KARACHI: Thoroughbred bay horse Zaheer Choice is on course to make it two on trot by capturing the March Cup should he repeat his winning form in the Gymkhana race meeting at the Karachi Racecourse on Sunday.

Zaheer Choice had pulled off a major upset when he got the better off colt Geo Baba by a length-and-a-half last week as favourite mare Chile bit the dust and finished off the frame.

Chile has been replaced by dark bay horse Robert while four other contenders are same in the cup race which is last in order in a six-race card and will go over four-and-a-half furlongs.

Geo Baba is expected to secure second place on board in the race which is also the day’s feature event under top scale order I and II.

At the outset, dark bay horse Zayan looks poised to make amends by winning the opening race under scale order VIII being run over four furlongs. He is likely to be followed by mare Basanti in a field of seven horses.

Another seven horses are in contention for honours in the second race under scale order VII being run over four furlongs.

On present form, chestnut horse Geo Channa is on chance to return with flying colours and stretch his winning run. He may be chased by mare Little Darling among others.

With two wins under her belt, filly Croissant appears best bet in the third race under scale order VI and VII being contested over four furlongs. In her quest to win, she has to overcome challenger gelding Supreme Leader among half-a-dozen aspirants.

Bay horse Raging Comet may go all out to complete hat-trick while dominating the fourth race under scale order V to be run over four-and-a-half furlongs. Either of the two — bay horse Golden Step or mare Sweet Golden — may fight to grab second place on board among seven acceptors.

Chestnut horse Golden Arrow is likely to impress racegoers with his performance by making amends in the fifth and supporting race under scale order III and IV. Bay horse Mr. On Job may follow the footsteps of Golden Arrow among seven horses in the four-and-a-half furlongs contest.

The first race starts at 2pm.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2023