 10-member managing committee for a three-year term.
Syed Sadruddin Shah, who is President of the KRC since 2008, is expected to return unopposed for the top slot.
Published in Dawn, October 22th, 2022
