Topkapi defies huge penalty
Padmanabhan trained Topkapi defied the huge penalty he had incurred for his runaway win by claiming the 2200 metres Ashwapriya Cup, a race for horses rated 60 to 85, the main event of Friday’s races with minimum of fuss. Jockey Appu who is not seen much in action these days, was entrusted the responsibility of steering the favourite and he did a pretty decent job of it though the lack of initial pace and the fact that he had to ride the favourite from behind did not go with his patented style.
Topkapi was the on money favourite to win with the small made Oban receiving solid support in the ring. The confidence of the punters on Topkapi was such that they were prepared to back the horse with conviction event though jockey Appu hasn’t won a race for a long time. Table Mountain led the field from the start, with Topkapi settled in the penultimate position in what was an excruciatingly slow run race. Rounding the final bend, Topkapi smoothly accelerated and took over the proceedings and sped away for a win by over two lengths. Oban came from way off the pace to snatch the runner up berth in a cluster finish, from Raptor Force and Duckworth.
Jockey Suraj Narredu had a fall in the third race of the day astride Criminal Lawyer as the horse clicked a front runner as the field was negotiating the final bend. The jockey was perhaps taken unawares as the field in front lost pace as a result of the pacesetter Spearhead losing steam and dropping back. Luckily, the jockey escaped unhurt and came back to discharge his duties astride favourite Dolce Vino and lesser fancied Crown Vision. He was successful on the last named while he lost narrowly on Dolce Vino.
Bucephalas who gained places rapidly form behind, shook off the challenge of Modern Art and then held off the spirited bid of favourite The Senator. The Senator could have won had his jockey John been more alert to the dangers of getting hemmed up along the rails. By the time he could get the horse to stretch out fully, Bucephalas had established a winning lead. Modern Art, who appeared in much better shape, ran on to finish third. The filly should pick up a couple of races in summer.
Dolce Vino headed the field inside the final 100 metres with Enduring Speed hot on his heels but Suraj could not obtain that bit extra at the finish. It was understandable because he would not have fully recovered from the shock of the fall an hour ago. However, the jockey should be appreciated for his courage and commitment.
Debutant Crown Treasure was widely expected to win the BARI Plate, a six furlong race for maiden three year olds, but the progeny of Razeen looked far from ready. Suraj Narredu took the M P Mahaesh trainee Crown Vision into the lead form the wide outside draw and the front runner skipped away form the rest to win comfortably. Moorva Goodtime finished strongly snatching the runner up berth in a cluster finish from late rallying Gluteus Maximus and Adonis. Crown Vision appears a good type of a filly.
Had it not been for the tendon problem that he suffered, Alviano would not have been running in the 20 to 45 category at this point of time. Alviano, who had worked well, was understandably backed to the exclusion of the rest. Apprentice jockey Shiva Kumar had it easy on the favourite. Southern King added some excitement to the race with a late dash. Alviano won more comfortably than the verdict suggests. He should repeat if he trains on.
The one-eyed Foresight could have won had her jockey Shiva Kumar been more alert to his task in the Gokarna Plate. Despite trailing the field till the final bend, the daughter of Diffident covered places in the straight to narrowly miss overhauling the front running Black Beauty. Favourite Good Gift took lot of good money down the drain. The well backed Cute Angel obliged in the lower division of the race at the expense of Blue Origin. Jockey John who rode the winner, used the whip excessively and this act of him resulted in the Stewards depriving him the use of the whip for the reminder of the season as this was his fourth whip infraction.
Topkapi was the on money favourite to win with the small made Oban receiving solid support in the ring. The confidence of the punters on Topkapi was such that they were prepared to back the horse with conviction event though jockey Appu hasn’t won a race for a long time. Table Mountain led the field from the start, with Topkapi settled in the penultimate position in what was an excruciatingly slow run race. Rounding the final bend, Topkapi smoothly accelerated and took over the proceedings and sped away for a win by over two lengths. Oban came from way off the pace to snatch the runner up berth in a cluster finish, from Raptor Force and Duckworth.
Jockey Suraj Narredu had a fall in the third race of the day astride Criminal Lawyer as the horse clicked a front runner as the field was negotiating the final bend. The jockey was perhaps taken unawares as the field in front lost pace as a result of the pacesetter Spearhead losing steam and dropping back. Luckily, the jockey escaped unhurt and came back to discharge his duties astride favourite Dolce Vino and lesser fancied Crown Vision. He was successful on the last named while he lost narrowly on Dolce Vino.
Bucephalas who gained places rapidly form behind, shook off the challenge of Modern Art and then held off the spirited bid of favourite The Senator. The Senator could have won had his jockey John been more alert to the dangers of getting hemmed up along the rails. By the time he could get the horse to stretch out fully, Bucephalas had established a winning lead. Modern Art, who appeared in much better shape, ran on to finish third. The filly should pick up a couple of races in summer.
Dolce Vino headed the field inside the final 100 metres with Enduring Speed hot on his heels but Suraj could not obtain that bit extra at the finish. It was understandable because he would not have fully recovered from the shock of the fall an hour ago. However, the jockey should be appreciated for his courage and commitment.
Debutant Crown Treasure was widely expected to win the BARI Plate, a six furlong race for maiden three year olds, but the progeny of Razeen looked far from ready. Suraj Narredu took the M P Mahaesh trainee Crown Vision into the lead form the wide outside draw and the front runner skipped away form the rest to win comfortably. Moorva Goodtime finished strongly snatching the runner up berth in a cluster finish from late rallying Gluteus Maximus and Adonis. Crown Vision appears a good type of a filly.
Had it not been for the tendon problem that he suffered, Alviano would not have been running in the 20 to 45 category at this point of time. Alviano, who had worked well, was understandably backed to the exclusion of the rest. Apprentice jockey Shiva Kumar had it easy on the favourite. Southern King added some excitement to the race with a late dash. Alviano won more comfortably than the verdict suggests. He should repeat if he trains on.
The one-eyed Foresight could have won had her jockey Shiva Kumar been more alert to his task in the Gokarna Plate. Despite trailing the field till the final bend, the daughter of Diffident covered places in the straight to narrowly miss overhauling the front running Black Beauty. Favourite Good Gift took lot of good money down the drain. The well backed Cute Angel obliged in the lower division of the race at the expense of Blue Origin. Jockey John who rode the winner, used the whip excessively and this act of him resulted in the Stewards depriving him the use of the whip for the reminder of the season as this was his fourth whip infraction.
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