Sunday’s meeting of LRC promises high-octane racing action

 

Sunday’s meeting of LRC promises high-octane racing action

Asher Butt

Horse racing enthusiasts are in for a thrilling Sunday evening as the Lahore Race Club rolls out the 40th Day Winter Meeting 2024-25, featuring a competitive lineup of six races — all part of the Shah Kot Plate series. Scheduled to take place over 800 metres each, the races stretch across Class-VII divisions from I to VII, offering an exciting mix of seasoned contenders and fresh challengers.

What sets this card apart is the balance between unpredictability and pedigree. While all six races promise entertainment, Race 4 and Race 5 have emerged as the most hotly anticipated, thanks to their compact but elite lineups of top-notch thoroughbreds.

The action kicks off with a 12-runner maiden field in Race 1 (Class-VII, Division VI & VII), where Usman’s Love leads the betting as favourite. Flokey is expected to compete for a place, while I Shall Lead has entered the conversation as a potential upset. The rest of the field includes names like Rashid Prince, Mumtaz The Great, Thunder Lady, Bilal Prince, Daisy Macs, Shan-e-Sultan, Timmy, Dubai Love, and Deep Impact.

Race 2 (Class-VII, Division V & VI) brings 13 runners to the gates. Little Master has drawn early favour, with Jalal Prince as a strong contender for second. Watch out for Apple of My Eye, tipped as a possible surprise entry. Also lining up are Dil Lagi, Absolutely Not, Twinkle, Monsoon Mischief, Imad Mafnood JR, Lucky Macs, Al Mabrook, Thunder Man (KRC), Sky Warrior, and Chika Ricka.

The third contest, featuring 9 runners in the Class-VII Division III & IV category, has Deep Seek emerging as the top pick, while Paddington is being talked up for a strong finish. Qalandar might pull a fast one, and the race is rounded out by Thunder Boy (KRC), Desert Parri, Trixie, Deedavar, Luckvir, and Azaad.

The excitement really builds in Race 4 (Class-VII, Division II) where Rakaposhi is a crowd favourite, closely followed by Samore City for a place finish. However, Elizabeth could upset the order. With contenders like Sarkar Raj, Son of Sultan, and Sardar Bey also in the fray, this race is shaping up to be a thriller.

Race 5 showcases the crème de la crème of this meeting. With just five elite runners in the combined Class-VII Division I and Class-VI Division IV category, Luna Afzaal stands tall as the frontrunner. Wynx is the likely second-best, but Zuza might just throw in a surprise. Quality Street and Golden Heart complete the high-stakes field.

The final showdown of the evening, Race 6 (Class-VII, Division VI & VII), features 10 runners, with Mr. Asia pegged as the favourite. Mumraiz Love should be right on his heels, while Tango To Fire is being watched closely as the dark horse. Other participants include Merchant of Venus, Leo Star, Noon Princess, Gul-e-Kashmir, Land Cruiser, Al Karam, and Gifts of Gold.

With fine weather forecast and strong fields in each race, today’s meeting at the Lahore Race Club promises fast-paced finishes, surprising outcomes, and a memorable day for racing fans. Whether you're a seasoned punter or a casual observer, there's plenty to enjoy under the twilight skies at one of Pakistan’s premier racing venues.