Unbeaten in two outings, Nourbese is going up in class. The Ricky Maingard-trained horse will try to make it three in a row on Saturday in the main race over 1500m at the Champ-de-mars racecourse.
Nourbese will have never raced in Mauritius if there was not the second lockdown in the island due to the Covid-19 pandemic this year. He was transit and quarantine in Chamarel with top horses Katak and Van Halen waiting to be exported to Saudi Arabia, and then to Dubai and his final destination would have been Hong-Kong. He was blocked in Mauritius and the owners of Ricky Maingard Stable bought him for an undisclosed price. Katak ran second in The Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m – G1) in Singapore in October, and Van Halen is now in training at Chantilly in France.
Nourbese won his two first races in Mauritius easily in Benchmark 56. He came from the back the first time showing a remarkable turn of foot in the final straight. He raced closer to the pace in his last race. He showed some good gate speed and he finished strongly to win easily. He is a top horse who is in a good shape and he is the big favourite to win his third race at the Champ-de-mars racecourse.
Trippi’s Express is a genuine performer running second in his last two races. He was beaten by Frosted Gold in the Princess Margaret Cup (1400- G1). Trippi’s Express can have a dream run breaking from gate number three.
Wall Tag is a class dropper. He showed that he can match with the best horses when he is at his best. His last race must be ignored as he was not striding out. He did well at the training and he will be right there.
Padre Pio was bought at a high price but he never delivered the goods till now with only one win in six races. He finished 6th in the Maiden Cup (2400m – G1) last time. He is back over a distance which will better suit him. He can turn the tables if he reproduced his South-African form.
Selection: Nourbese – Trippi’s Express – Wall Tag – Padre Pio
Nourbese last trackwork
Nourbese last win
Trippi’s Exdpress last trackwork
Trippi’s Express last win
Wall Tag last trackwork
Wall Tag last win
Padre Pio last trackwork
Padre Pio last win
Tips
Race 1- 1400m – (0-15)
Xanthus -Greatfiveeight -Special Force – Kali’s Champ
Race 2 – 1365m – (0-26)
Spry-Manetheren-Ticket To Cairo – Alpirod
Race 3 – 1850m – B36
Stageworld-G I Joe -Canary Island – Lit
Race 4 – 1500m – B46
Silver Heritage-Captain Flynt -Juniper Lane – Pop Icon
Race 5 – 1365 – B56
Colour My Fate -Huyssteen-Tower Of Wisdom – Footy Goal
Race 6 – 1500m – B66
Nourbese-Trippi’s Express-Wall Tag – Padre Pio
Race 7 – 1450m – B31
Do Or Dare-Courtroom Magic-Smuts – Travelin Man
Race 8 – 1650m – (0-25)
Why Wouldn’t Yew -Tiger’s Bond-Arnica Montana – Silver Song
Bankers : Nourbese – Colour My Fate
Value Bets : Why Wouldn’t Yew – Stageworld
Outsiders: Do Or Dare – Alpirod
