KARACHI: Chestnut horse Violent Romeo looks poised to add another feather in its cap by winning the Defence Day Cup being held in the Gymkhana race meeting at the Karachi Racecourse on Saturday.

Making its first appearance in over three months last week, Violent Romeo made a winning return by capturing the September Cup. It is expected to be followed by bay horse Royal Command among a field of half-a-dozen contestants.

However, Violent Romeo’s stable-mate dark bay horse Robert, if backed by connection, may cause an upset. Dark bay filly Queen of Spades also has handicap advantage.

The cup race which is also the day’s feature event under top scale order I and II will go over five furlongs.

Mare Sonia Again is expected to make amends by capturing the opening race. It is likely to be opposed by bay horse Money Shower and mare Soldier Girl among nine starters. Mare Sherzadi may pull off an upset in the scale order VIII contest to be run over four furlongs.

If all goes well, mare Lady Challenger could clinch the second race by getting the better off chestnut horse Geo Channa and mare Hello My Darling respectively.

Mare Heer from the stables of Syed Sibghatullah Shah Pir Pagara is on chance to topple the above horses in the scale order VII race being contested over four furlongs.

With back-to-back second place finishes under its belt, mare Take Care is tipped to clinch honours in the third race classified under scale order V and VI being held over four-and-a-half furlongs. It is expected to be followed by Marvellous and Cracks Man respectively among a field of 11 horses.

Chestnut colt King’s Ransom is favoured to atone for its third-placed finish last week and pick up spoils in the fourth race under scale order III and IV being run over four-and-a-half furlongs.

Another form horse mare New Market may occupy second place among seven starters. Filly Regardless has the ability to pull off an upset.

Altogether, a good number of 40 horses will vie for honours barring last-minute withdrawal(s). The first race starts at 3pm.

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2022