Pune: In red-hot form after a commanding win in the Atomic Prince Plate, four-year-old gelding Encino is set to start as the favourite in the prestigious Yohan Z. Poonawalla Turf Club Trophy (Grade III), the highlight event of the special race day at Pune Race Course on Saturday.
Trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha and ridden by jockey A. Sandesh, Encino enters the seven-furlong contest chasing a fourth consecutive victory. The gelding has shown remarkable consistency and strong finishing ability in his recent outings, making him the horse to beat.
However, the Grade III feature is expected to witness a competitive battle, with Ultimo and Social Butterfly emerging as the leading contenders capable of challenging Encino’s dominance. While a repeat of his recent performances could see Encino extend his winning streak, his rivals possess enough class to make the race an exciting contest.
The first race of the day is scheduled to begin at 1 pm.
Selections
The Western India Trainers' Association Trophy Division II: 1. (3), 2. (10), 3. (7)
The Rajaram Chhatrapati Trophy: 1. (3), 2. (2), 3. (5)
The Western India Race Horse Owners' Association Trophy: 1. (2), 2. (1)
The Jockeys Association of India Trophy: 1. (1), 2. (2), 3. (10)
The Western India Trainers' Association Trophy Division I: 1. (1), 2. (4), 3. (9)
The Yohan Z. Poonawalla Turf Club Trophy (Grade III): 1. Encino (3), 2. Ultimo (4), 3. Social Butterfly (5)
The Indian Association of Equine Practitioners Trophy: 1. (6), 2. (7)
The Strategic Move Plate: 1. (3), 2. (11), 3. (9)
