Earth for Cursetjee Dhunjishaw Trophy

I HAVE always felt that Earth, trained by Sanjay Kolse, is a specialist seven-furlong horse, but requires a very strong rider to correct her habitual drift in long Mahalaxmi homestretch. On Monday, when the Mumbai racing season 2025-26 bids goodbye, Kolse has pitched Earth in the feature event, the Cursetjee Dhunjishaw Trophy (Class II; 1400m), and engaged A Sandesh to ride. Therefore, though the eight-horse field looks quite competitive on paper, I have no hesitation in nominating Earth as first choice.

 

First race at 4.30 pm.

Selections:

 

Brave Hunter Plate (Class V; 1600m)

Abhyankar 1, Mighty Hero 2, Ma Cherie 3.

 

Western India Race Horse Owners' Association Trophy (Class III; 2000m)

Black Thunder 1, Youremanorborne 2, Wings Of Fury 3.

 

Blue Pencil Plate (For 3y, Maidens; 1000m)

Queen Caroline 1, Lucky Diamond 2, Absolute Emperor 3.

 

Amber Flash Plate (For 3y, Maidens; 1600m)

Incredible Luck 1, Shaandaar 2, Golden Eye 3.

 

Cursetjee Dhunjishaw Salver (Class II; 1400m)

Earth 1, Your Unforgettable 2, Bee Magical 3.

 

Busy Lizzie Plate (Class IV; 1100m)

American Eagle 1, Ensky 2, Rafael 3.

 

Secret Treasure Plate (Class III; 1200m)

Matisse 1, Neutralist 2, Eastern Monarch 3.

 

Recommendations

Best bet: None

Upsets: Caccini (2-1), Dreams Come True (3-6) & Chagall (5-1)

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Courtesy: mid-day