The enduring charm of the Bangalore Derby

 Suraj Narredu Does It Again, with Big Bay for company!

 

By Sharan Kumar

 

At the end of the day, the size of the field was about as relevant as a weather report in a desert. The opposition didn’t matter. The pre-race predictions didn’t matter. Because when Suraj Narredu is in a big race, the outcome is usually already written—it’s just a matter of how far he wins by. Malesh Narredu’s Big Bay, built for speed and blessed with an amazing turn of foot, absolutely obliterated the opposition en route to a dazzling victory in the Gr 1 Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million, the richest race for juveniles at Mahalakshmi on Sunday.

 

If horse racing were a Bollywood movie, Suraj Narredu would be the leading man who wins every single time, and the rest of the jockeys would be stuck playing forgettable supporting roles. Sunday’s win on Big Bay was just another chapter in his long-running blockbuster, and the script played out exactly as expected—with Suraj and Big Bay stealing the show while everyone else auditioned for minor roles.

 

Malesh Narredu’s Big Bay, a horse so fast he could probably outrun his own shadow, proved to be every bit as devastating as advertised, crushing a supposedly competitive field with the ease of a seasoned pro. Despite a mind-bogglingly dominant win last time out, Big Bay was treated like a gate crasher, quoted at odds of 9 to 1, while Bangalore’s Prokofiev was the clear favourite with Miracle Star being the next in demand.  

 

Miracle Star, clearly unaware that speed must be rationed, took off like a sprinter at a marathon, setting a suicidal pace that was always going to end in tears. Meanwhile, Suraj Narredu, calm as a monk, had Big Bay perfectly placed in her slipstream, waiting for the moment to press the "goodbye, everyone" button.

 

With 200 meters left, Miracle Star realized she had grossly overestimated her stamina, and Big Bay, surged past her like a Ferrari overtaking a bicycle. Circle of Bliss and Prokofiev could only watch as Suraj flicked the reins and disappeared into the distance.

 

And here’s the thing about Suraj Narredu: he doesn’t just win—he dominates. Three straight victories in this event, because apparently, sharing trophies isn’t part of the Narredu family values. Last year, he won it with Excellent Lass alongside his brother. This time, it was the uncle-nephew tag team with Malesh Narredu, proving once again that when it comes to big races, the Narredu clan is basically an unstoppable racing family.

 

The only bit of drama? Magnetar, another hyped Bangalore contender, decided he wanted no part of this mess and refused to load, taking an early exit with his dignity intact.

 

If anyone had been paying attention—anyone at all—Big Bay’s lead-up race should have been a giant neon sign flashing ‘Beware: Speed Demon Approaching’. His clock-stopping time was something even the country’s finest sprinters would struggle to match, and yet, astonishingly, he was ignored in the betting ring. Instead, the Bangalore brigade, led by the heavily fancied Prokofiev, was all the rage, while another Bangalore hopeful, Miracle Star, had the audacity to be the second favourite—despite having already played second fiddle to Big Bay in their last encounter.

 

Big Bay, a son of Speaking of Which, proved that his speed wasn’t just dazzling—it was devastating. The extended trip didn’t blunt his brilliance; instead, he steamrolled his way through, leaving no doubt about who the best juvenile in the land was.

 

The gates flung open, and Miracle Star wasted no time in declaring herself the boss, rocketing to the front as if the rest of the field had merely shown up for a leisurely afternoon jog. Right behind her, in no apparent hurry but always in control, was Big Bay, stalked by Circle of Dreams, Elusive Star, Mountain Jewel, Prokofiev, Gun Smoke, Zafferano, Surrealist, Red Bishop, Charlie Brown, and Johnny Mac—all hoping, rather optimistically, for a piece of the action.

 

Jockey A Sandesh, fully committed to his role as the race’s official pacemaker, pushed Miracle Star along at a scorching pace. But behind him, like a patient predator eyeing its prey, Suraj Narredu, perched coolly on Big Bay, was merely biding his time. The rest of the field? Well, they found their spots, made themselves comfortable, and watched the action unfold from cosily sitting behind.

 

With a furlong to go, Big Bay decided he had entertained Miracle Star’s fantasy of staying ahead for long enough. With a devastating turn of foot, he left Miracle Star gasping for air and stormed clear. Meanwhile, Miracle Star, once the leader of the pack, found herself swarmed by rivals like a clueless tourist in rush-hour traffic.

 

Circle of Dreams and Prokofiev attempted to launch a challenge, but their acceleration had all the urgency of a buffering internet connection. They fought gamely but ultimately had to settle for the minor placings. Sovereign King was fourth, Zafferano fifth and Miracle Star a disappointing sixth, undone by her speed which was not effectively harnessed.

(www.racingpulse.in)