Twist Of Fate challenges the champions
Strike while the iron is hot. Twist Of Fate won too easily his first classic race, The Duchess of York Cup, last Saturday. The highly rated gelding is back one week after to defy Champions horses White River (2019) and Patrol Officer (2020) for the 6th race at the Champ-de-Mars racecourse in Port-Louis this Sunday.
He ran only 250m. That’s what most of the specialist said after his crushing win over the 1400m of the Duchess of York Cup last Saturday. Twist Of Fate settled at the back of the field and he made un ground form last to first in the straight without being whipped.
The Master Of My Fate’s colt was very impressive, but his two major threats, Count Jack and Padre Pio, returned distressed after this race reserved for new horses only. So, there is still a question mark concerning the strength of the field he faced on his first outing.
Being in great shape, his connections chose to send him on the battle field again this week-end to challenge some of the best horses on the island. It will be a tough war for Twist Of Fate, and we will know if he is really too good for his opponents in Mauritius.
The reigning champion horse, Patrol Officer, will be up trying to win his ninth win in a row. Unbeaten since October 2019, the Gilbert Rousset’s trained horse is in great shape. He will be his first fight against top horses. But he will be carrying only 55 kg compared to the 61 kg of Twist Of Fate. It’s a big advantage.
Five time classic winner White River is finally back after a long rest. He was injured after his race in the Maiden Cup back in October 2020. His trainer, Rameshwar Gujadhur, gave him all the needed time to heal and his showed great form with many excellent gallops during the morning training sessions. His is a classy sort who will be a hard nut to crack.
Two other horses warrant consideration. They are Undercover Agent and The Dazzler. There were great hopes that Undercover Agent will become the top horse in Mauritius last year. He failed to confirm, but he was not far away from the winners in his races. Undercover Agent seemed to have blossomed during the break and he might live up to expectations this year. The Dazzler is a decent sort and he can match up with the best if everything goes his way.
Caption: It will be a real test for Twist Of Fate.
Selection: Twist Of Fate, Patrol Officer, White River and Undercover Agent.
Tips
Race 1 – 1500m (0-26)
Opague – Valerin – The Riddler – Real Vision
Race 2 – 1450m (0-26)
Giratorio – Desert Illusion – Silver Song – Adamo
Race 3 – 990m (B36)
Captain Garett – Benev – Good Buddy – Raheeb
Race 4 – 1400m (B41)
Silver Heritage – Swagger Jagger – Bestday Of Mylife – Carlas Mambo
Race 5 – 1450m (B46)
Culture Trip – Ovation Award – Afdeek – Duke’s Domain
Race 7 – 1400m (B31)
Crazy Charlie – African Rock – River Thames – Amandla
Race 8 – 1365m (0-25)
Duke Of York – Brabanzio- Seoul – Sentido
Banker: Captain Garett, Opague
Value Bets: Patrol Officer, Silver Heritage,
Outsiders: Ovation Award, African Rock
