Monsoon Cup fever grips LRC — surprises on the cards on Sunday?

 

Monsoon Cup fever grips LRC — surprises on the cards on Sunday?

 

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club is set to light up again this Sunday evening with the 12th Day Summer Meeting 2025, and all eyes will be on the Monsoon Cup, the crown jewel of the day’s five-race card. While the Cup is the headliner, the supporting cast of four Samnabad Plates promises its own drama, upsets, and moments of glory. With every race pegged at 1000 metres and thoroughbreds split across Class VII divisions, punters and fans alike can brace for fireworks.

The opening Samnabad Plate (Div VI & VII) has Shahan Shah carrying the favourite’s mantle, but watch out for Thunder Prince (Krc) sneaking into the money. And if the day starts with an upset, don’t be surprised if Amigo delivers that early shocker. Still, names like Mumraiz Love, Sea of Class, and Gifts of Gold are lurking — making this opener no easy pick.

Race two, the Samnabad Plate (Div II & III), pits Mr Asia as the standout favourite. His consistency has made him a crowd darling, but Generosity could test him for place honours. Falco, meanwhile, is the classic outsider who just might upset the odds. Golden Heart and Tahira add extra spice to this contest, while the rest — Al Shouq, Yestereary, Sehar, and Absolutely Not — could spring surprises if the pace goes their way.

By race three, the Samnabad Plate (Div V & VI), the battle looks even trickier. Multani Babu is being hailed as the one to beat, but Thunder Man (Krc) isn’t far behind in whispers around the paddock. Raftar carries that dangerous “fluke” tag — the kind who could blow apart betting slips. Add to the mix Pocket Power, Latin Storm, and Victory BullBul, and you have a race that screams unpredictability.

Then comes the big one — the Monsoon Cup (Div I & II). On paper, it looks like Rakaposhi’s race to lose. But racing rarely sticks to the script. Son of Sultan looks primed to run into place money, while Flash has the speed to deliver that heart-stopping upset. The supporting cast is no pushover either — Mera Gondal, Princess Noor, National Colour, Secret Lover, and Thunder Boy (Krc) make this Cup clash a wide-open affair. Expect drama, expect shocks, and above all, expect a roaring finish.

The curtain falls with the Samnabad Plate (Div IV & V), where Taj Mahal is tipped to sign off the evening on a high note. Rayaan Prince is the safe bet for place, but Rashid Prince could play spoiler. With tough contenders like Murtajil, Kuwait Edition, Sky Warrior, and Trixie also in the mix, the finale won’t be short of thrills.

While Rakaposhi in the Monsoon Cup and Multani Babu in the third race appear the punters’ safe picks, this card is loaded with “fluke chances” — Amigo, Falco, and Raftar among them — who could turn the evening upside down. Racing fans better keep their slips tight, because this Sunday at Lahore Race Club, the Monsoon Cup may well bring a storm of surprises.