The Royal Calcutta Turf Club took one
giant step forward. The 2007 Invitation Cup brought credibility and
confidence to an ailing organization. Indian racing has lost Chennai.
Calcutta's revival is great news indeed. Cyrus Madan, one of the RCTC
Stewards, was upbeat in his remarks at the presentation ceremony. He
exuded optimism and the sun may finally be shining over Hastings.
Haunting Memories was 19-10 in the betting ring in the Grade 1
Sprinters' Cup. The bookmakers were in a mood to take a risk. The
punters seemed hesitant. All the doubting and the guessing were put to
bed by the brilliant filly as the race unfolded. Colm O'Donoghue let
Haunting Memories float out of the gate. So confident was O'Donoghue of
his mount's ability that he chose to keep her three and four-wide until
the final turn. A crack or two of Colm's whip saw Haunting Memries bound
forward to a winning lead with 200 meters to go. The favorite began
veering to the left but the race had already been won. Dynasty came on
with a flourish to be the bridesmaid. It was an auspicious start for the
Dr M A M camp.
Aperitivo, a Vijay Singh pupil, was an odds on choice in the Grade 1
Stayers' Cup. The 'Gold-Brown belt' brigade was weak and it showed as
the race developed. Jockey Rajendra had to steady Aperitivo who took a
bad step or two leaving the gates. There was palpable anxiety that
dissipated in the first furlong. Aperitivo settled well and lay within
range of the pace-setting group. Rajendra was second as they made the
turn for the run to the box. Given his head, the 10 to 8 on favorite,
hit the front in a trice. With every stride, the margin got wider.
Why did not Secret Memory race in the Stayers' Cup? There is no question
that Secret Memory would have been a worthy contender. In Sunday's Super
Mile (Gr.1), Haunting Memories was clearly second best. Why would Dr M A
M deny himself the privilege of winning all the four big races? This is
a question I would have asked Dr M A M if there had been a post-race
meeting. This is a critical ingredient of racing that authorities in
India do not consider important. As it turned out, Calcutta's premier
owner, Mr. Deepak Khaitan's Aperitivo won the Stayers' Cup. Mr Khaitan
also received an award Saturday evening at the rain-marred racing
banquet.
There were rumors about Southern Empire's lack of readiness. There were
theories advanced about Diabolical's superiority. Why was Colm
O'Donoghue riding Southern Empire? It was the subject of endless
speculation. The only thing everybody knew was that the 'boss' had told
O'Donoghue what horse to ride. The bookmakers, however, had the problem
figured out. Southern Empire was at prohibitive odds and they were
right.
Diabolical lay second and had the lead half a mile from home. O'Domoghue
was fifth, then fourth, moved up to be second as they negotiated the
last turn. As Diabolical's supporters were getting ready to cheer their
horse home, Southern Empire was asked for an effort. Even before the
first cheer for Diabolical was heard, the race was over. Southern Empire
had swept into command and was drawing away. The term 'putting daylight
himself and his rivals,' may only be partly appropriate. It was an
avalanche.
In Invitation Cup history, this was the most impressive winning
performance.
Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes by 32 lengths. Southern Empire's
official margin was a 'distance.' I believe the winning margin would
have been 20 lengths or more. I suggest that the film strip be looked at
and the exact margin arrived at.
At half money and less, Secret Memory, Colm O'Donoghue up, was the focus
of all attention in the Super Mile. It was a 'no contest.' It was a
bloodless victory. Haunting Memories headed the beaten brigade.
Colm O'Donoghue had six winners over two days. At the presentation
ceremony, he opened a bottle or two of champagne and did a 'Holi'
spraying act.
Then came the unusually long statement from Dr M A M. In his customary
fashion, he went though a long 'thank you' list. He made special mention
of trainer Ganapathy. He spoke glowingly of jockey Bhosle Prakash. Then
came the remark for which the fans were hardly prepared. Dr M A M said,"
Prakash told me that Southern Empire will not lose. He wanted to ride
today but could not get the doctor's permission. I want to tell you that
Southern Empire is better than Mystical. A lot better. The Indian Derby
was an 'off race' for Southern Empire. I had no doubt about the
Invitation outcome. In the absence of Prakash, Colm, our first jockey,
took the better horse. It is that simple."
A suggestion or two. The races underlined the need for fractional times.
Pace makes a race and split times, sometimes, tell you a fascinating
story.
Margins, especially in the final turns, would be an excellent
handicapping tool. This should not be too hard and must be earnestly
considered.
The RCTC put up a great show in admittedly difficult circumstances. The
RCTC team deserve our gratitude.
