 |
| DIAMOND HUNTER |
Saturday's feature had attracted a small field of seven runners with most of them having a realistic chance of winning this race. Rhapsidion Snow, Woman On Top, Queens Guest and Diamnond Hunter were closely matched by the terms of this race , and the betting boards indicated the "open" nature of this event. Barring Queens Guest, the other three were making their seasonal debut's in this event. The race was run at a fast pace as Aurelian decided to go to the front and dictate terms to Rhapsidion Snow and Diamond Hunter. Queens Guest was being hustled in fourth place, while Woman On Top was noticed to be travelling well within herself as they took the turn and sailed for home. Rhapsidion Snow grabbed the initiative at this stage ,and seemed to be travelling well, before she was challenged by Diamond Hunter in the centre and Woman On Top on the wide outside. The three of them began to pull away from the rest. It was Diamond Hunter who was noticed to be responding beautifully to his jockey's urgings ,and getting stronger with each stride. The duo were able to beat Rhapsidion Snow near the winning post. Woman On Top began to tire near the distance post and settled for the third spot. It is safe to assume that the winner will continue to remain a strong force in the other prominent sprint events to be held later in the season. The sparingly raced runner-up was gallant in defeat ,and should be earmarked for an early success in a similar event.
It has been a very competitive season so far, with most stables having their fair share of winners. It is rare to see a stable striking more than once during an afternoon. Champion trainer Ganapathy, who normally skips clear of his fellow professionals, has been finding the going a bit rough in the past weeks. He was able to saddle a pair of fancied winners on Saturday, and by doing so, was able to climb to the top of the trainers tally. He had back-to-back winners with Royal Confidence and All My Colours. Royal Confidence was racing in a mile race for horses in the lowest class. Prakash rode a confident race on this big made filly, as he sat third for most of the way before taking charge near the 300 metres marker. It was smooth sailing thereafter, as she sped away from a late finishing Live It Up. Voice Of India was a disinterested third, and this three year old has shown definite signs that he can win for the asking.
All My Colours had last run in the Fillies Trial Stakes during summer.She had run fifth to Set Alight in that event. She had been given a mock race a few weeks ago, and was looking well in the paddock. Srinath's presence in the saddle enthused a lot of punters to go "nap" on her. All My Colours was backed down to even-money favouritism.Her stablemate Phoenix Reach set a strong pace in this race and brought the field into view. The leader was chased by Shoot A Rainbow and Sunny Colours, while the others were biding their time to make their final assaults. All My Colours was produced on the wide outside and had to be given a couple of taps before she skipped away from the rest She retired an easy winner ahead of a one-paced Shoot A Rainbow and a late finishing Stormy River. There was fair support for Sunny Colours, but she seemed to be out of depth in this company. The winner can be expected to progress hereafter.
Trainer Jaggi Dhariwal has dominated most of the maiden races held during the last few weeks. For the second day in succession, he saddled the winner of the "baby" race in the days card. The well bred filly Oban produced a sparkling gallop from the rear and collared favourite Jamaican Bolt near the winning post. Her job was made a bit easier by the fact that the runner-up veered under pressure, and finished on the outer rails near the winning post. Oban was looking a little soft in the paddock, and this race should do her a lot of good. It shall be interesting to watch her progress hereafter. Mighty Monarch was a close third while the others were out of depth in this event.
It was third time lucky for the Irfan trained Shisham, who had run a couple of nice races in the last few weeks. The trainer continued to entrust his ward to apprentice Shiva Kumar, and this youngster rode a neat race on the winner. Not allowing Shisham to tear away to the front, Shiva Kumar held her back for most of the way before making his bid in the final two furlongs of this mile event. Shisham sped past Media Man and Miss Pukka, and held a belated challenge from Star Blue to win this race. Buck Passer Junior came with a terrific run from the rear to finish a close third.
D Byramji's Succeeding Star was another popular winner during the afternoon. Jockey Saleem Golam rode his first winner in India, when this good looking horse won a mile race for horses in class II. This favourite was always prominent as Script Ure Destinty led on sufference before retiring near the bend. Succeeding Star took over thereafter ,and despite shifting out, proved to be too strong for Chimerique and Blink. Chimerique was badly placed for most of the way, before she weaved her way through a packed field. She can be supported with confidence in her next start. Neil Darashah's My Friend Paul was unable to defy the stiff penalty that he had recieved for his last victory.
The last race in the days card got delayed because of the unruly behaviour of a couple of runners. Zaios and Sunny Baba were fractious in their stalls. Sunny Baba was found to be on his haunches at one stage. The doctors decided to check him before certifying him fit for racing. He was allowed to be re-stalled, and that proved to be a sound decision. Sunny Baba made all the running and lasted out to beat Dash For Cash. Gnaneshwar rode this winner for the Darashah stable.There was huge support for Dash For Cash, but she found the trip a bit sharp for her liking. Dash For Cash should be backed to win her next start.
