Nanjing 2018 Form Guide

Raj Siva Memorial Nanjing Form Guide 2018

 

 

Bambi* 75:1

Once a top performing stallion. Since becoming a gelding he’s seemingly no longer a threat, unless you understand and believe anything he says. A lot rides on the crucial fines phase of the race where he is likely to suffer greatly.

Update: Hasn’t done anything apart from some weak jibber-jabber lately to show his form has improved. Possible late scratching.

Likely result: After an early stop for a curry or kebab he gets homesick for the hairy lasso and catches the next train back to Shanghai. Wins Pussy award.

Auction Reserve: No Reserve

Bhenchod* 8:1

No longer a rookie starter but probably still lacks the experience to be a reliable finisher. Could this be his breakout tour? If he’s free of the handicaptaincy he bore last year this could be a flutter well worth having. Like Mick Jagger his best days are probably early in his career so this could be his big chance.

Update: Chauffeuring Zoe from the airport seems a bit below his normal station and definitely an urban move away from the “Country Gentleman” who might have thrived in the rural setting.

Likely result: Mistakes Paps’ tea for English Breakfast and falls away precipitously afterward.

Auction Reserve: 100,000

Birdshit* 15:1

An aging but solid performer with a new look. Has history on this course. Usually in the reckoning at the end of an endurance event such as this. Might be overawed by the 10th anniversary pomp.

Update: Got older, doubts about stamina creeping in.

Likely result: Spends too much time in the pool to be a factor.

Auction Reserve: 100,000

Damascus* 25:1  Scratched

In for the briefest time since Omega’s wedding night.

Hurt his hoof, thinks that being physically fit is a requisite. For some reason hasn’t been put out of his misery yet.

Fake News* 20:1

A powerful young rookie who shows a lot of promise during his early showing on the urban courses of Shanghai. The only questions are his ability to go the full distance and to deal with the rigors of a rural course. Can be likened to a harness racer competing at his first Grand National.

Update: Looks likely to be first choice captain. Pressure to keep the sledge/stay conscious might be too much.

Likely result: Starts strong until he comes across his first slice of cake and falls.

Auction Reserve: 200,000

Fruit Box* 5:2

Late entry surprises nobody. Has a powerful CV of touring credits.

Likely result:  Sustains baffling rectal injury while diving for a catch. Soldiers on and sustains further emotional injury at the after-match going for a different kind of catch.

Auction Reserve: 400,000

Long Dong 200:1

If he actually shows up there will be lots of talk and even more demential ramblings. There will be consumption, witticisms, preaching and philosophising. It won’t be loose enough to get near the money.

Likely result: Stays at home with a bottle of voddie.

Auction Reserve: No Reserve

Lunchcutter 15:2

A last minute return to touring for Lunchie. Confidence seems high with little interest shown in having a pillow to rest his head.

Likely result: Falls asleep in the back of a Nanjing taxi and wakes up in Wuxi.

Auction Reserve: 200,000

Messi** 4:1

Traveling further than others to be at this one but this has not retarded his efforts in the past. A quiet achiever who could slip past the pack on the straight. Proved last year to have a good set of lungs so will not be worn down.

Update: “Do I have a room? If so which lucky K, am I sharing with?”. Lack of real interest in having a stable to rest in shows confidence is high.

Likely result: Accidentally inhales contents of fire extinguisher in hotel corridor.

Auction Reserve: 150,000

Nuts* 7:1

A dark horse. 

Update: Showed amazing form on the dance floor at the Brit ball in the warmup weekend. Ask to see the Y.M.C.A. clip.

Likely result: Suffers anaphylaxis from nuts in the cake mix. 

Auction Reserve: 200,000

Omega* 10:1

There is no Basher who has started more Nanjing races than this one. While never an outright winner there his record over the years and love of cake has few equals. A lot depends on the standard of the hotel breakfast.

Update: Something about a Gavel. Either hitting the cake early and will burn out or hitting the cake early and tapering nicely.

Likely result: Stops at the 7 furlong mark to enjoy a piece of cake. 

Auction Reserve: 100,000

Paps* – Evens

One of the most consummate tourists in Basher history who is showing no signs of slowing down. Also showing damaging recent form in Suzhou. Surely a favourite. A lot depends on the delicate balance of tea supplements and dosages.

Update: Still alive.

Likely result: wears a helmet all weekend, headbutts the ice cream dolly on the train, drops his own hat-trick ball, finishes with bans from two separate hotels and at least three bars.

Auction Reserve: 300,000

Parrot 9:5

About to be exiled, nobody should bet against this entry. A final hurrah for a well travelled stallion. This is a favoured course of his too. Remains to be seen if he can judge the distance and use everything he has left in his aging legs. Last year’s top bid at auction.

Update: Confirmed his attendance, should make a good captain if he attends.

Likely result: Breaks leg, gets shot.

Auction Reserve: 50,000

Pope* 8:1

Recently put out to stud here’s a surprise starter with decent form. There is definitely fuel in the tank here. Will be traveling without his trainer who is busy with a younger Colt. This could either see him lose his way or revel in the freedom.

Update: Possible late scratching / early retirement if foaling commences early. One catch not to drop.

Likely result: Bolts from the gate and rampages through the weekend like he’s carrying no handicap weight. Finishes strong. Retires soon after.

Auction Reserve: 200,000

Schløst* 12:1

This young colt is another late entry. A fine physical specimen though little is known about his rural form. Won’t be overpowered and will likely tough his way through the field and might even have the legs in the straight. Experience?

Likely result: Sneaks a place after losing his room key and deciding to go back out.

Auction Reserve: 150,000

Skid Row* 40:1

A consistent runner. Usually found in the peloton but occasionally overachieves and reaches “AGM Form”. Worth a punt with a spare fiver.

Update: Full of bluster, usually a sure sign that he’ll run out of puff.

Likely result: Gets distracted by a rural beauty and falls away from the pack. 

Auction Reserve: -100,000

Square Root* π:∞

Another recently gelded veteran. He seems more likely to go the distance than Bambi. Has the potential to put in an outstanding showing if the early pace is not too vigorous. Prefers pi to cake.

Update: In the program as a member of the Suzhou side. In which case he will enjoy the game of Bridge and glass of Sherry.

Likely result: Goaded into a Jäger challenge by SAS Craig, never recovers.

Stingray** 8:1

Has shown he has the legs to go the distance when on his sandy home track in Sanya. Remains to be seen if that form will travel to the topographically challenging ground of Nanjing.

Update: Having trouble with technology lately which will have no bearing on what happens in Nanjing.

Likely result: Get’s spooned by Skiddy on the first night. Spends next 24 hours trembling from the trauma.

Auction Reserve: 150,000

Tampon* 12:1

The final entry. Unburdened of handicaptaincy could get stuck right in if he hasn’t forgotten how.

Likely result: Forgets how.

Auction Reserve: 50,000

Tango 20:1  Scratched

Has shown promise for a while now but yet to really shine on the Bashers stage. Needs the extra long blinders on to keep focused on the task at hand and not be distracted by cricket.

Update: “Work”. Trans.: “Frightened”

Likely result: Upset at being the first LBW given in Nanjing history, returns to his room to sulk.

Tucker* 30:1  Scratched  Unscratched 8:1

Will be arriving late and leaving early so this has turned into a sprint for Tucker. Recent injuries won’t help. Stands a chance if he prepares dawn train cocktails.

Update: Seems itchy. Could be interesting.

Likely result: Gets lost on way from the train station, nobody remembers he was even there.

Auction Reserve: 100,000

Zoe 2:1

A traveling foreign entry. Assuming there are no issues with quarantine great things are expected. Always difficult to judge a filly with no local starts but Nanjing has always proven to be a great leveler so there’s no reason not to expect a fair result.

Update: Will find out Thursday how her true form is. Will know by Sunday if jet lag is any kind of analog for glural pleasures.

Likely result: Embarrassment for at least three Bashers.

Auction Reserve: 500,000

* Has playing shirt

** Will have playing shirt hopefully by Thursday