7th meeting – Mauritius Derby Trial Cup – 1400m – G3 – 4 yrs OlD
Padre finished second in The Duchess of York Cup, and Padre Pio is now the favourite in the first leg of the 4 years Old Championship to be run next Saturday at the Champ-de-mars racecourse. He must fear Master Of Illusion, Ehsaan, Fools Gold and specially the newcomer, Frosted Gold.
Named after Italian priest Padre Pio, also known as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, he is the most expensive gelding imported for the 2021 racing season. Sired by champion Vercingetorix, and out by great mare Polar Jet, Padre Pio was one of the most promising 3 years Old in South Africa. His last outing there was in The Vodacom Durban July of 2020.
Padre Pio lost he first race in Mauritius as he finished second in The Duchess Of York Cup nearly one month ago. He had a tough race by being caught wide throughout, and he was beaten by the highest rated horse in Mauritius, Twist of Fate.
Trainer Simon Jones accessed his horse after that race and he gave his just the amount of work needed to be ready for the first leg of the 4 years old Championship. Padre Pio will have a big advantage compared to most of the other horses by carrying the bottom weight of 52.5Kg.
Frosted Gold’s first outing will be watched closely. He is the second runner of businessman Jean Michel Lee Shim, ex-bookmaker and founder of betting conglomerate SMS Pariaz. The race of his first horse, Footy Goal was doubtful with the Racing Stewards questioning South African jockey Piere Corne Orffer about his tactics in the first part of the 990m where he elected not to chase his horse and was left many lengths back. Footy Goal finished strongly grabbing the third place. Will it be a different story with Frosted Gold?
The grey gelding is a five-time winner in South Africa. He raced amongst the best horses of this country. Frosted Gold is rated by far as the best 4 years old bought for the season. He did well during his gallops and he will be a hard nut to crack.
Trainer Ricky Maingard will have a second runner with Fools Gold who will be a decent outsider as he will be reunited with Mauritian jockey Rai Joorawon who won twice with him last year.
Master Of Illusion nearly made a pillar to post in The Duchess of York Cup. He is one to be feared with his draw 1 at the gates.
The Duchess of York Cup winner of 2020, Ehsaan can turn the table. The Ramapatee Gujadhur’s gelding runs very well fresh and he can make it.
Selection: Padre Pio, Frosted Gold, Ehsaan, Master Of Illusion.
Tips
Race 1 – 1500m (0-15)
Seventh Silver – Kings Empire – Gimme A Swinger – Groban
Race 2 – 990m (0-25)
Go Jewel – Global Glory – Duke Of York – Wendylle
Race 3 – 1600m (B41)
Viking Trail – Kaydens Pride – Bestday Of Mylife – Moschino
Race 4 – 1400m (B46)
Sea Dance – Carlas Mambo – Cash Call – Watch Me Dad
Race 5 – 1600m (B51)
Blackburn Roc – Consul Of War – Hubble – Charleston Hero
Race 6 – 990m (B31)
Gunner Runner – Doublethink – James Peter – Badawee
Race 8 – 1400m (0-15)
Misty Roller – Hit The Green – Xanthus – Midnight Messenger
Race 9 – 1365m (0-26)
Citadel – Stageworld – Massimo – Ultimate Warrior
Bankers: Black Burn Roc, Go Jewel, Sea Dance
Value Bets: Viking Trail, Gunner Runner
Outsiders: Ehsaan, Stageworld
