Dare Don was very impressive while winning the day’s feature event at Mysore, The Thungabhadra Cup. In this race run over a distance of 1,400 metres, he was drawn on the extreme outside. He was taken to the front by Rajesh, and ultimately stayed there to win without being extended. Darashah-trained Dangerous Illusion was backed confidently by the supporters of this stable, since they were expecting the trainer to saddle his third winner for the afternoon. Gnaneshwar made free use of the whalebone, but found the winner too good on the day. Dare Don is in good form and his owners can look forward to further successes.
Although Darashah and Gnaneshwar failed with Dangerous Illusion, they were successful on Bold Promise and Valiant Romeo. Both these horses are owned by turf-baron MAM Ramaswamy, and were course favourites. The 2-year old Bold Promise (Inner City-Siddon Pretty) was making his racing debut like all the others in the race, this being the first baby race of the season. He was made on-money on the basis of his looks and fine trackwork. Allowing early pace-setter Regal Winner to lead him into the straight, Bold Promise lengthened his strides and won with a measure of comfort. His stablemate Dancers Wave ended a close third. Dancers Wave may be earmarked for an early success in similar company.
On Valiant Romeo, Gnaneshwar had no problem at all. He led from the word ‘go’, and finally had the pleasure of looking back at the opposition for threats. Now that he has struck form, this 3-year old can carry on with his winning ways. Classy Babe was well supported on the basis of her last victory. She found the penalty to be tough and had to be content to finish third behind the rank outsider Mehek.
There has been a great shortage of oats at Bangalore and Mysore. There was a rumour that the day’s racing may be cancelled because of this reason. Apparently, the regular oats supplier has been erratic in his supplies for the last couple of weeks. With stocks getting depleted, the representatives of the KROA visited his go-downs and found them almost empty. As a temporary relief to the stables, they procured uncrushed oats and supplied the same. The KROA has made a request to the Hyderabad Race Club to send them a couple of truckloads to tide over this interim period. We hope that things get sorted out at an early date.
Forever Grande was another one who has been knocking on the door, having finished in the money in his last few engagements. Ashwin Rao relaxed him in mid-bunch till turning for home and pulled him out at the bend to go clear of a late finishing Turbanator and favourite Action Zone.
We lost jockey Waheed in an air crash at Bangalore airport many years ago. His son, Khurshid Alam was recently granted an apprentice jockey's licence. This youngster won his first race astride Monappa-trained Sensitive Prince. While they won start to finish, the favourite for this race Royal Hawk was seen struggling in last place. A lot of money was bet on the favourite and it will be interesting to see how he runs in his future engagements.
Peakaboo, Angel of faith and Estrella won the other three races in the afternoon.
