Spring Cup, Rafiq Memorial Cup main events in today’s Lahore races

LAHORE: The Lahore Race Club’s 31st winter meeting of the 2024-25 season is set to ignite the turf on Saturday (today), featuring the coveted Spring Cup and the Rafiq A Malik Memorial Cup as well as a quartet of competitive Tuba Plate races.

The day’s action will commence with the first division of the Tuba Plate (Class VII, Divisions VI & VII), drawing a large field of thirteen contenders. Raftar is tipped as the favourite, with Dubai Love considered a strong challenger.

Chika Rika is also being eyed as a potential surprise package. The remaining hopefuls vying for the top prize are Victory Bul Bul, Good Boy, Drago, Advocate, Jalthal, Thunder Prince (Krc), Khaqan Prince, Deep Impact, Flokey, and Al Karam.

The second Tuba Plate race (Class VII, Division VI) will see a lineup of nine horses vying for victory. Mumraiz Love has emerged as the punters’ favourite, with Tango To Fire expected to be its closest competitor. Gennie is being touted as a horse that could spring a surprise.

The rest of the field comprises Thunder Man (Krc), Smart Fighter, Anni Power, Lucky Macs, Mr Asia, and Latin Strom. The third race of the day is the Spring Cup (Class VII, Division V), which has attracted eight entries. While Talent is the popular choice for the win, a strong challenge is anticipated from Zaman Sahib, and Al Mabrook could give a surprise performance.

The other participants in this race are Desert Parri, Apple of My Eye, Pocket Power, Thunder Cloud (Krc), and Black Fire. The fourth race, another Tuba Plate for Class VII, Divisions III & IV horses, sees Zuza as the frontrunner, with Vartika predicted to secure a place. Black Master is being mentioned as a potential surprise. The remaining runners in this contest are Gabriela, Bio Care, Generosity, and Zaid Prince.

The fifth event on the card is the Rafiq A Malik Memorial Cup (Class VI), featuring eight horses. The spotlight is on Murad, with Brooklyn considered a strong contender for a place. However, Desert Crown could play the role of a spoiler, with Mighty Macs, Macs King, Sundari, Thunder Star (Krc), and Redrock also expected to put in strong performances.

The day’s racing will conclude with the final Tuba Plate (Class VII, Division II). Ceaser is widely expected to be the winner, with Shakira expected to be close behind. Deep Seek could give a surprise. The remaining participants in the final race are Moni Prince, Yesteryear, Haseeb Warrior, and Thunder Boy (Krc). The first race is scheduled to begin in early afternoon.