Eloise, Sunlight may claim honours

MUMBAI: The opening day of the prestigious Invitation weekend at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse brings two most unpredictable and fascinating contest for the lovers of horse racing in the form of the Oasis Star Sprinters' Cup (Grade 1) and Privilege Industries Stayers' Cup (Grade 1) on Saturday.
As many as five contenders among the total 14 in the fray - Eloise, Forest Flair, Nefyn, Weizhou and Celestial Way are capable of winning the Sprinters' Cup to be run over a distance of 1200 metres.
Four-year-old Eloise had finished a length behind surprise winner Weizhou in the Dr. SC Jain Sprinters' Championship last month and has since been doing well in the morning workouts. She looks ready to deliver and may win from Forest Flair and others.
The Stayers Cup to be run over a grueling distance of 3000 metres, also wears an open look with 11 top class contestants in the fray.
Cooji Katrak-trained Sunlight has a great weight advantage and with a top rider like Richard Hughes to guide her, may just clinch it from fancied Cabriolt. There are eight races on Saturday and the first will start at 1.45 p.m.
Selections
1. Commanche Trophy (1000m): Ocean Of Faith 1, Money Flash 2.
2. Storm Again Trophy (1600m): Sexy Eyes 1, Scarface 2.
3. Japan Cup (1000m): B ullet 1, Highland Music 2.
4. Elusive Pimpernel Trophy (1400m): Bold Dancer 1, Venus Rosewater 2.
5. Western India Bookmakers' Association Million (1600m): Voyager 1, Nearness Of You 2.
6. Oasis Star Sprinters' Cup (Grade 1) 1200m: Eloise 1, Forest Flair 2.
7. Privilege Industries Stayers' Cup (Grade 1) 3000m: Sunlight 1, Cabriolte 2.
8. Southern Empire Trophy (1000m): Silk Cut 1, Blue Sky 2.
Day's best: Bold Dancer