Only six horses will compete for the first main event of 2023 whichi will be run over 1365. Trainer Samraj Mahadia can start the new season on a high note with two strong contenders who are Juniper Lane and Tower Of Wisdom.
Samraj Mahadia will have a big chance to win the main race of Saturday with Juniper Lane. He is currently in good form for his comeback. This front runner will start from gate number one and he will carry only 54.5 kg. He will try to outrun his opponents in the race by trying to win from pillar to post. Juniper Lane has his problems. He is a bleeder, and he can bleed during the trip.
His boxmate, Tower Of Wisdom should not be underestimated. It run well fresh. He is a genuine performer who will have to work hard at the start to find a good position from his bad draw. Rakesh Bhaugeerothee’s mount remains a serious contender for victory.
Dynamite Jack will have his favorite jockey on his back, Jameer Allyhosain. He is now trained by the south-african trainer Dominic Zaki. Dynamite Jack raced against much better horses and he will have his word to say in this category. He trained mainly at the JMLS Equestrian Center at Petit Gamin, and he showed that he his in a great shape with his last gallops at the Champ-de-mars lately. He will be the main danger for Juniper Lane.
Etched In Blue and Royal Italian will be two good outsiders. Etched In Blue ended its 2022 campaign beautifully. He won on the 37th meetin over 990m. He then confirmed by taking a good fourth place at 3.10L from Emerald Band over 1400m on his last outing. He is in good physical condition, and he will be feared at the finish.
Royal Italian defended well last year with a victory and two places. He won on the 34th meeting over 1600m in B46. He goes up several categories, but he could upset the odds with only 53 kg on his back.
Tips
Race 1– (0-15) – 1400m
Crackon – Chestnut Cove – Kali’s Champ
Race 2 – (0-20) – 1400m
Celestial Magma – Masterofallisurvey – Supreme Elevation
Race 3 – B31 – 990m
El Patron – Rain Must Fall – Captains Fort
Race 4 – (0-25) – 1365m
Capkuta – Lite Of My Life – Giggin
Race 5 – B41 – 1400m
Massimo – Pop Icon – Creation
Race 6 – B 56 – 1365m
Juniper Lane – Dynamite Jack – Tower Of Wisdom
Race 7 – B36 – 1365m
Desert Boy – Desert Illusion – Jacalac
Race 8 – B41 – 1400M
One Day Or Day One – Volatile Energy – Instinctive Power – Eagles Vision
Tips
- Banker: El Patron – One Day Or Day One
- Value Bets: Pop Icon – Chestnut Cove
- Outsiders: Giggin – Creation
Dynamite Jack last win
Tower Of Wisdom last win
Juniper Lane last win
Etched In Blue last win
Exit for trainers Patrick Merven and Gareth Van Zyl
Patrick Merven decided to stop as trainer after 27 years. He said that the reason is that he cannot sustain his business with the drop of about 50% in the stakesmoney. Patrick Merven won 444 races at the Champ-de-mars. His greatest wins were with Shadari in the Gold Cup in 1992 and Home Style in the Maiden Cup in 1993.
Due to start a new career in Mauritius, South-African trainer Gareth Van Zyl surrendered his licence. He went back to South-Africa to take over the stable of his father Gavin Van Zyl.
Horses Weights:
