Horse Racing: Castlebridge for RR Ruia Gold Cup

Representational Pic

Indian Derby hopeful Castlebridge who, according to bloodline experts, is not exactly bred to stay the Derby trip of a mile-and-a-half, will undergo his first test of stamina at the Mahalaxmi racetrack today evening when he will run in the ten-furlong Ramniwas Ramnarain Ruia Gold Cup (Gr 2), the feature event of Sunday's eight-race card.

Trained by Bharat Singh and to be ridden by Trevor Patel, Castlebridge will need to tackle only two rivals, one of them being Rochester, whom he had easily kept at bay when they last ran together in the Indian 2000 Guineas on this track.

Castlebridge is expected to win this race easily thanks to the absence of any worthwhile challenge; however, his Derby prospects will hugely depend on his manner of victory today.

First race at 4.30 pm.
Selections:

Warsaw Pact Plate (Class V; 1000m)
Fine Tune 1, Till End Of Time 2, Abraxus 3.

Ramniwas Ramnarain Ruia Gold Cup (Gr 2) (For 4y; 2000m)
Castlebridge 1, Rochester 2.

Ahmed I Rahimtoola Trophy (For 3y, maidens; 1000m)
Julio Cesaro 1, Albemarie 2, Kipling 3.

Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa Area Trophy (Class IV; 2000m)
Adonijah 1, Its A Deal 2, Kimberella 3.

Darashaw Million (Gr 3) (For 4y&o; 1400m)
Ruffina 1, New England 2, Your Royal Majesty 3.

Sir H M Mehta Trophy (Class III; 1200m)
Triple Threat 1, Miss Moneypenny 2, Lady Sergeant 3.

Yawar Rashid Trophy - Div II (Class IV; 1400m)
Sassy Lass 1, Reds Revenge 2, In It To Win It 3.

Yawar Rashid Trophy - Div I (Class IV; 1400m)
Elixir 1, Rotterdam 2, Lord Arazan 3.

Recommendations
Best bet: Adonijah (4-6)
Upsets: Buddyholly (3-1) & St Andrews (5-10)

Today's pools
Super jackpot pool: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Jackpot pool: 4,5,6,7,8
Treble pool: I - 5,6,7; II - 6,7,8
Tanala pool: All races.

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