Excitement builds at LRC for Khair-ud-Din Barbarose Cup

 Excitement builds at LRC for Khair-ud-Din Barbarose Cup

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club gears up for a thrilling day of equestrian action with the much-anticipated Khair-ud-Din Barbarose Cup taking center stage during the 15th winter meeting on Sunday.

The Khair-ud-Din Barbarose Cup, nestled among seven Khyber Plates, promises to keep fans engaged with its strategic term race format. The event serves as a crucial preparation and assessment ground for potential colts and fillies eyeing the prestigious Pakistan Derby in the upcoming year.

The race-day unfolds with the first four races covering a mile's distance, followed by the signature Khair-ud-Din Barbarose Cup spanning 1600 meters. The excitement continues with the remaining three races covering a stretch of 1200 meters each.

The opening Khyber Plate of Class-VII and Division-VII has a field of 12 contenders that sparks anticipation, with Minister and Land Cruiser emerging as favorites for win and place, respectively. Agha Prince adds unpredictability to the mix, joined by competitors like Shobika, Khizer Choice, Taddy Don, Ubbi, Kara Macs, Silent Melody, Zoaq-e-Yaqeen, Champion Prince, and Chhota Dawn.

In the second Class-VII and Division-VI race, there are eleven participants vie for supremacy, with Pride of Chandrai eyed for the win, Merchant of Venus for a place, and an anticipated surprise from Kuwait Currency. The field also includes Sam Love, Bhola Bhala, Malik Prince, Jalthal, Sultan Jahaniya, Tango To Fire, Flying Fire, and Mister Macs.

The race three is of Class-VII and Division-IV&V having seven contenders, with Fame Again in the spotlight for a win, look for competition from Emerging Star and a potential surprise from Desert Parri. The field is completed by Top Secret, Khadim, Gifts of Gold, and Abdullah Love.

The  Class-VII and Division-III fourth race seven horses line up, with Husn-e-Baharan as the potential leader and Wonder Boy as the closest challenger. Generosity adds an element of surprise, joined by Sargent, Codes Cracker, Putin, and Arrogate.

The main event, Khair-ud-Din Barbarosa Cup (Term Race for 3YO TBP Colts & Fillies) features Jim And Tonic as the favored contender for glory, closely followed by Jhoom and the surprise potential of Farhan King. The challenging fifth race lineup includes Hizar, Love of Niaz Baig, Spartacus, Last Emperor, Sarpanch, Big Dream, Mighty Macs, Flying Arrow, and Flirty Kiss.

In the sixth race there are Class-VII and Division-I six competitors, led by Bella Veste, set the stage for an intense race in Class-VII and Division-I. Nimal Prince eyes a place, while Samson adds an element of surprise. The field is completed by Nimal Princess, La Belle, Mufasa, and Big Thought.

The Class-VII and Division-II Fifteen horses debut in the seventh race, where Varde One emerges as a top competitor. A close challenge may come from Enchanting One and Public Star. The diverse field includes Desert Crown, Queen of Hearts, Rock N Wild, Blazing Fire, Yesteryear, Stealing Beauty, Moni Princess, Dancing Bird, Public Star, Queen of Ameer, Polite Applause, Paddington, and National Colour.

The race 8 is of Class-VII and Division-I&II. This final race features 11 contenders, with Glorious One aiming for victory and Sher-e-Niaz Baig eyeing a place. A potential surprise may come from Addar. The lineup also includes Fairy World, Jalpana Prince, Alpha, Mark My Words, Bravo's Queen, Lady Jasmine, Sami Love, and Falling Love.