The Chennai races preview for Saturday, October 4, promises an afternoon of contrasting contests at Madrs Race Club. With seven races scheduled between 1:20 pm and 5:20 pm, the card is framed around speed, stamina, and the dual divisions of the Frankel Cup. From juveniles stepping out in search of early glory to established names defending their turf, the afternoon should keep punters and purists alike engaged.
Early Dashers on Display
The opening sprint, the Desert Warrior Handicap, sets the pace at 1:20 pm. A modest handicap for horses rated 00 to 25 over 1200 metres, it may not boast the glamour of later races, but it often produces a sharp early pointer for local stables. Royal Exemplar, under Darshan N for R Foley, has the credentials to make a mark, while Everwin for J Sebastian and Dakshin Vijay with A.S. Peter are consistent threats. Black Label, partnered by Sah Farid Ansari, also carries claims if the tempo suits.
Middle Mile Challenges
The Own Beauty Handicap over 1400 metres (20 to 45 rated) at 2:00 pm should see stronger competition. Chief Admiral with Akshay Kumar represents the trusted B. Suresh yard, while Black Diamond under Yash Narredu adds depth from the Deepesh Narredu stable. Nozomi, with Mukesh Kumar aboard, looks like the dark horse if he can settle early. A race that promises tactical battles more than sheer speed.
Three-Year-Olds in the Spotlight
The Rose Bowl Plate at 2:40 pm is exclusively for three-year-olds, carrying a purse of ₹11,22,000 over 1400 metres. Legacy from the Narredu camp and Larissa with P. Trevor for S.S. Attaollahi headline a promising lineup. King D, Present Sir, and Elsa are not without merit, making this the classic connoisseur’s highlight before the handicaps take over. Expect at least one colt or filly here to stamp authority as a future star.
Stamina Tests and Longer Journeys
The Exhilaration Handicap at 3:20 pm takes the runners over 1800 metres for horses rated 20 to 45. Maana, a Darius Byramji trainee with P. Trevor in the saddle, brings quality to the field. Stablemate Blue Picasso, partnered by Yash Narredu, also commands attention. Alpha Domino and Aviothic will be thereabouts, but much depends on tempo and Trevor’s tactical choices.
The Frankel Cup Takes Centre Stage
No Chennai meeting feels complete without a marquee sprint, and Saturday offers two. The Frankel Cup (Division I) at 4:00 pm brings seasoned speedsters into play over 1200 metres. Don Carlos for Attaollahi and Aspira under Yash Narredu are the headline acts, though Constant Variable and Golden Marina are capable of springing surprises. Rise Again, partnered by Sah Farid Ansari, looks primed to test the front-runners.
Division II at 4:40 pm is no less competitive, featuring Ruling Star for Deepesh Narredu, Rubirosa for Ramanathan, and Raffinato from the Fahad Khan barn. Proposed and Andorra add layers of intrigue, while King’s Walk for B. Suresh could relish the conditions if the pace unfolds his way. Together, the two divisions ensure the Frankel Cup lives up to its billing as the meeting’s centerpiece.
Closing the Curtain
The final act, the Chaitanya Chakram Handicap at 5:20 pm, gathers horses rated 40 to 65 over 1400 metres. Dark Son and Bluemed from the Sebastian yard provide a strong double-barrel challenge. Efficacy with P. Trevor offers Attaollahi another late chance at success, while Macron and Suryakrishi are among those hoping to land a late strike. As the sun dips, this race could leave punters chasing one final upset.
A Day Balanced Between Promise and Proven Form
The October 4 Chennai races preview reveals a card balanced neatly between unexposed three-year-olds and handicappers with miles on their legs. While the Rose Bowl Plate should signal future stars, the Frankel Cup divisions will decide who reigns supreme over MRC’s sprint strip. With conditions fair and fields competitive, it’s a day where pedigree, planning, and split-second decisions in the saddle may all prove decisive.
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