KARACHI: The September Cup seems to be a two-horse race between chestnut horse Thunder Star and bay horse Kuwait Edition when it takes place in the Gymkhana race meeting here at the Karachi Racecourse on Sunday.

Thoroughbred Thunder Star had prevailed over Kuwait Edition convincingly by four lengths in the last outing and on present form he looks fancied to stretch his unbeaten run. However, if on job, Kuwait Edition may pull off an upset.

The September Cup which features prominently in a healthy six-race card, is also the day’s feature event under top scale order I and will be contested over five furlongs. It has a small field of four horses and is the day’s fourth race.

The other two horses who are in contention in the cup race are filly Spirit and chestnut horse Violent Romeo.

Either of the two – bay horse Fabulous and chestnut horse Marvellous – who belong to same connection, look poised to dominate the fifth race classified under scale order IV and V which will go over four-and-a-half furlongs. The race has eight aspirants.

Mares New Market and Balochistan Queen look a better choice for the second and third places on board.

Gelding Thunder Smile is on course to make it two on the trot and should he repeat his winning feat in the sixth and concluding race to be run over four-and-a-half furlongs. The race which is classified under scale order II and III, is the supporting event.

Thunder Smile is expected to be chased by bay horse Geo Jalal. However, the pair of horses namely fillies Queen of Spades and Regardless who belong to the same connection, may create quite a stir. Both will make their appearance after a long layoff.

With a win under his belt, bay horse Hi Alert looks smart to dominate the opening race under scale order VIII to be run over four furlongs.

Mare Sana Again may occupy second place on board among seven horses.

Chestnut horse Faster Than You is likely to prevail over a strong field of 11 opponents and pick up spoils in the second race under scale order VI and VII to be run over four furlongs.

Faster Than You could not make it to the last race after being scratched in the morning declaration.

He may be followed by bay horse Epsom and mare Janan. Mare Heer, if backed by connection, can upset the applecart.

Trio of horses — Stella, Take Care and Daffodles Wave — are tipped to grab the top three places on board respectively in the third race under scale order V and VI that will take place over four furlongs.

Filly Trouble Princess has the ability to overcome the trio. The race has a field of 12 horses.

Altogether, a good number of 49 horses including three debutants — Sherzadi, Come on Champion and Silent Response — will make their presence felt barring last-minute withdrawal(s), if any.

The first race starts at 2:30pm.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2022