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| SOUTHERN CHARGE |
Southern Charge had been a rousing performer as a youngster and his connections were expecting him to dominate the classics at this centre. Midway through that campaign, he developed a strange habit of veering out while taking the final turn. Since there were no physical impediments for such behaviour, his trainer decided to give him rest and settle him down. It seems to have worked, because Southern Charge ran a nice race while finishing second in an earlier start during the current season. There were no signs of moving sideways, and he had accelerated when asked for an effort. Being satisfied with the progress, Southern Charge was pitched in today's feature. The trip was ideally suited for him and he was supported accordingly. He was backed down to even-money favouritism as the runners arrived at the starting gates.
Super Speed and Guided Missile, the two no-hopers in the field, were pushed to the front and made the early pace ahead of Western Command ,Rio Bravo, Southern Empire and Southern Charge. The order remained more or less the same for the first half of the race, before David Allan realized that Southern Charge was finding the pace a bit slow for his liking. Not wanting to fight with his mount , he allowed him to cruise on the wide outside and join issue with the leaders as they hit the rising ground and took the final bend. It was a one horse race thereafter, as Southern Charge hit the front and ran straight like an arrow. It was only a question of his margin of victory and the minor placings thereafter. Southern Empire was deprived of the runner-up berth close home by the late finishing Mother's Pride. Rio Bravo, after a tardy start, ran on to finish a close fourth. The last named was being tried over this longer trip for the first time in his career. He confirmed that this was slightly beyond his capabilities. Mothers Pride should be able to pick up a race in lesser company. Southern Charge can be expected to improve from here and must be supported in the terms events to be held in the coming months.
The other outstanding performance in the eight event card came from a two year old filly called Captivating. This youngster owned by Vijay Mallya and trained by Dhariwal was making her debut in the day's opener. Since she was a June foal, and relatively younger than her rivals, she was neglected in the betting rings. Ganapathy's Bourbon Bay was the rage in this event and was backed down to 40/100. Bourbon Bay was running after having finished a fair second in his earlier start. Captivating was looking a picture in the paddock and her conformation drew attention. She ran like a seasoned campaigner in the hands of Christopher Hayes while making all the running, and holding a belated challenge from the odds-on favourite. The pair of them drew away from the rest. The winner is definitely destined for bigger and better performances.
A pair of long priced runners won the two divisions of a sprint race for horses in Class III. Tinas Triumph shocked the followers of form by getting up on the last stride and beating Lush Foliage. Shobhan Babu rode a powerful finish on the winner. The luckless River Island met with interference in the final stages of the race and had to settle for the third spot. Early leader Panchakshari got tired in the end and could only finish fourth. The other division was won by Needofthehour. This horse was running after many months and had changed stables. Samuel Hitchcott seems to enjor riding from behind. Being drawn on the wide outside, he bided his time before taking the gap on the rails. Needofthehour quickened impressively to go past Game Of Life and Dock Of Bay in the closing stages of this race. The last named was backed with confidence but ran poorly. An Equal Music was another runner to put up a doleful performance. He should be left alone for a while, since his form seems to be deteriorating.
Champion trainer Ganapathy's yard had a winner for the day, when Desert Realm retired an easy winner of a seven furlong event in Class IV. What was expected to be a match race between Desert Realm and Mind Me ,turned out to be a one horse race in the end. Mind Me was seen to be struggling to keep pace with field, while Prakash and Desert Realm were were found to be toying with the opposition. It was left to Attaturk and Kandiate to occupy the minor placings.
The easiest winner in the days card came from the stables of Michael Eshwer. Anna's Quest had been knocking on the door for a while and it was her turn today. Entrusted to jockey Appu, this three year old made every post a winning one and won by a shade under seven lengths from Black Splendour and Vayuputra. The winner is a good type, and in her present form and condition, can be expected to pick up a race in the higher class.
The only other race in the card was won by the speedy Ahira. This filly from Irfan's stable had been backed last time but had run off the frame on that occasion. She seemed to have benefited from that outing as she showed a clean pair of heels to her rivals today. She jumped out in front and stayed there till the very end. The connections were distressed to learn that she had burst a blood vessel while putting up this winning performance. Opprimo and Splendid Glory were able to save place money.
