KARACHI: Mark My Words, a five-year old thoroughbred bay horse, looks smart to return to winning ways in the New Year Cup which takes place in the Gymkhana race meeting here at the Karachi Racecourse on Sunday.

The cup, which features prominently in a four-race card, has seven acceptors and will go over four furlongs. It is the third race of the programme and has been classified under scale order IV.

Mark My Words won the Hyderabad Cup by getting the better of Thunder Boy by a length on Dec 15 but the latter avenged the defeat last week by clinching the Secretary Cup.

He may be followed by mare Princess Anaya for the second place. However, backed by connection, bay horse Mr On Job can create an upset.

Another bay horse, Trevor, is tipped to make amends by dominating the next race which is also the day’s feature event under combined scale order I, II and III. Chestnut horse Desert Hero is expected to follow the footsteps of Trevor in a small field of four horses.

At the outset, bay horse No Bargaining is on chance to grab the opening race by atoning for his last defeat.

In quest to open his account, he has to overcome challengers — chestnut horses Kuwait City and Touch of Gold — among the 10 contenders.

Half-a-dozen horses will face the starter in the second race under scale order V that will go over four furlongs.

Dark bay mare Shobika looks poised to shine. She may be chased by chestnut horse Apple Of My Eye. However, if on job, bay horse Chau can bring an element of surprise.

The first race starts at 12:00pm.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2025