LRC - Features The 1000 Guineas & Anarkali Cup

 

LAHORE RACE CLUB - 21ST DAY COMPLETE PREDICTIONS & ANALYSIS

Sunday, 25th January 2026 - Featuring The 1000 Guineas & Anarkali Cup

Asher Butt

The 21st day of the Lahore Winter Meeting presents eight competitive races including two prestigious fillies contests: the 1000 Guineas of Pakistan (4-year-olds) and the Anarkali Cup (3-year-olds). After Day 20's dramatic result—where only one favourite won but the book's aggressive fluke strategy captured five winners—we approach this card with clear lessons: trust momentum, respect the 8-0 to 8-6 weight range, and don't automatically dismiss wide draws.

 

RACE 1 - Class VII Division VI & VII - 1100m - 12:00 Noon

Complete Field (16 horses - MASSIVE FIELD!):

1. Barrister (9-0), 2. Self Belief (8-10), 3. Fayyum (8-7), 4. Gallop In Glory (8-6), 5. Pride of Chandrai (8-4), 6. Sea of Class (8-4), 7. Augustus (8-4), 8. Babbar Sher (8-3), 9. Gifts of Gold (8-2), 10. Mr. Brown (7-12), 11. Fateh One (7-12), 12. American Star (7-12), 13. Tiger of Sultan (7-12), 14. Majesty (7-10), 15. I Shall Lead (7-10), 16. Lex Lugar (7-10)

BOOK PREDICTIONS:

• Favourite: Barrister (9-0)
• Place: Pride of Chandrai (8-4)
• Fluke: Sea of Class (8-4)

MY PREDICTIONS:

• FAVOURITE: Self Belief (8-10) - Post 2
• PLACE: Gallop In Glory (8-6) - Post 4
• FLUKE: Pride of Chandrai (8-4) - Post 5

Analysis: The book is backing Barrister at 9-0 from post 1—after 20 days proving 9-0 is nearly unwinnable, this seems incredibly bold! Barrister finished 3rd on Day 19 Race 2 at 9-0, showing competitiveness but unable to win with that burden. In a MASSIVE 16-horse field, the 9-0 weight becomes even more prohibitive as traffic intensifies.

I'm fading the topweight entirely. Self Belief at 8-10 from post 2 is my favorite—he finished 3rd on Day 18 Race 4 at 8-12, proving quality in smaller fields. The 8-10 weight places him in near-optimal range, and post 2 in 16-horse chaos provides crucial early positioning advantage.

Gallop In Glory at 8-6 from post 4 finished 3rd on Day 19 Race 2, showing consistent competitive form. The 8-6 weight is PERFECT (right in the sweet spot), and post 4 allows avoiding both rail trap and extreme wide journey.

Pride of Chandrai becomes MY fluke (book's place pick)—at 8-4 from post 5, he's positioned tactically in the heart of this massive field. Finished 2nd on Day 19 Race 2 as predicted fluke, proving he's genuinely competitive. If the topweights engage in early battle, Pride of Chandrai swoops.

Sea of Class (book's fluke, also 8-4 from post 6) finished 2nd on Day 20 Race 1, showing red-hot form. Both Pride of Chandrai and Sea of Class at 8-4 with adjacent draws make this a coin-flip on which capitalizes.

Key Factor: 16-horse field = maximum chaos. Rail positions become death traps, topweights get boxed, mid-pack horses (posts 4-8) with optimal weights (8-4 to 8-6) dominate.

Confidence Level: MEDIUM - Huge field creates unpredictability, but weight/position logic is sound.

 

RACE 2 - Class VII Division V & VI - 1100m - 12:35 PM

Complete Field (8 horses):

1. Safe Bet (9-0), 2. Zaman Sahib (9-0), 3. Anni Power (8-6), 4. Naveed-e-Sahar (8-6), 5. Latin Strom (8-6), 6. Mafnood JR (7-10), 7. Bodrum (7-10), 8. Lahif (7-8)

BOOK PREDICTIONS:

• Favourite: Zaman Sahib (9-0)
• Place: Anni Power (8-6)
• Fluke: Safe Bet (9-0)

MY PREDICTIONS:

• FAVOURITE: Naveed-e-Sahar (8-6) - Post 4
• PLACE: Anni Power (8-6) - Post 3
• FLUKE: Bodrum (7-10) - Post 7

Analysis: The book has both 9-0 topweights in their predictions—Zaman Sahib as favorite and Safe Bet as fluke! This suggests they see quality difference despite equal weights. However, both finished poorly on Day 20 (Zaman Sahib 2nd Race 2, Safe Bet failed Race 3).

I'm fading BOTH 9-0 horses. Naveed-e-Sahar at 8-6 from post 4 is my favorite—he's been consistently competitive across multiple starts (won Day 16, won Day 17, 2nd Day 18, 2nd Day 19, 2nd Day 20 Race 3). This remarkable consistency (five consecutive podiums!) proves genuine quality. The 8-6 weight with tactical positioning makes him logical choice.

Anni Power at 8-6 from post 3 gets agreement as major player (book's place, my place too!). Equal weight with Naveed-e-Sahar creates competitive balance.

Bodrum is MY fluke at 7-10 from post 7—he WON Race 1 on Day 20 at 7-13 as massive upset! The lightest competitive weight with recent victory momentum makes him dangerous. If the 9-0 horses engage early, Bodrum circles and swoops again.

Key Factor: Small field (8 horses) means less traffic, but 9-0 curse remains. Naveed-e-Sahar's five consecutive podiums represent the meeting's most reliable form indicator.

Confidence Level: HIGH - Recent form + optimal weight + tactical position all align.

 

RACE 3 - Class VII Division IV & V - 1100m - 1:10 PM

Complete Field (9 horses):

1. Zarbi (9-0), 2. Pakiza (8-10), 3. Royal Stone (8-6), 4. Rafah (8-6), 5. Shahan Shah (8-4), 6. Imperius (8-4), 7. Paddington (8-4), 8. Thunder Boy (8-0), 9. Red Chilly (7-12)

BOOK PREDICTIONS:

• Favourite: Rafah (8-6)
• Place: Pakiza (8-10)
• Fluke: Zarbi (9-0)

MY PREDICTIONS:

• FAVOURITE: Pakiza (8-10) - Post 2
• PLACE: Royal Stone (8-6) - Post 3
• FLUKE: Rafah (8-6) - Post 4

Analysis: The book is calling the 9-0 topweight (Zarbi) a fluke while favoring Rafah at 8-6—classic aggressive contrarian approach! Zarbi won Race 4 on Day 19 at 8-6, showing quality, but the handicapper's 8-pound weight increase to 9-0 reflects that victory. Can he repeat at heavier burden?

Pakiza at 8-10 from post 2 is my favorite—she's been remarkably consistent (won Day 16, 2nd Day 17, won Day 18, winner Day 19). Four starts, three wins, one second—this is elite form! The 8-10 weight with inside positioning makes her logical choice.

Royal Stone at 8-6 from post 3 won Race 1 on Day 17, proving competitive quality. Equal weight with Rafah but better positioning (post 3 vs 4).

Rafah becomes MY fluke (book's favorite!)—at 8-6 from post 4, he finished 2nd on Day 20 Race 3 as a "total stranger," suggesting hidden form. The book clearly sees something in him, making this a genuine philosophical split.

Key Factor: Pakiza's three wins from four starts represents the meeting's best win percentage among active horses. Momentum matters enormously.

Confidence Level: HIGH - Pakiza's form is undeniable.

 

RACE 4 - Class VI - 1400m - 1:45 PM

Complete Field (6 horses):

1. Daaku (9-0), 2. Perfect Again (8-0), 3. Feel My Love (7-12), 4. Luna Afzaal (7-12), 5. Jupiter (7-10), 6. Dominus (7-8)

BOOK PREDICTIONS:

• Favourite: Daaku (9-0)
• Place: Perfect Again (8-0)
• Fluke: Jupiter (7-10)

MY PREDICTIONS:

• FAVOURITE: Perfect Again (8-0) - Post 2
• PLACE: Daaku (9-0) - Post 1
• FLUKE: Luna Afzaal (7-12) - Post 4

Analysis: The book is backing Daaku at 9-0 over extended distance (1400m). Daaku won Race 7 on Days 18 and 20, proving genuine quality and ability to carry weight over distance. This represents one scenario where 9-0 might be winnable: small field (6 horses), extended distance (1400m where stamina matters more than pure speed), proven winner.

However, I'm still cautious. Perfect Again at 8-0 from post 2 finished 2nd on Days 18 and 20 Race 7, showing he's consistently competitive against Daaku. The 14-pound advantage (9-0 vs 8-0) over 1400m becomes increasingly significant.

Luna Afzaal is MY fluke at 7-12 from post 4—she WON the finale on Day 20 "with commanding victory" at 8-6. Now at 7-12 (even lighter!), she's dangerous if the topweights engage in sustained duel over distance.

Key Factor: Extended distance (1400m) where weight compounds. Perfect Again has twice finished 2nd to Daaku—can the weight differential finally tip the balance?

Confidence Level: MEDIUM - Daaku's quality vs. Perfect Again's weight advantage creates genuine uncertainty.

 

RACE 5 - 1000 GUINEAS OF PAKISTAN ⭐⭐⭐ (4YO Fillies) - 1600m - 2:20 PM

Complete Field (10 horses):

1. Awan Choice (8-12), 2. Cinderella's Dream (8-12), 3. Dilbar (8-12), 4. Distant Music (8-12), 5. Moni Queen (8-12), 6. Nisha (8-12), 7. Princess Sara (8-12), 8. Qismat (8-12), 9. Ronaq (8-12), 10. Secret Lover (8-12)

BOOK PREDICTIONS:

• Favourite: Ronaq (8-12)
• Place: Dilbar (8-12)
• Fluke: Qismat (8-12)

MY PREDICTIONS:

• FAVOURITE: Qismat (8-12) - Post 8
• PLACE: Ronaq (8-12) - Post 9
• FLUKE: Cinderella's Dream (8-12) - Post 2

Analysis: ALL TEN fillies carry identical 8-12 weight—making this pure tactical battle decided by positioning, form, and jockey skill! The book favors Ronaq (post 9, near-widest draw) based on her finishing 2nd in the Metropolitan Fillies Trial Cup on Day 17 from post 7 (wide draw).

I'm backing Qismat at 8-12 from post 8—she WON the Metropolitan Fillies Trial Cup on Day 17 with "unleashed powerful run" from post 6. Now from similar outside position (post 8), she can replicate that tactical late charge. The book has her as fluke, I have her as favorite—major philosophical split!

Ronaq becomes MY place (book's favorite)—her Trial Cup second shows she's competitive, and consecutive wide-draw performances (post 7 Day 17, post 9 today) suit her running style.

Cinderella's Dream is MY fluke from post 2—inside positioning in equal-weight scenario over distance (1600m) could allow her to sit off pace and challenge. Different tactical approach than outside sweepers.

Key Factor: 1600m distance with ALL equal weights = pure quality and tactics. Recent Trial Cup form (Qismat won, Ronaq 2nd) provides strongest guide.

Confidence Level: MEDIUM-HIGH - Equal weights make this predictable in theory, but 10-horse field creates chaos.

 

RACE 6 - ANARKALI CUP ⭐⭐⭐ (3YO Fillies) - 1200m - 2:55 PM

Complete Field (9 horses):

1. Coach House Candy (9-0), 2. Ameera (8-0), 3. Pretty Girl (8-7), 4. Princess Barcelona (8-7), 5. Bellatrix (8-0), 6. Dubawi's Dream (8-0), 7. Metro Queen (8-0), 8. Peelo Wains (8-0), 9. Queen of Pharoah (8-0)

BOOK PREDICTIONS:

• Favourite: Coach House Candy (9-0)
• Place: Pretty Girl (8-7)
• Fluke: Princess Barcelona (8-7)

MY PREDICTIONS:

• FAVOURITE: Pretty Girl (8-7) - Post 3
• PLACE: Princess Barcelona (8-7) - Post 4
• FLUKE: Coach House Candy (9-0) - Post 1

Analysis: Coach House Candy at 9-0 won the Memorial New Year Cup on Day 17, proving she's a quality filly. The book is backing her despite the 9-0 curse. However, she's conceding 14-18 pounds to the field—massive advantages for competitors.

I'm inverting the selection: Pretty Girl at 8-7 from post 3 is my favorite—finished 3rd in the Memorial Cup, showing she's competitive. The 7-pound concession from Coach House Candy with better tactical positioning (post 3 vs 1) makes her logical choice.

Princess Barcelona at 8-7 from post 4 WON Race 6 on Day 20 "at odds" (massive price!) from post 15 in a 15-horse maiden. The book's confidence making her their fluke again shows they trust her form despite chaos of that victory.

Coach House Candy becomes MY fluke—if she wins at 9-0, it validates quality over weight. But history suggests she'll place at best.

Key Factor: SIX fillies carry 8-0, TWO carry 8-7, ONE carries 9-0. The weight clustering at 8-0 creates competitive tier that might overwhelm Coach House Candy.

Confidence Level: MEDIUM - Prestige fillies race with quality field.

 

RACE 7 - Class VII Division I & II - 1300m - 3:30 PM

Complete Field (6 horses):

1. New York City (9-0), 2. Winx (8-9), 3. Dubawi's Angel (8-8), 4. Public Star (8-2), 5. Flash (8-2), 6. Golden Star (8-2)

BOOK PREDICTIONS:

• Favourite: Public Star
• Place: Dubwai’s Angle
• Fluke: Golden Star

MY PREDICTIONS:

• FAVOURITE: Dubawi's Angel (8-8) - Post 3
• PLACE: Winx (8-9) - Post 2
• FLUKE: Flash (8-2) - Post 5

Analysis: Book didn't provide predictions for this race. New York City at 9-0 from post 1 is the obvious traditional favorite, but after 21 days of 9-0 failures, I'm fading him.

Dubawi's Angel at 8-8 from post 3 won Race 4 on Day 17 and finished 3rd on Day 20 Race 7, showing consistent quality. The 8-8 weight with tactical positioning makes her solid choice.

Winx at 8-9 from post 2 is close to topweight but positioned well to track. Flash at 8-2 from post 5 finished 3rd on Day 20 Race 4 (Democracy Cup), showing he can compete over distance.

Confidence Level: MEDIUM - Small field over distance with clear weight advantages for mid-pack horses.

 

RACE 8 - Class VII Division II & III - 1100m - 4:05 PM

Complete Field (13 horses):

1. Lord A Lion (9-0), 2. Moni Ki Chahat (9-0), 3. American Gambler (8-12), 4. Mister Sardar (8-12), 5. Green Card (8-12), 6. Little Master (8-12), 7. Crown Pharoah (8-10), 8. Tez Tareen (8-8), 9. Waqat (8-8), 10. Shibra (8-7), 11. Loud And Clear (8-5), 12. Asif Princess (8-5), 13. Haseeb Thunder (7-10)

BOOK PREDICTIONS:

• Favourite: Moni Ki Chahat (9-0)
• Place: Loud And Clear (8-5)
• Fluke: Green Card (8-12)

MY PREDICTIONS:

• FAVOURITE: Little Master (8-12) - Post 6
• PLACE: Crown Pharoah (8-10) - Post 7
• FLUKE: Haseeb Thunder (7-10) - Post 13

Analysis: The book is backing Moni Ki Chahat at 9-0—TWO horses carry 9-0 (Lord A Lion, Moni Ki Chahat), both from posts 1-2. After 21 days proving 9-0 rarely wins, this seems risky.

Little Master at 8-12 from post 6 WON Race 5 on Day 20 as "big surprise," proving current form. The 8-12 weight with tactical positioning makes him logical choice.

Crown Pharoah at 8-10 from post 7 has been consistently competitive across multiple starts despite failures. The weight/position combination is solid.

Haseeb Thunder is MY fluke at 7-10 from widest draw (post 13)—the Haseeb stable's hot form continues. At 7-10 (24 pounds less than topweights!), he can circle the field if patient tactics employed.

Confidence Level: MEDIUM - Large field (13 horses) creates traffic chaos favoring tactical positions.

 

FINAL SUMMARY & BETTING STRATEGY

Highest Confidence Races:

• Race 2: Naveed-e-Sahar (five consecutive podiums!)
• Race 3: Pakiza (three wins from four starts)
• Race 5: Qismat (Trial Cup winner in equal-weight scenario)

Most Unpredictable:

• Race 1 (16-horse chaos)
• Race 5 (10 fillies, all equal weight)

Recommended Multi-Bet:

• Naveed-e-Sahar (Race 2)
• Pakiza (Race 3)
• Qismat (Race 5)