KARACHI: Gelding Thunder Smile is expected to romp home in the August Cup as Gymkhana race meeting resumes after three weeks at the Karachi Racecourse on Tuesday.

The horse from the Thunder family who finished off the frame in his last outing on May 22, looks fancied to overcome the challenge from half-a-dozen contenders and return to winning ways in the cup race under scale order I, II and III.

The race which is also the day’s feature event, will go over four furlongs.

Thunder Smile is likely to be chased by bay horse Waris while colt King’s Ransom can bring an element of surprise.

Bay horse Thunder Strike who completed his hat-trick in last outing looks smart to dominate the fifth and supporting race under scale order V to be contested over four furlongs.

Mare New Market should follow in the footsteps of Thunder Strike for the second place. If backed by connection, chestnut horse Justify can upset the applecart.

Dark bay mare Sweet Sonia, formerly Stayin’ Alive, is on chance to rule the opening race under lowest scale order VIII being run over four furlongs.

Sweet Sonia may be challenged by another mare Sheba. However, chestnut mare Soldier Girl can pull off an upset.

Bay horse Epsom is tipped to oblige punters by making amends of his successive losses by capturing the second race under scale order VII which will go over four furlongs.

Bay horse Deewana, who failed to finish on the board in his last two outings, may grab second place. If on job, chestnut horse Geo Channa can create quite a stir by getting the better of entire field.

Dark bay mare Little Darling should win honours in the third race classified under scale order VI and VII.

Either of the three horses namely Stella, Baba Champion and Denzo who belong to same connection can secure a place.

A pair of horses — dark bay horse Zayan and chestnut horse Galactic Choice — will make their debut in the first and second race respectively.

Altogether, 35 horses — seven in each race — will be seen in action barring last-minute withdrawals, if any. The first race starts at 3pm.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2022