The anticipation is electric at the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) as Pune gears up for an action-packed Sunday of racing. With seven fiercely competitive contests on the card, the Pune Races August 24 meeting promises high drama, tactical battles, and a showcase of equine brilliance.
The atmosphere around the paddock has been buzzing since early morning. Trainers checked girths twice, jockeys shared quiet nods of confidence, and racing enthusiasts poured into the stands — all bracing for a day where fortunes could turn in the blink of an eye.
Early Tempo: So Perfect Plate to Spark the Afternoon
The curtain rises at 1:25 p.m. with The So Perfect Plate, a Class V contest over 1400 metres. Ananya, guided by jockey Ritesh Gochhi for trainer B. Prithviraj, and Madison, partnered by Nirmal Jodha under trainer Nirad Karanjawala, headline a competitive opener. Both horses bring solid trackwork form, and the pair’s duel could set the tone for the day.
Short and Sharp: Act In Time Plate at 2:05 p.m.
Speed takes centre stage in The Act In Time Plate, a brisk 1000-metre dash for horses rated 40 to 66. Lord Eric, from Dallas Todywalla’s yard with ace rider P. Trevor aboard, faces a stiff challenge from Western Star, trained by Narendra Lagad with jockey Aditya Waydande in the saddle. Expect a tactical burst of pace where even the slightest misstep could prove costly.
Middle-Distance Drama: Capitulate Plate at 2:45 p.m.
The 2000-metre Capitulate Plate features open prospects and strategic riding will be key. Treat, handled by jockey Neeraj Rawal for trainer Imtiaz A. Sait, and Superstar, ridden by Vivek G under P. Shroff’s guidance, spearhead the field. With stamina, timing, and judgement all in play, this race promises to test the depth of preparation.
Pune Times Mirror Trophy at 3:25 p.m.
Three-year-olds take the spotlight in the Pune Times Mirror Trophy over 1200 metres. Algonquin, trained by Dallas Todywalla and partnered by A. Sandesh, squares off against Merchant of Venice, from Nirad Karanjawala’s yard under jockey Nirmal Jodha. A thrilling stretch duel seems inevitable, with margins likely measured in fractions.
Feature Race Highlight: Nana Raghunath Salver at 4:05 p.m.
The day’s feature, The Nana Raghunath Salver (1600 metres), carries weight for the season’s graded standings. Hagibis, handled by R. Shelar for trainer H. J. Anita, meets Daddy’s Blessing, under jockey N. S. Parmar for Subhag Singh’s yard. With seasoned contenders in the mix, this race is set to deliver one of the afternoon’s defining moments.
Penultimate Clash: Dr. S. R. Captain Salver at 4:45 p.m.
The Dr. S. R. Captain Salver brings another gripping mile battle. Destroyer, guided by S. J. Sunil for Vijay Kasbekar, faces Chagall, trained by P. Shroff with S. Siddharth aboard. Expect rapid positioning out of the gates.
Grand Finale: Spark of Gold Plate at 5:25 p.m.
Closing the card, The Spark of Gold Plate over 1200 metres promises fireworks. Azure, with Antony Raj S. in the saddle for trainer Imtiaz A. Sait, and House of Lords, ridden by C. Umesh for Narendra Lagad, headline the finale. With evening shadows lengthening over the Pune grandstand, this race could deliver a breathtaking finish.
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