Prakash Gosavi's blog

Mumbai, Saturday, January 28

2012-01-28T10:48:00.002+05:30

For analysis of today's Mumbai races (Sat, Jan 28), Please click here.

Analysis of Mumbai (Sun, Jan 22) races

2012-01-22T09:59:00.003+05:30

For analysis of today's Mumbai races (Jan 22), please click here.

Analysis of Mumbai races (Sun, Jan 15)

2012-01-15T05:15:00.002+05:30

My analysis of today's races will be available here after some time.

Review of Thursday (Jan 5) races

2012-01-08T08:21:00.000+05:30

For REVIEW of Thursday (Jan 5) races, please click here.

Mumbai, Thursday, January 5

2012-01-05T10:29:00.000+05:30

For Mumbai (Thu, Jan 5) analysis, please click here.

The MiD DAY page can be viewed here.

Mumbai, Thursday, Dec 29

2011-12-29T11:04:00.006+05:30

For analysis of today's Mumbai races (Thursday, Dec 29), please click here.

Review of Mumbai races (Dec 25)

2011-12-27T17:23:00.002+05:30

For review of the Mumbai races of Sunday (Dec 25), please click here.

Mumbai, Sunday, December 25

2011-12-25T06:46:00.000+05:30

For today's Mumbai races analysis, please click here.

Mumbai, Thursday, December 22

2011-12-22T08:48:00.002+05:30

For analysis of today's races, please click here.

Mumbai, Thursday, December 15

2011-12-15T08:52:00.002+05:30

For today's RACE ANALYSIS, please click here.

Mumbai, Sunday, December 11

2011-12-11T10:31:00.001+05:30

For analysis of today's Mumbai races, please click here.

Preview of Mumbai races (Sun, Dec 4)

2011-12-04T11:00:00.001+05:30

For analysis of today's (Sunday, December 4) Mumbai races, please click HERE.

Mumbai, Thursday, December 1

2011-12-01T07:51:00.001+05:30

For analysis of today's (Thursday, December 1) Mumbai races, please click here.

Thursday preview (Nov 24)

2011-11-24T09:11:00.001+05:30

Analysis of Mumbai races (Thursday, November 24)

Beginners want to know more

2011-11-24T09:10:00.001+05:30

Beginners want to know more.

Sunday races review (Mumbai, Nov 20)

2011-11-24T09:08:00.001+05:30

For review of the Sunday Mumbai races (Nov 20),

click here.

2011-11-17T10:43:00.001+05:30

For a preview of Thursday's Mumbai races (Nov 17),

please click HERE.

Tribute to a crusader

2011-11-16T19:03:00.001+05:30

The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) has scheduled, on tomorrow's card, the J V Shukla 'Ashwamitra' Trophy, in memory of one of the most active racing journalists of a bygone era.

To read an article from the archives which I had penned to pay tribute to him, click here.

Opening day's Mahalaxmi races

2011-11-15T19:17:00.001+05:30

For a review of the opening day's races at Mahalaxmi (Sunday, November 13), please click here.

Opening day's races

2011-11-13T09:02:00.001+05:30

For my analysis of today's races, please go here:
http://rwitc.com/viewArticles.php?id=489

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mumbai racing season 2011-12

2011-11-12T07:11:00.006+05:30

Racing begins tomorrow at Mahalaxmi

Advertised record stakes money of Rs 15-crore that may actually cross the 20-crore mark, 1,300 racehorses , 46 trainers who will compete with another 20 coming in from other centers for the graded races, and nearly 80 riding professionals including foreign jockeys who will land here to ride for the big owners--that, in a nutshell, gives idea of what to expect from the 2011-12 Mumbai racing season which will get underway this Sunday, November 12, at the Mahalaxmi racetrack.

There is some concern in the air about the number of foreign riders being on the lower side, as Indian riders who have taken a consistent stand for some time now against what they allege as a 'favourable' treatment to their fair-skinned counterparts who win a lion's share of stakes money thanks to big race successes, are up in arms against the authorities. "I have heard there are some issues related to visa and work permit," Vivek Jain said at the press meet organised at the Mahalaxmi lawns on Thursday evening as a curtain-raiser, "but competitive spirit is the essence of this sport, and I hope things will ease out. We will take call on the matter at the right time."

The biggest racing season in the country will strech over five-and-a-half months, starting this Sunday (Nov 13, 2011) and ending on the last Sunday of April next year (April 29), and will consist 44 race days. The four Indian Classics, all grade 1 races--the Indian 1000 Guineas (Dec 11), Indian 2000 Guineas (Dec 18), Indian Oaks (Jan 22) & the Indian Derby (Feb 5)--will be the main highlights of the season, supported by other major events like the Poonawalla Breeders Multi-Million (Feb 26), Eclipse Stakes Of India (Feb 12), C N Wadia Gold Cup (March 11), Colts & Fillies Juvenile Championship races (March 18) & the Karl Umrigar Turf Championship (March 25), besides a record 23 races for non-Classic horses which will feature minimum stakes of million rupees.

A special "million" race has been introduced in memory of the late gazal maestro Jagjit Singh, a horse owner and race lover who was also a prominent club member, and it will be restricted to small horse owners. Christened as Dr Jagjit Singh Tribute Million, the race is slated for Sunday, February 19, 2012.

Live streaming (webcast) of all races, a popular feature introduced by the club last year, will continue through the official RWITC website. So race lovers who may not be able to attend the actual races can enjoy the same on their computer screens (http://www.mumbairaces.com/live.php) from the comfort of their homes. A new electronic publication, created by Sanjay Shah of the RWITC marketing team, titled "Hoof Print", is being launched as e-newsletter that will be mailed to members and patrons who wish to keep track of the developments in racing in western India.

The opening day's card tomorrow has eight races, and the first race is scheduled at 2 pm. However, if you wish to visit the elite enclosure (reserved for members) then remember the dress code that was relaxed for some years will be in force again. Make sure you are properly attired. The acceptable dress code, as it used to be printed many years ago in the club advertisement, read thus: Gentlemen can wear full-sleeve shirt with tie, with or without jacket, or national dress. Ladies may wear anything except beachwear.

New to racing? Don't worry.

Help is now at hand.

RWITC, in a unique initiative, will offer special coaching to anyone who aspires to learn racing and handicapping, or desires to upgrade his/her knowledge about this most thrilling sport. Basic courses of one-hour duration will be offered absolutely free every Sunday morning at the Mahalaxmi racecourse.

MiD DAY takes its media partnership with the race club to a new level with this venture as Prakash Gosavi, our racing correspondent, will conduct these free courses. To enroll, call Mahalaxmi racecourse (23071396) between 10 am & 5 pm.

The Dates

November 2011: Sun, 13th; Thu, 17th; Sun, 20th; Thu, 24th. December 2011: Thu, 1st; Sun, 4th; Sun, 11th; Thu, 15th; Sun, 18th; Thu, 22nd; Sun, 25th; Thu, 29th. January 2012: Sun, 1st; Thu, 5th; Thu, 12th; Sun, 15th; Thu, 19th; Sun, 22nd; Sat, 28th. February 2012: Sat, 4th; Sun, 5th; Sun, 12th; Thu, 16th; Sun, 19th; Thu, 23rd; Sun, 26th; Wed, 29th. March 2012: Thu, 8th; Sun, 11th; Thu, 15th; Sun, 18th; Thu, 22nd; Sun, 25th; Thu, 29th. April 2012: Sun, 1st; Sat, 7th; Sun, 8th; Sat, 14th; Sun, 15th; Sat, 21st; Sun, 22nd; Sat, 28th; Sun, 29th. (Total: 44 days)

(c) MiD DAY

From the Archives

2011-11-02T07:36:00.005+05:30

Someone reminded me about an article I wrote two years ago on this blog which helped him immensely. Maybe it can help you too.

Here is the link to the article:

The One-week Vacation

Best wishes for a new racing season,

Prakash Gosavi

Do you like this?

2011-10-22T09:49:00.004+05:30

Hi all,

If you like the way a sample analysis is presented below, just leave in a comment, "I like", to let me know.

Prakash Gosavi

Race 1:
The Whopper Plate
Class V; 0-26, 1600m
Time: 12.15 pm

The contenders:

#10 COUGAR:

Why a contender?: Ran its best race in Mumbai last season (#340), lost by a short head, attempted immediately next week on the last day of the season, but flopped. Switched off, shoes changed from aluminum to steel. Three runs this Pune season get her to a mark where she can strike.
Negatives: For some reason, never works on track, so obviously no track work since last run 20 days ago
Positives: Shoe change from steel to aluminum plates, going over possibly optimum trip, has swum 8 rounds between Oct 6 & Oct 12
Comment: Change of shoes is possibly a clear hint that she would put her best foot forward today irrespective of the odds, though raced way back in last run, showed some energy rounding the turn which could help today over a trip that is a furlong shorter compared to the last run
Likely odds: 7-1

#3 FREE FOR ALL:

Why a contender?: Missed jump in last start (race #36), came out of the gates a second too late, still finished on well to be fifth.
Negatives: Slow starter, never figured on boardPositives: Now goes out with a positive jockey switch, from Hanumant Singh to Neeraj Rawal.

Comment: If he takes a level jump today, will definitely be concerned at the finish
Likely odds: 5-1

#6 MUSICAL RHAPSODY:

Why a contender?: The only last-outing winner in the field, and that too over identical trip (1600m)
Negatives: 12 point (6 kg) penalty for that win, no track work since last run 14 days ago
Positives: In-form apprentice rider in charge, claims 3.5 kg (7 points) out of the 12-point extra

Comment: I think the horse was basically helped last time thanks to Dashrath Singh's riding skill. No doubt Kavraj Singh is in no mean form, but his specialty, so far, has been handling sprints.
Likely odds: 7-2

#8 Last Tango:

Why a contender?: Winner in same class on this track this season, very consistent
Negatives: Jockey fined for excessive whipping last time, running too soon (after 6 days)
Positives: Has always been reasonably fit this season, and always been a trier, never too far off the the winner even when lost

Comment: A genuine, prime contender; however, may not represent value for money if favourite
Likely odds: 7-2

#4 FREANY:

Why a contender?: Curiously, she has been swimming one round every alternate day for the last 12 days, has old form (before change of stables) that could make her a dark horse here
Negatives: No visible, recent form, raced wide last time
Positives: Has been on board on both occasions she has raced over this trip (1600m)

Comment: By definition, a bottom class race is most unpredictable, and sometimes it pays to know which could be the proverbial dark horse
Likely odds: 10-1

Final analysis: Though Musical Rhapsody and Last Tango may be in the forefront of betting, this race could throw up an outsider as a winner. For that reason, Free for All & Cougar deserve a closer look. Both have something going for them, and the price also may justify the risk involved. Cougar as a chance win or decent place bet makes sense to me.

Pune, Saturday, October 22

2011-10-22T09:42:00.001+05:30

Macchupicchu for RWITC Gold Cup

Prakash Gosavi
gosavi@mid-day.com

The curtain finally comes down on the monsoon racing season 2011 at the Pune racetrack. The final day features a well-filled card of ten races, and the main event is the grade 2, RWITC Gold Cup sponsored by the Oxford Properties.

Macchupicchu is tipped to win the event from Ocean And Beyond and Native Kngiht, but not without a fight.

First race at 12.15 pm.
Selections:

Race 1: Free For All 1, Cougar 2, Musical Rhapsody 3.
Race 2: Lake Leader 1, Beemer 2, Wild Imagination 3.
Race 3: Steely Dan 1, Solar Angel 2, Catalyst 3.
Race 4: Follow The Dream 1, Springbank 2, Highway Express 3.
Race 5: Cape Ferrat 1, Mighty Crusader 2, Ocean Wish 3.
Race 6: Dictator 1, Star Vision 2, Dovers Hill 3.
Race 7: Macchupicchu 1, Ocean And Beyond 2, Native Knight 3.
Race 8: Botswana 1, Dancing Glances 2, Soneeyo 3.
Race 9: Hym Path 1, Expelliarmus 2, Etesian 3.
Race 10: Sterling Silver 1, Super Hero 2, Shabdeez 3.

Recommendations
Best bet: Lake Leader (2-1)
Good bet: Dictator (6-2)
Chance bet: Steely Dan (3-2)
Upset: Glorious Miss (10-3)

Today's pools
Super jackpot pool: 5,6,7,8,9,10
Jackpot pool: I - 4,5,6,7,8; II - 6,7,8,9,10
Treble pool: I - 3,4,5; II - 7,8,9; III - 8,9,10
Tanala pool: All races.

(c) MiD DAY

Pune, Sunday, October 16

2011-10-16T12:05:00.000+05:30

Afrojack for Irish T'bred Million

Prakash Gosavi
gosavi@mid-day.com

The Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Million for two-year-old maiden horses is the feature event of Sunday's nine-race card. Going by the track trials, Afrojack and Asahi appear to be in forward condition, and the former is tipped to win the event.

For the best betting proposition of the day, I nominate Laurus Pride in the last race. Sterling Silver attracts as a good bet, while Rule Forever who has come from Bangalore has a fair chance to beat the local brigade in the Ista Hotels Champions Trophy, and shapes as a chance bet.

First race at 1 pm.
Selections:

Race 1: Uproar 1, Paris Hilton 2, Mypethoney 3.
Race 2: Arabian Empire 1, Blush 2, Master Craft 3.
Race 3: Titian 1, Enlightenment 2, Combined Operation 3.
Race 4: Dancing Dame 1, Oh Calcutta 2, Vittoria 3.
Race 5: Ocean Girl 1, Agni Baan 2, Arctic Minstrel 3.
Race 6: Afrojack 1, Asahi 2, Relic Hunter 3.
Race 7: Rule Forever 1, Encore 2, Cypress Point 3.
Race 8: Sterling Silver 1, C'est La Vie 2, Scintillating Star 3.
Race 9: Laurus Pride 1, Young Offender 2, Machala 3.

Recommendations
Best bet: Laurus Pride (9-7)
Good bet: Sterling Silver (8-8)
Chance bet: Rule Forever (7-4)
Upset: Shivalik Hero (6-5)

Today's pools
Super jackpot pool: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Jackpot pool: I - 2,3,4,5,6; II - 5,6,7,8,9
Treble pool: I - 2,3,4; II - 4,5,6; III - 7,8,9
Tanala pool: All races.

(c) MiD DAY