KARACHI: Thoroughbred bay horse Pakistani Star appears fancied for the Shah Mardan Shah II Pir Pagara VII Memorial Cup when it takes place in the Gymkhana race meeting here at the Karachi Racecourse on Sunday.

The five-year-old horse, who has arrived from Lahore to defend the Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup next month, is expected to defy 12-4 handicap and get past eight opponents.

This will be his first run at the KRC after clinching the Gold Cup on Dec 25 last year. He is on course to make it three on the trot.

Three-year-old filly Sincere Approach is tipped to challenge Pakistani Star in the cup race which will go over a mile. Four-year-old colt Sand Man may follow the two for third place on board.

It is the last race of a six-race card that has been drawn for the day.

The meeting is also set to mark build up for the Gold Cup. The racegoers have witnessed a dull season due to heatwaves with fewer entries.

Five-year-old chestnut horse Mr. Magic looks poised to return to winning ways in the preceding fifth race under scale order I and II that will go over four furlongs. Colt Trevor is likely to occupy second place among five aspirants.

With a win already under her belt, mare Kuwait Lady is on chance for a repeat performance by capturing the opening race under scale order VII and VIII to be contested over four furlongs. Dark bay mares Little Darling and Hussun-e-Pari are likely to follow the winning horse.

Debutant mares — Kuwait Honey and Noor Princess — if backed by connections, may trigger an upset.

Dark bay horse Quetta Star is expected to make amends by getting the better of bay horse Mandi Boy to win honours in the second race under scale order VI and VII. Chestnut colt King’s Crown, if on job, may pull off an upset in the four furlongs contest.

Filly Rock n Wild looks a good choice for the third race under scale order IV and V. However, she has to overcome mare Thunder Princess among others.

Colt Dark Knight may shine by winning the fourth race under scale order III and IV among eight contenders.

The first race starts at 12 noon.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2024