The Elusive Pimpernel Trophy, a sprint event for horses in Class III was the feature event in a dull and lacklustre card of 8 races framed for the Wednesday's racing at Mysore. The event was won by Ranjeet Singh-ridden Custer who was the second in demand in the betting ring, while a lot of money was wagered on Angel Of Faith to finally install it as the firm favourite. The odds offered by the bookmakers on the opening favourite Stilton skyrocketed from 18/10 to 10/1. The surprising bit was that the time taken for this exercise was barely ten minutes. Obviously, the bookmakers had a commitment from either the owner, trainer or jockey that the horse was not going to win.
It was a fast pace with Custer making all the running. Angel of Faith came with a late run on his inside but was a half length shy at the wire. Stilton, who was languishing in mid-bunch all the way, came with a flourish to finish a close third ahead of Green passion. Stilton can win in a similar set in the near future.
Ranjeet Singh was associated with another popular victory astride the on-money favourite Cafe Coffee. Based on his earlier performances, Café Coffee was touted as a safe betting proposition for the day. However, the victory was not as easy as it was expected to be. Ansonia, in the hands of jockey Vivek did the usual frontrunning, with the favourite in close attendance. As they came round the bend, Ansonia kicked for home and seemed to be holding on to the lead. To the relief of his numerous supporters, Café Coffee got up in the last couple of strides to pip Ansonia on the post. It is felt that the winner would be more effective over a seven furlong trip. Ambiens ran on to finish third.
Trainer Bipin Salvi and jockey P Krishna were instrumental in the other two favourites winning during the afternoon. The heavily bandaged Mazeppa was a lucky winner in a staying trip, where the frontrunner Prospectors Dream got tired in the last 100 metres. High Tower was the other winner for them. This horse was highly rated by trainer Darashah when it was in his charge. High Tower changed hands and his new trainer seems to have transformed him. He was looking very well in the paddock and ran accordingly. He was the most impressive winner of the afternoon, and his style of running suggested that he is capable of defying the handicapper in his next appearance. For the record, Ranveer ran second and King Athlete a faraway third.
Darashah-trained Proud Tradition was supported in a big way but found Royal Mirchi too hot to handle. Similarly Warren Singh-trained Worth a Diamond took down a lot of money when he veered towards the outer sand track and finished in the ruck. In the same race, Gnaneshwar ridden Blue Spirit made full use of the wide opening on the rails to win from Karumba. Divine Force and Fast Colours were the other two outsiders to win today.
