KARACHI: Half-a-dozen horses will battle it out for honours in the Challenge Cup when it takes place in the Gymkhana race meeting here at the Karachi Racecourse on Sunday.

With a hat-trick under his belt, chestnut horse Faris looks smart to stretch his winning run in the cup race under scale order III and IV to be contested over four-and-a-half furlongs. It is also the day’s feature event and third race of a four-race card.

Having won the last five races on the trot, mare Sweet Golden is expected to secure second place on board.

However, if backed by connection, mare Balochistan Queen may spring a surprise by making amends.

Mare Lady Challenger is likely to return to winning ways by capturing the fourth and supporting race under scale order V and VI that will also take place over four-and-a-half furlongs.

It is pertinent to mention that she had won her last race on May 22 followed by fourth, third and second place finishes, respectively.

Chestnut horse Marvellous who had to be content with second place in his last run, can do wonders among five contenders.

Gelding Smart Boy is tipped to shine in the opening race under scale order VII and VIII to be run over four furlongs.

The race has a field of nine acceptors and bay horse Non Stop and mare Stayin’ Alive may follow in his footsteps for the places.

However, bay horse The Duke who has come from Lahore and made his debut last week, may create a stir.

The second race under scale order VII seems to be a two-horse contest -- between bay horse Deewana and chestnut horse Faster Than You. The former returned with flying colours last week while the latter is yet to open his account.

Mares Little Darling and Stella are likely to vie for places among nine horses.

Bay horse Club Champion from Lahore will make his debut and if on job, can upset the apple cart.

The first race starts at 4:00pm.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2022