LAHORE, Nov 17: A duel between two classic thoroughbred colts belonging to same stable is set for sports connoisseurs’ delight during the 12th Lahore Winter Meeting to be held at the Racecourse on Sunday.

Khadim Hussain trained Headingly and Lucifer, owned by Lahore Race Club (LRC) chairman Tariq Aziz are to clash in the Tariq Bin Zayad Cup, a class four handicap race to be gone over 1400m.

Interestingly, both the colts, prolific at victory statistics log are the progenies of English sire Bletch Dancer from different mares.

Both have fine turf record. The former has won four races, placed second six times and ran off the frame once in his eleven starts to date. The latter has to his credit three wins and placed second as many times. He finished third once and ran off the frame once in his eight outings.

Both are classic colts and being fancied by the race-goers equally, who think the race can go either way.

On handicap, however, Lucifer by his placing at 18-pounds less in handicap has an advantage. Theoretically that is the equivalent of at least five lengths or one second in terms of timing.

Among other four acceptors, the brave colt, Tipu Sultan owned by former national hockey captain, Munir Dar, is a winner of four races in his five outings but is running after a long time. An injury forced him out of training but on recovery was put on track some time back. He may however be not as fighting fit as Headingly and Lucifer. At least he needs one run.

Three-year-old bay filly, Poly Cat, a shapely daughter of Polinesso, who registered a smashing victory on October 28 last will be on the kill and make it two in a row.

Running in the silks of Tariq Aziz, the filly is a cut above in class vis-à-vis her six rivals in the Tariq Bin Zayad Plate, a class four division two handicap race over 1400m.

Intikhab-e-Bhakkar and Lovely Gate should finish second and third, respectively in this sixth race of the day.

Another daughter of reputed sire, Polinesso, Miss Play attracts attention in the Jhelum Plate, a class five race to be gone over 1200m.

Owned by Malik Hamid Ali Noon and trained by Haji Fazal Hadi was placed second in the Saif Group Cup over 1400m last Sunday. She should make amends this time and win. Her closest rivals could be Reborn and Bold Act.

Three-year-old colt Scooby Do, beaten by Iconic last time, Ikon and Mannan Prince are the pick of 16-strong field for the second race, the Jhelum Plate class five division two to be gone over 1200 metres.

Scooby Do won a race by a short-head verdict in close finish and was beaten in his second outing. He is again on the run Sunday. Perhaps his owners are expecting miracles from the colt, one can wish good luck to them. This time too his task will not be so easy.

It has been seen that majority of owners and trainers do not bother about one of the most important source of horse’s fine performance in racing which is his perfect shoeing. Perhaps they are not well aware of the need for proper shoeing of their horses and often the job is left to grooms and shoe-fitters.

Top trainers, who have distinguished record, said while talking to Dawn the horses that are used regularly under saddle or harness have to be shoed properly to keep hoof wall protected from wearing and facilitating easy striding. The unguis, the top( subunguis) and the medial portions of foot and hoof are very sensitive and need to be fully protected under cover of shoe. This is very true that proper shoeing helps a horse keep a balanced striding.

Horse shoes, are mostly made of steel. However, the alluminium or the allumniium alloy shoes are used and worn, which are of few types. Steel shoes weigh five ounce apiece while aluminium shoe weight is almost half, 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 ounce. Trainers say the weight difference is a big advantage, the aluminium shoe has over steel made.

In all, 61 horses are taking part in seven races, two each to be gone over 1000m and three over 1400m.

The first race will be held at 1200noon.

The following are the fields and our selections.

KHUSHAB PLATE CLASS VI DIVISION II 1000M.

Murad King 9-0, Extravagant 9-0, Sher Khan 9-0, Shikari 8-10, No Appologies 8-2, Tallal The Great 8-2 and Blu’s Wendy 7-10.

Win: Sher Khan.

Place: Tallal The Great and Murad King.

KHUSHAB PLATE CLASS VI DIV I 1000M.

Ice Burg 9-0, Charming King 9-0, Striker 9-0, Shah Pari 8-10, Sundri 8-8, Sun Shine 8-2, Billoo The Great 8-2 and Dillagi 7-12.

Win: Ice Burg.

Place: Shah Pari and Charming King.

JHELUM PLATE CLASS V DIV II 1200M.

Scooby Do 9-2, Trump Coup 9-2, Willhewish 9-0, Lara Pride 9-0, Jo Jo Gift 9-0, Janu 8-10, Desert Glow 8-10, Ikon 8-10, Bashayeash Prince 8-10, Dam Her Dam 8-10, Mannan Prince 8-9, Jung Ju 8-6, Armida 8-0, Royal Command 8-0 and Mr Gujrat 7-10.

Win: Scooby Do.

Place: Mannan Prince and Ikon.

JHELUM PLATE CLASS V DIV I 12000M.

Bold Act 9-0, Apex 9-0, Cross Ruff 9-0, Royal Gambler 8-10, Miss Play 8-10, Zoaq 8-6, Lubna 8-4, Run And Win 8-2, Reborn 8-0, Stride To Moment 7-10 and Dazzy Against All 7-10.

Win: Miss Play.

Place: Reborn and Bold Act.

TARIQ BIN ZAYAD CUP CLASS IV DIV I 1400M.

Charismatic 9-2, Tipu Sultan 9-2, Headingly 9-0, Dil Vil 8-10, Lucifer 7-10, and Discovery 7-10.

Win: Lucifer Vs Headingly.

TARIQ BIN ZAYAD PLATE CLASS IV DIV II 1400M.

Royal Fish 9-2, Ezzam 8-12, Intikhab-e-Bhakkar 8-10, Prince Of Bhakkar 8-10, Lovely Gate 8-8, Poly Cat 8-8 and Harry Can Run 8-2.

Win: Poly Cat.

Place: Lovely Gate and Intikhab-e-Bhakkar.

TARIQ BIN ZAYAD PLATE CLASS IV DIV III 1400M.

Royal Destiny 9-0, Perfect Promise 8-10, Honey Gal 8-8, Byron 8-8, Chill 8-7 and Mythical 8-2.

Win & Place: Watch the ring.