Del Mar racecourse in San Diego, California is one of the most beautiful tracks in America. It is close to the Pacific Ocean. Del Mar is promoted as the place where the 'surf meets the turf.'
Among the several graded races held during the summer at Del Mar, the Pacific Classic, for older horses over 2000 metres, lures the best in North America. The Pacific Classic has been won by several champions. In the recent past, in 1996 particularly, the Pacific Classic attracted more than usual attention. The all-conquering Cigar was in the Classic and was attempting to win 17 races in a row. Cigar, Jerry Bailey up, bet to the exclusion of his rivals, was in front for the most part and stood helpless as Dare And Go swept past the mighty one late in the lane. The huge throng was in disbelief. Cigar won his next start.
Last Sunday, the 2007 edition of the Pacific Classic was contested. One of the fancied runners was Lava Man, the emperor of California. In California, Lava Man had been unstoppable. When the dust had settled, it was Student Council, a 23-1 outsider, who had come away with a shock victory. Twelve ran and the winner's time for 2000 metres was 2.07.29. Awesome Gem was second and the show spot was taken by Hello Sunday. It was another enactment of 'David vs Goliath.' Student Council booked a berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Monmouth Park in late October.
The Ebor (three-day) meeting got under way at York racecourse in England on August 21, 2007. The feature on opening day was the
Group I Juddmonte International. Authorized, a run-away winner in the Vodafone Derby at Epsom, was back to redeem himself. He had been beaten by Notnowcato in the Coral Eclipse at Sandown in early July. Dylan Thomas, winner of the King George at Ascot, was in the fray. Notnowcato was there as well to cement his superiority over the Derby hero. Seven answered the starter's call. Carrying the public purse, Authorized, at 6-4, raced prominently and was in front with 400 metres to go and beat back a determined bid from Dylan Thomas. The winning margin was one length and the time was 2.11.82 for the 2100-metre journey. Notnowcato took third and was three lengths behind Dylan Thomas. Authorized earned 298,095 pounds. The track at York was rated 'good.'
Peter Chapple-Hyam, Authorized's trainer, was delighted. "I am delighted for everybody, especially Authorized. He got beat in the Eclipse and everybody was knocking him. I read it every day but luckily, he (Authorized) can't read.."
Frankie Dettori was full of praise for his mount. "In the Eclipse, everyone went out there to outfox me. I was watching George Washington and Notnowcato got away. I have now put the record straight. Auithorized is one of the best I've ridden. I have been sick the last two weeks and this win is the tonic I needed. I cannot wait for the Arc."
On Wednesday, Aug 22, Dettori sat out his three rides. He is expected to be back in action by week's end.
There was an eye-popping performance from Peeping Fawn on Wednesday. The event was the
Group I Darley Yorkshire Oaks. Seven ran in the 2400-metre event on a 'good' track. Peeping Fawn won by four lengths. It was Peeping Fawn's fourth
Group I win in a row.
Taking second was Allegretto who was five lenthgs in front of Trick Or Treat who fnished third. The time was 2.32.7. Peeping Fawn was the 4-9 favorite. Johnny Murtagh was the jockey.
John Murtagh said, "she's a very, very good filly. She is getting better all the time. She has the will to win."
Aidan O'Brien, talking about supplementing Peeping Fawn to the Arc, was optimistic. "She's some machine. We are open to everything. She can go with the boys."
On Saturday at Saratoga in upstate New York, the $1,000,000 Travers Stakes will be run. Seven will go postward. The Travers, over 2000 metres, is called the 'midsummer Derby.' Street Sense will be the overwhelming favorite. Opposing Street Sense are C P West and Sightseeing.
The story by Kanthraj Urs, the Mysore Race Club chairman, raises the 'optimum level.' He is direct. He addresses issues that are of paramount concern to the average fan. I have not been to Mysore in over twenty years. I intend to visit Mysore during my visit to India in 2008.
