Derby Trials highlight of LRC’s Sunday meeting

Derby Trials take center stage in LRC’s Sunday meeting

Asher Butt 

The Lahore Race Club’s 23rd winter meeting of the 2024-25 season is set to unfold an exciting card of nine races on Sunday, with the much-anticipated Derby Trials serving as the highlight of the day. The event will also feature the Saeed Butt Memorial Cup, Col (R) Syed Abid Hussain Memorial Cup, and Nosha Cup, along with five Murree Plates, ensuring an action-packed day for equine sports enthusiasts.

The Derby Trials, a 2000-metre race featuring nine competitors, will be the main focus, with all eyes on Trigger, a standout contender with five wins and two places from 11 appearances. Prodigal Rain, with three victories and six places from 17 starts, is expected to offer strong competition, while Sardar, boasting five wins and five places from 11 outings, has the potential to cause an upset. Other participants in this crucial trial include Dominus, Desert Crown, Public Star, Swift Retort, Princess Rukhtas, and Wonder Woman (KRC), all vying for a place in next month’s Pakistan Derby.

The race day will kick off with the Murree Plate (Class VII, Division VI & VII), where Queen of Sodiwal is the front-runner, with Jhanbaz predicted to secure a place and Rutba capable of springing a surprise. Other competitors in the field include Bill Gates, Sultan Again, Ok Queen, Little Master, Haider Choice, Serenity, Deep Impact, Mafnood JR, Royal Baby, Mr Asia, Apache, Gifts of Gold, and Abdullah Champion.

The second race, another Murree Plate (Class VII, Division V & VI), features 12 horses, with Vartika as the favorite, Zaman Sahib expected to secure a place, and Twinkle a potential dark horse. The field also includes Sky Warrior, Gennie, Mumraiz Love, Al Mabrook, Tully Princess, Falco, Raftar, Amigo, and Sarparast.

A competitive lineup of 16 horses will take part in the third race (Class VII, Division III & IV), with Generosity leading the betting charts, Putin anticipated to take a place, and Luckvir expected to provide a surprise element. The other competitors include Handsome, Jupiter, Kuwait Edition, Vitoria, Thunder Man (KRC), Thunder Cloud (KRC), Challa Queen, Black Bird, Apple of My Eye, Zarbi, Great One, Monsoon Mischief, and Shareeka.

The fourth race, the Saeed Butt Memorial Cup, is a Term Race for three-year-old Colts & Fillies. Among the six contenders, Sultan is the favorite, Moni is likely to secure a place, and Prince William (KRC) may spring a surprise. The lineup is completed by Amanah Noor, Golden Heart, and Rakaposhi.

The Col (R) Syed Abid Hussain Memorial Cup, a Class VI, Division I-IV race, will see Sincere Approach (KRC) as the favorite, while Dawn to Dusk is expected to secure a place, and Brooklyn could be the upset contender. Other competitors include Manat, Dila Awaiz, Royal Salute, Mighty Macs, Redrock, and Farhan Prince.

The seventh race (Class VII, Division II) features 13 maiden runners, with Ronaq as the top pick, Gabriela expected to take a place, and Distant Music as a surprise candidate. The field also includes Hero, Moshi Queen, Secret Lover, Nawab Prince (KRC), Proud Rebel (KRC), Royal Guest, Blue Ash, Taj Mahal, Debate Princess, Matter of Luck (KRC), and Black Magic.

The Nosha Cup, the eighth race of the day, is a Term Race for Imported and Pakistani Horses. Suicide Blonde is the favorite, Marquises is expected to place, and Jim and Tonic may deliver an upset. Other horses in contention include Melisende, Sofia The First, Tierny, Tiete, Pakistani Star, and Thunder Star.

The final event, the ninth race (Class VII, Division I & II), features 13 competitors, with Suspicious One as the favorite, National Colour likely to place, and Khushbash as a potential surprise performer. The remaining horses include Thunder Princess, Khokhar One, Dangerous Intention (KRC), Dubawi’s Angel, Winx, Moni Prince, Big Dream, Husn-e-Baharan, Rock N Wild (KRC), and Thunder Boy (KRC).

With a thrilling mix of races lined up, the Lahore Race Club’s winter meeting promises high-stakes competition, surprises, and top-tier performances on the track. Racing fans can expect an action-packed day filled with exhilarating finishes and strategic runs from Pakistan’s finest thoroughbreds.