The Santosh Lad owned Systematic won the Gr 2 Bangalore Oaks, the first classic of the New Year, in thrilling fashion from Youre So Beautiful on Saturday. The M P Mahaesh trainee was ridden in exemplary manner by India’s leading jockey Y S Srinath who did not put a step wrong while guiding the small made Usha Stud Farm produce to an exciting win. Youre Beautiful made a late rally but found the winning post coming too soon. This was the third classic success for M P Mahaesh who had in the recent past won the Mysore 2000 Guineas and Mysore Derby through Splendid Surprise for Santosh Lad who has proved to be a successful and lucky race horse owner.
The Oaks field attracted eight runners including one outstation challenger in Pesi Shroff trained Strelitzia who had just come out of the maidens ranks back home at Mumbai. Systematic was reckoned to have better chance than Youre So Beautiful who had won the Bangalore 1000 Guineas against the run of expectations if only because the former appeared better bred to stay the grueling trip of mile and half. Cinnamon Rose had her share of supporters.
In what was a slow run race, Shades of White led the field followed by Youre So Beautiful, Systematic, Cinnamon Rose, Moon Memories, Desdemona and Hotten Happening. Rounding the first turn, Strelitzia moved up to take the second spot and Youre So Beautiful was squeezed out and she fell back to the fifth position. Systematic was nicely positioned in the third spot. Shades of White went wide approaching the mile marker but drifted back to lead the way with the order remaining the same till the horses negotiated the final bend. Shades of White faded out inside the final two furlongs and Systematic got the better of Strelitzia and went into a few lengths lead even as Suraj Narredu on Youre So Beautiful was getting busy.
Systematic quickened nicely to have a useful lead with a furlong out which held the daughter of Steinbeck in good stead as Youre So Beautiful closed home with a rush but the late rally did not fetch her the desire result. It is possible that if the race had been run at a slightly faster pace, Systematic may have won with a better verdict but in hindsight, with the pace being so slow, Youre So Beautiful giving leeway to Systematic went against the progeny of Tirol. Strelitzia was a faraway third ahead of Cinnamon Rose who returned lame on her right fore leg.
Jockey David Allan substituted Chris Hayes in the saddle on Strelitzia. Chris Hayes was too shattered to ride as one of his brothers had died in a car crash back home in Ireland. Chris Hayes is returning home, taking the first flight on Sunday morning. It is indeed a terrible tragedy for the family of Chris Hayes and our condolences are with the bereaved family.
Make My Day won the 1400 metres A P Kothavala Memorial Cup, a race for maiden three year olds. The daughter of first season sire Emerald Cat, staved off the challenge of Saloni capably to post a comfortable win. The winner was saddled by Rashid Byramji. Golden Quest was a long way third.
The Jaggy Stud Plate (Div I) saw inspired betting coming on Stylish Bay but the favourite bled during the race and fell back to the rear from a prominent position at the top of the straight. The well fancied Another Destiny made the entire running and then stretched away to win from Fantabulous Prince and Own Voice who came from last position to finish an impressive third. Needofthehour was pulled out of the fray at the gates as he was trotting lame. Distinctly Ahead who strongly backed to win the lower division and he accomplished the mission, with a start to finish attempt, easily keeping the challenge of Sun Zone at a safe distance. Sun Zone came in for spirited support to end up as second favourite from a higher quote. Connavaro brought in some precious stake money as he finished third following his winning effort last week.
Veteran trainer Puttanna, who is going through a lean patch, was unsuccessful in opening his account as the well backed Movie Queen did not pick up enough speed in the final furlong to make a dent on the result in the Horanadu Plate (Div I). Simply Dangerous led all the way only to lose in the closing stride of the race to lesser fancied Voodoo Moon. Thumping Victory lived up to his name as he left the field stranded in the final furlong to win the lower division of the race in emphatic fashion in the hands of jockey Appu. Mister Trooper nosed out favourite Born Beauty from the runner up berth.
Jockey Samuel Fargeat unwisely hurried favourite and top weight Sunny Gold into the lead from the wide outside draw and the effort told on the progeny of Valid Concept who weakened in the closing stages of the race. Leon Cavallo recorded an encore with a strong run in the final furlong while Lester came form no where to come within a neck of the eventual winner.
Jockey Suraj Narredu had Tuthmosis slip ahead through a gap between Red Stone and The Dawn inside the distance post. The two were hotly disputing the issue in the mile long Amber Regent Plate before Tuthmosis floored both of them.
Irfan Ghatala trained Party Tonite was strongly backed to win a race for maiden three year olds last week but the filly had bolted on way to the starting gate and was withdrawn. Now running as a four-year old in a race meant for the lowest rated horses, Party Tonite slipped through the gap that emerged along the rails in the run in for home as the front running Saratoga went wide at the final turn and won with a measure of comfort though not giving any confidence about her ability to record an encore in quick time. Kickingking reportedly burst his blood vessels and fade out of contention.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Becket bounces back to classic reckoning
Though Aristos recorded a fine win in the Kelachandra New Millennium Cup, a terms race for four-year olds and over, the feature event of Friday’s races, the horse which caught everyone’s fancy was Becket who was running for the first time during the season after being laid low by a setback in training. Becket justified the high expectations of race goers with a smashing performance which brings him into strong contention for the Bangalore Derby though he is just three races old. For the record, Becket has won all this three outings in spectacular fashion.
One has not seen a horse as talented as Becket in recent times. The son of Hawk Wing out of Boiling River has held the high hopes of the stable though several niggles have kept him out of the classics thus far. The big made handsome colt, Becket had won at Mysore and Hyderabad in smashing manner and he was widely expected to sweep the classics in the winter season. However, just as he was getting ready to run in the Bangalore 2000 Guineas, he had an injury which kept him out of action. Now nursed back to top fitness despite being on and off from the track, Becket showed no rustiness as he took charge of the proceedings in the final furlong and left a creditable field stranded.
Jockey David Allan was able to settle the Padmanabhan trainee in about the fifth position as Nox set the pace followed by Alacrity and Star Assembly while Oban was in the rear, unable to keep pace. Becket smoothly moved up in the homestretch and when asked for an effort, he quickened instantly. Unlike most horses which gradually pick up speed, Becket has this habit of wanting to gointo top gear at once. For anyone observing his action when David Allan asked for an effort would be able to notice this trait of Becket. It is like a car which takes off when one presses the throttle hard. Such is the manner in which Becket wants to quicken. Alacrity was a faraway second ahead of Star Assembly while Oban who was outpaced in the early part, was not far off from the runner up.
Trainer Padmanabhan said that he would like to run Becket in the Poonawalla Bangalore Derby which is scheduled for January 26 as a first step towards targeting his ward for the Indian Derby. Becket has such high cruising speed that horses which pace with him are in danger of coming back with soreness. Whether he gets the mile and half trip or not remains to be seen but there is no doubt that if nothing bothers him, he can claim dual Derby glory.
Aristos looked the best of the lot in the Kelachandra Cup and he was strongly supported to win. Jockey Chris Hayes took Aristos on a start to finish mission and the got abroad colt comfortably held off the threat of Kyles of Bute. Atlantus came up with a good stretch run to nose out Cruising for the third spot.
Earlier in the day, Chris Hayes had driven out favourite Calypso Star to contain the challenge of Ruby Legend. Calypso Star made the entire running and with a furlong out, the filly was hard-pressed by Ruby Light on the inside. However, the progeny of Inner City did not quicken as expected but once David Allan switched out the Ganapathy ward, Ruby Legend finished powerfully only to miss the berth narrowly. Mighty Monarch unexpectedly showed some enthusiasm to keep Sandalwood Star out of place money.
The New Year Day racing was indeed a boon to those who follow a combination of form horses which are also favourites. All the eight races of the day were won by first favourites to give a big respite to punters who had only the previous day, enjoyed a similar outing at Mumbai.
Missoni and first start winner Sure Speed were both backed with enthusiasm in the Near Year Trophy (Div I), a race for first season runners but the latter who was conceding weight to his adversaries, found it hard to give weight so early in his career and was never in the hunt. Unfancied Flying Tricolour led all the way before beaten close home by favourite Missoni. Sure Speed just about held on to nose out Mystic Dawn for the runner up berth. The latter clearly needed this run and he should be better off next time out. Arjun Mangalorkar trained Sky Train gave no chance for his opponents as the progeny of China Visit simply left the field standing in the final furlong to win in tremendous fashion, the lower division of the race. Bugatti, who led from the start, had no answer when the favourite swooped on her inside the final 200 metres.
Darius Byramji’s Ticket To Ride had advertised his readiness to strike as he had a good forward outing in his previous essay. He had no problems when slamming the opposition in the Dr S K Pillay Memorial Plate with a strong run in the final furlong. Dream Park showed some semblance of returning to form by finishing a good second.
Advantage Logan was backed to the exclusion of her rivals in the 1400 metres Somawarpet Plate and the progeny of Juniper who tracked second favourite Spring A Surprise into the straight, took over the running with minimum of effort and carried the top weight to a resounding win.
Another Irfan Ghatala trainee to oblige during the day was Isinbayeva. Jockey Suraj Narredu had to work hard on the favourite to keep her out of the reach of Guardian Knot to win the mile long Subash Nagar Plate, a race for horses in the lowest class.
One has not seen a horse as talented as Becket in recent times. The son of Hawk Wing out of Boiling River has held the high hopes of the stable though several niggles have kept him out of the classics thus far. The big made handsome colt, Becket had won at Mysore and Hyderabad in smashing manner and he was widely expected to sweep the classics in the winter season. However, just as he was getting ready to run in the Bangalore 2000 Guineas, he had an injury which kept him out of action. Now nursed back to top fitness despite being on and off from the track, Becket showed no rustiness as he took charge of the proceedings in the final furlong and left a creditable field stranded.
Jockey David Allan was able to settle the Padmanabhan trainee in about the fifth position as Nox set the pace followed by Alacrity and Star Assembly while Oban was in the rear, unable to keep pace. Becket smoothly moved up in the homestretch and when asked for an effort, he quickened instantly. Unlike most horses which gradually pick up speed, Becket has this habit of wanting to gointo top gear at once. For anyone observing his action when David Allan asked for an effort would be able to notice this trait of Becket. It is like a car which takes off when one presses the throttle hard. Such is the manner in which Becket wants to quicken. Alacrity was a faraway second ahead of Star Assembly while Oban who was outpaced in the early part, was not far off from the runner up.
Trainer Padmanabhan said that he would like to run Becket in the Poonawalla Bangalore Derby which is scheduled for January 26 as a first step towards targeting his ward for the Indian Derby. Becket has such high cruising speed that horses which pace with him are in danger of coming back with soreness. Whether he gets the mile and half trip or not remains to be seen but there is no doubt that if nothing bothers him, he can claim dual Derby glory.
Aristos looked the best of the lot in the Kelachandra Cup and he was strongly supported to win. Jockey Chris Hayes took Aristos on a start to finish mission and the got abroad colt comfortably held off the threat of Kyles of Bute. Atlantus came up with a good stretch run to nose out Cruising for the third spot.
Earlier in the day, Chris Hayes had driven out favourite Calypso Star to contain the challenge of Ruby Legend. Calypso Star made the entire running and with a furlong out, the filly was hard-pressed by Ruby Light on the inside. However, the progeny of Inner City did not quicken as expected but once David Allan switched out the Ganapathy ward, Ruby Legend finished powerfully only to miss the berth narrowly. Mighty Monarch unexpectedly showed some enthusiasm to keep Sandalwood Star out of place money.
The New Year Day racing was indeed a boon to those who follow a combination of form horses which are also favourites. All the eight races of the day were won by first favourites to give a big respite to punters who had only the previous day, enjoyed a similar outing at Mumbai.
Missoni and first start winner Sure Speed were both backed with enthusiasm in the Near Year Trophy (Div I), a race for first season runners but the latter who was conceding weight to his adversaries, found it hard to give weight so early in his career and was never in the hunt. Unfancied Flying Tricolour led all the way before beaten close home by favourite Missoni. Sure Speed just about held on to nose out Mystic Dawn for the runner up berth. The latter clearly needed this run and he should be better off next time out. Arjun Mangalorkar trained Sky Train gave no chance for his opponents as the progeny of China Visit simply left the field standing in the final furlong to win in tremendous fashion, the lower division of the race. Bugatti, who led from the start, had no answer when the favourite swooped on her inside the final 200 metres.
Darius Byramji’s Ticket To Ride had advertised his readiness to strike as he had a good forward outing in his previous essay. He had no problems when slamming the opposition in the Dr S K Pillay Memorial Plate with a strong run in the final furlong. Dream Park showed some semblance of returning to form by finishing a good second.
Advantage Logan was backed to the exclusion of her rivals in the 1400 metres Somawarpet Plate and the progeny of Juniper who tracked second favourite Spring A Surprise into the straight, took over the running with minimum of effort and carried the top weight to a resounding win.
Another Irfan Ghatala trainee to oblige during the day was Isinbayeva. Jockey Suraj Narredu had to work hard on the favourite to keep her out of the reach of Guardian Knot to win the mile long Subash Nagar Plate, a race for horses in the lowest class.
Friday, December 25, 2009
My Friend Paul springs a surprise
Lesser fancied My Friend Paul brought off an upset in the Hyderabad Silver Vase, a race for horses rated 80 and above, the feature event of a lackluster card that was gone through on Friday. Ballibay made an impressive debut in the Topmost Cup with an authoritative win. Jockey Suraj Narredu maintained his amazing run of wins with yet another treble.
Firezone and Desert Rule were well supported to win the mile long feature event though the former had better credentials considering the fact that he had run against top quality horses. My Friend Paul, Star Wave and Blink were the others with an outside chance of making it. Desert Rule set a fast pace from the start and held the initiative till the final furlong at which point of time his reserves ran out. Firezone moved with raking strides through the centre of the track and surged ahead albeit momentarily as My Friend Paul showed up with a powerful acceleration on the wide outside and collared the front runner for whom the weight began to tell at the crucial stage of the race. Cassandra too moved from behind with a strong finish to take the third spot. The front runners went at such a clip that it was left to tail-enders to profit from it.
Irfan Ghatala trained Sun Dancing were working well but more than anything, the hype generated by the connections ensured that the big made filly who weighted over 500 kgs went into the Topmost Cup, a six furlong terms race for two-year olds, as an overwhelming favourite. Ballibay who was in the fray as a final entry, Tempus Fugit were allowed to run at lucrative odds. Sun Dancing drowned the hopes of her supporters at the gate itself by being lethargic. Elite Land led the field, with Ballibay placed a handy second behind the front runner till Suraj Narredu let Ballibay stretch out. The progeny of Alnasr Alwasheek quickened nicely to leave the rest standing to record an impressive win by a widening margin of six lengths. Tempus Fugit necked out the long time leader Elite Land from the third spot.
Ganapathy’s Misty Moonlight was strongly backed to win the Amathos Plate (Div I) and the progeny of Diffident obliged by getting the better of front running Stagelight in the closing strides of the race. The well backed Pearl of Bangalore faded out after being prominent till the final furlong. Approach won the lower division of the race with a well timed run to get past the front running Constance in the shadow of the post. Aetius ran a forward race and placed third.
Arabian Prince was strongly backed to win the 1600 metres Badami Plate though the ante post favourite was The Senator who was bidding for a hat-trick. The top weight, the penalty and the extra distance went against The Senator who was never in contention. Arabian Prince went past the front running Brigade’s Pride with a furlong out and won with a measure of comfort from the late finishing Portobello and Lush Lashes.
Connavaro who had finished a suggestive second in his last effort and Ready to Mingle who had advertised her fitness to win, were fancied to win the 1200 metres Kollegal Plate. The former managed to do in an exciting finish. Perfect Analysis led all the way despite taking the final turn wide which also inconvenienced Connavaro who was attempting to take over the running from the outside draw. Closer home, Perfect Analysis slackened and Connavaro got the lead which he managed to save it by a short neck as Ready To Mingle flashed on to the scene with great speed. Romance In The Air finished third.
Dominic’s Snow Peaks who had let down as a favourite in the past, broke off level from the gates, raced in earnest and managed to get the better of front running favourite Rumour Proof in the dying moments of the race to land the spoils.
In the day’s other action, which saw Jamaican Bolt being backed to the exclusion of his rivals after Moon Child bolted riderless on way to the gates and was withdrawn form the fray, made no show. Sunny Spell was another who came in for inspired support in the ring and the Dhariwal trainee Sunny Spell won the race at the expense of Marie Curie and Sweet Surrender. African Sky was rearing up in the stalls when the start was given and she lost all her chances from there on.
Firezone and Desert Rule were well supported to win the mile long feature event though the former had better credentials considering the fact that he had run against top quality horses. My Friend Paul, Star Wave and Blink were the others with an outside chance of making it. Desert Rule set a fast pace from the start and held the initiative till the final furlong at which point of time his reserves ran out. Firezone moved with raking strides through the centre of the track and surged ahead albeit momentarily as My Friend Paul showed up with a powerful acceleration on the wide outside and collared the front runner for whom the weight began to tell at the crucial stage of the race. Cassandra too moved from behind with a strong finish to take the third spot. The front runners went at such a clip that it was left to tail-enders to profit from it.
Irfan Ghatala trained Sun Dancing were working well but more than anything, the hype generated by the connections ensured that the big made filly who weighted over 500 kgs went into the Topmost Cup, a six furlong terms race for two-year olds, as an overwhelming favourite. Ballibay who was in the fray as a final entry, Tempus Fugit were allowed to run at lucrative odds. Sun Dancing drowned the hopes of her supporters at the gate itself by being lethargic. Elite Land led the field, with Ballibay placed a handy second behind the front runner till Suraj Narredu let Ballibay stretch out. The progeny of Alnasr Alwasheek quickened nicely to leave the rest standing to record an impressive win by a widening margin of six lengths. Tempus Fugit necked out the long time leader Elite Land from the third spot.
Ganapathy’s Misty Moonlight was strongly backed to win the Amathos Plate (Div I) and the progeny of Diffident obliged by getting the better of front running Stagelight in the closing strides of the race. The well backed Pearl of Bangalore faded out after being prominent till the final furlong. Approach won the lower division of the race with a well timed run to get past the front running Constance in the shadow of the post. Aetius ran a forward race and placed third.
Arabian Prince was strongly backed to win the 1600 metres Badami Plate though the ante post favourite was The Senator who was bidding for a hat-trick. The top weight, the penalty and the extra distance went against The Senator who was never in contention. Arabian Prince went past the front running Brigade’s Pride with a furlong out and won with a measure of comfort from the late finishing Portobello and Lush Lashes.
Connavaro who had finished a suggestive second in his last effort and Ready to Mingle who had advertised her fitness to win, were fancied to win the 1200 metres Kollegal Plate. The former managed to do in an exciting finish. Perfect Analysis led all the way despite taking the final turn wide which also inconvenienced Connavaro who was attempting to take over the running from the outside draw. Closer home, Perfect Analysis slackened and Connavaro got the lead which he managed to save it by a short neck as Ready To Mingle flashed on to the scene with great speed. Romance In The Air finished third.
Dominic’s Snow Peaks who had let down as a favourite in the past, broke off level from the gates, raced in earnest and managed to get the better of front running favourite Rumour Proof in the dying moments of the race to land the spoils.
In the day’s other action, which saw Jamaican Bolt being backed to the exclusion of his rivals after Moon Child bolted riderless on way to the gates and was withdrawn form the fray, made no show. Sunny Spell was another who came in for inspired support in the ring and the Dhariwal trainee Sunny Spell won the race at the expense of Marie Curie and Sweet Surrender. African Sky was rearing up in the stalls when the start was given and she lost all her chances from there on.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Senator has a tough fight on hands
The Senator won his last outing in splendid fashion but then he is graduating into tougher company and has to carry top weight as well. Is he good enough? Can he get the mile as effectively as he did the seven furlong trip? If the answer is in the affirmative, then The Senator can not only win here but can be targeted ambitiously as well in future.
After perusing the relative performance of the others, I am of the opinion that Arabian Prince, by virtue of having run in tougher company and done reasonably well, may be better prepared to win though I was inclined to go with The Senator considering the improvement he showed from his previous run.. The race is very competitive as even Lush Lashes has been knocking on the doors and she is at home over this trip.
Friday’s Bangalore racing is lackluster as ordinary types of horses are running in most races.
Firezone, whose best performance has been over a mile, should be worth a bet.
I will restrict my selection for the day to Arabian Prince and Firezone and leave the other races.
After perusing the relative performance of the others, I am of the opinion that Arabian Prince, by virtue of having run in tougher company and done reasonably well, may be better prepared to win though I was inclined to go with The Senator considering the improvement he showed from his previous run.. The race is very competitive as even Lush Lashes has been knocking on the doors and she is at home over this trip.
Friday’s Bangalore racing is lackluster as ordinary types of horses are running in most races.
Firezone, whose best performance has been over a mile, should be worth a bet.
I will restrict my selection for the day to Arabian Prince and Firezone and leave the other races.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Equidae can strike winning form
Equidae who is running over her pet distance of seven furlongs has a good chance of pulling it off in the races on Sunday at Mumbai. However, she has to contend with Safar4i who appears to be in good form.
Among the other races, Confiserie should have no problem in winning if she has the desired fitness and Adams Law who is knocking on the doors of success.
The Guineas is a very open affair but if Cabriolet can reproduce his form, he can beat them all.
Among the other races, Confiserie should have no problem in winning if she has the desired fitness and Adams Law who is knocking on the doors of success.
The Guineas is a very open affair but if Cabriolet can reproduce his form, he can beat them all.
Jersey Pride regains winning form
Things fell in place for Jersey Pride who built on his good effort on the opening day of the winter season by claiming the Karnataka Police Trophy, a sprint race for horses rated 80 and above, the main event of Saturday’s races The Michael Eshwer trainee Jersey Pride who was once a rousing performer, had the first run on his principal challengers and managed to keep his neck ahead at the finish to provide jockey Appu a confidence boosting win. Last outing winner Sugar Ray closed with a rush but fell short by a narrow margin. Yet again the Kunigal Stud Farm produce was in the limelight as apart from Jersey Pride, Lady Duff and two-year old Tsavorite won their respective races.
Sugar Ray who had recorded a smashing win last time out was the favourite along with Celestial Son who was widely expected to assert himself in this company. Cart Wheel had his share of supporters while Jersey Pride was available at lucrative odds. Valid Expectation set a fast pace and brought the field into view before fading out of contention. Jersey Pride took charge inside the final 250 metres and established a winning lead which stood him in good stead when Sugar Ray came up with a powerful finish. Cart Wheel ran on to be third. There was a mishap in the race when jockey Mallikarjun was unseated at around the 800 meter marker affecting the progress of Flaming Lamborghini, Soberano and Mark of Gibraltar who were in the rear group and had to change course to prevent any damage to the jockey who was on the ground.
The sprinting abilities of Lady Duff were well advertised and she once again confirmed the fact that she belongs to the highest class when recording a facile win over Alacrity in the 1200 metres Kehlan Stud Plate, a race for horses rated 60 to 85. Lady Duff was backed to the exclusion of her rivals and the progeny of Burden of Proof won the race quite easily with a start to finish dash. Alacrity chased all the way but fell short. The runner up should make amends next time out. Lady Duff clocked a smart time of one minute 12.38 seconds which was better than clocked by Jersey Pride in the higher category. Star Assembly was a tame third.
Despite a hesitant start, Padmanabhan trained Frozen Fire came through with a powerful run in the homestretch to win the 1400 metres T B Hanumantharaja Memorial Cup, a race for horses rated 40 to 65. Frozen Fire was sluggish at the start and started to move under the strong urgings of jockey David Allan who had to keep the pressure on. The daughter of China Visit covered places gradually before bursting into the lead with a little more than a furlong to go and won with something to spare from Senora Encima and Caspian Sea. Frozen Fire won well and she can progress if her lethargic behavior of today does not become a habit with her.
Trainer Irfan Ghatala perhaps recorded his first two-year old winner of his career when his ward Tsavorite easily won the Novice Plate, a sprint race, at the expense of Courleur Rouge. After tracking Soviet Melody into the straight, the progeny of Burden of Proof, Tsavorite went sailing clear to win in great style. Favourite Accurate was completely outpaced.
Ice Mint was backed to the exclusion of his rivals so much so that the odds on him came crashing down while that of Alcestis hit the roof. Still Will was quietly fancied. Alcestis set a scorching pace followed by Ice Mint with Still Will who encountered a rough passage, a few lengths adrift. Ice Mint showed up prominently in the final furlong and even as he was hard at work in attempting to overhaul the front runner came Still Will with a strong challenge. Still Will however drifted out dangerously but jockey Srinath reacted commendably to correct the wayward drift and then drive out the horse for a comprehensive win in the Cosmos Plate (Div I). In the lower division too, another fancied runner, last outing winner Youre Chilubuli lost supporters in the ring and was never in the hunt. Long shot Amber Star led all the way and just about held on to win from favourite Magnifique.
In the day’s other action, Leading Lady finally made amends winning at the expense of Unique Star who despite a lethargic start, finished strongly to occupy the runner up berth.
Sugar Ray who had recorded a smashing win last time out was the favourite along with Celestial Son who was widely expected to assert himself in this company. Cart Wheel had his share of supporters while Jersey Pride was available at lucrative odds. Valid Expectation set a fast pace and brought the field into view before fading out of contention. Jersey Pride took charge inside the final 250 metres and established a winning lead which stood him in good stead when Sugar Ray came up with a powerful finish. Cart Wheel ran on to be third. There was a mishap in the race when jockey Mallikarjun was unseated at around the 800 meter marker affecting the progress of Flaming Lamborghini, Soberano and Mark of Gibraltar who were in the rear group and had to change course to prevent any damage to the jockey who was on the ground.
The sprinting abilities of Lady Duff were well advertised and she once again confirmed the fact that she belongs to the highest class when recording a facile win over Alacrity in the 1200 metres Kehlan Stud Plate, a race for horses rated 60 to 85. Lady Duff was backed to the exclusion of her rivals and the progeny of Burden of Proof won the race quite easily with a start to finish dash. Alacrity chased all the way but fell short. The runner up should make amends next time out. Lady Duff clocked a smart time of one minute 12.38 seconds which was better than clocked by Jersey Pride in the higher category. Star Assembly was a tame third.
Despite a hesitant start, Padmanabhan trained Frozen Fire came through with a powerful run in the homestretch to win the 1400 metres T B Hanumantharaja Memorial Cup, a race for horses rated 40 to 65. Frozen Fire was sluggish at the start and started to move under the strong urgings of jockey David Allan who had to keep the pressure on. The daughter of China Visit covered places gradually before bursting into the lead with a little more than a furlong to go and won with something to spare from Senora Encima and Caspian Sea. Frozen Fire won well and she can progress if her lethargic behavior of today does not become a habit with her.
Trainer Irfan Ghatala perhaps recorded his first two-year old winner of his career when his ward Tsavorite easily won the Novice Plate, a sprint race, at the expense of Courleur Rouge. After tracking Soviet Melody into the straight, the progeny of Burden of Proof, Tsavorite went sailing clear to win in great style. Favourite Accurate was completely outpaced.
Ice Mint was backed to the exclusion of his rivals so much so that the odds on him came crashing down while that of Alcestis hit the roof. Still Will was quietly fancied. Alcestis set a scorching pace followed by Ice Mint with Still Will who encountered a rough passage, a few lengths adrift. Ice Mint showed up prominently in the final furlong and even as he was hard at work in attempting to overhaul the front runner came Still Will with a strong challenge. Still Will however drifted out dangerously but jockey Srinath reacted commendably to correct the wayward drift and then drive out the horse for a comprehensive win in the Cosmos Plate (Div I). In the lower division too, another fancied runner, last outing winner Youre Chilubuli lost supporters in the ring and was never in the hunt. Long shot Amber Star led all the way and just about held on to win from favourite Magnifique.
In the day’s other action, Leading Lady finally made amends winning at the expense of Unique Star who despite a lethargic start, finished strongly to occupy the runner up berth.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Lady Duff looks good
Sardar Singh trained Lady Duff who put up an impressive effort in her last run, should build on that effort and beat the challenge of Star Assembly, Cayenne and Classic Charge. Jersey Pride and Ice Mint are the other two horses worth a bet.
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