B R Sharan Kumar

It was dream come true for trainer Neil Darashah as he led in his maiden classic winner through Youre So Beautiful who brought off a big upset in the Fernhill’s Palace Bangalore 1000 Guineas, the first classic of the season on Saturday. For a trainer who took up the reins from his father Zareer Darashah hardly two years ago, the classic success coming so early in his career is a tribute to his hard works as also for his confidence in his wards. Youre So Beautiful was a rank outsider as Gypsy Magic was considered near invincible but in keeping with the uncertainties of the sport, Youre So Beautiful won against the run of expectations. Jockey Suraj Narredu rode a peach of a race on the winner. Gypsy Magic had all the credentials to win the first classic of the season as the filly had run behind some of the best horses in the country. But quite strangely, trainer Padmanabhan chose to entrust the horse to Appu who hasn’t been enjoying good success after a nasty fall a year ago and especial...

The Karnataka High Court on Monday admitted a Public Interest Litigation against Karnataka Government’s move to allot 95 acres of tank bed land at Chikkajala for purpose of relocating the existing new course which is in the heart of the city. Chief Minister Yeddyurappa has time and again made it abundantly clear that the government was in no mood to extend the existing lease of land beyond the expiry date of December 31, 2009 and that the government was willing to give 95 acres of land at the disputed area and one year’s time for the infrastructure to come up. While the Bangalore Turf Club has filed a writ petition against the government for asking it to relocate without reasonable guarantees, the new development may stall the process for a while. Environmentalists had approached the Supreme Court against the government’s move to convert tank bed for commercial activity, the highest court in the country had directed the petitioners to approach the High Court for redress as it concerned...

Even as Indians were busy buying at the Goff’s Bloodstock sales, one of the pregnant mares purchased at the sales three years ago, had a classic winner through Celestial Way who won the Gr 2 Golconda 1000 Guineas at Hyderabad on Sunday. The Kunigal Stud Farm produce is the daughter of Orpen out of Just Heavens Wait (Slip Anchor). Celestial Way is trained by S Padmanabhan and owned by Dr Vijay Mallya whose United Racing And Bloodstock Breeders Private Ltd runs the Kunigal Stud Farm. . Most of the leading breeders of India made purchases at this year’s Goff Sales which concluded on Sunday. Over 50 pregnant mares have been bought at the sales by well known names like Zavaray Poonawalla and Dr Vijay Mallya whose representatives made the bidding. Nirmal Singh of Hazara Stud Farm also made a number of purchases. The Hazara Stud Farm is making a serious attempt to have a big splash on Indian racing. They have a collection of over 50 got abroad mares bought from the Goffs in the last two years...

Arjun Mangalorkar trained Kyles of Bute brought off a stunning upset in the Dariya Daulat Trophy, a seven furlong race for horses rated 80 and above, the feature event of Saturday’s races. Favourite Red Renegade appeared to be traveling well when he brought the field into the straight with a few lengths advantage but he shortened his strides and finished a dismal last. The reason for Red Renegade’s abrupt end to his chances was because of the fact that he burst his blood vessels. Kyles of Bute picked up speed in the final furlong despite drifting out and edged past a tiring Silken Thomas close home to bring off a big upset. Fire Zone picked up all but one from way behind to take the runner up spot. Red Renegade was the favourite as he was at a tidy handicap mark though he was running in the highest class. The big made Red Renegade was bound to find the underfoot conditions have an adverse effect on his performance but the way he was striding out in front, it looked as though he might ...

Dhariwal trained Six Shooter looks a cut above the rest and should be a safe bet in Saturday's Bangalore races. The speedy son of Burden of Proof, Six Shooter is a good type of a horse and the soft underfoot conditions enhances his chances. Red Renegade also should win though the big made son of Placerville may find the underfoot conditions to his dislike. First of a Legend and Soberano are worth considering for a minor bet.

Friday's races at Bangalore will be lackluster, with competitive element absent. D'Artagnan looks a cut above the rest and should win without much fuss. In the same way, Alviano who made his only run a winning one in summer, had beaten horses which have subsequently won in impressive fashion. Despite the many niggles that he has suffered, he should romp home given the poor quality of opposition he is taking on. Winning picking is difficult but if one has to satisfy the urge to put some money out, Vayuputra and Star Speed can be considered as marginal bets.

The long winding Mumbai Season will commence on Sunday, November 22. With the weather clearing off, a nine event card has been framed for the opening day, with the first race commencing at 1.30 p.m. The season which has attracted new sponsors, will also feature the Indian Turf Invitation Cup weekend races. Racegoers can hope for some exciting action.