Jockey Harish dazzled on the saddle on Friday at Malakpet winning three races which included a back-to-back double. It was a warm day at Hyderabad and the punters must have gone back happy as almost six favourites obliged in a card of nine races.
The day started with the piping hot favourite Standing Ovation biting the dust. On top of the straight Standing Ovation started unleashing a run when Suraj Narredu rode out Hurricane Bay strongly to win by five lengths. Al Malawi, who was throughout running with the front bunch, held on to finish third ahead of Just Be Cool and Superfluous.
The S. Malakonda Reddy Memorial Cup, run over seven furlongs, was the feature of the day and it was bagged by Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy-owned Champ Forever. Buddy Brothers and Champ Forever shared the favouritism quoted at lucrative odds of 3-1 against. After jumping out, Champ Forever positioned himself fourth till the bend. He improved places to take over the running at 400 mts and thwarted the strong challenge of Buddy Brothers. Fly By Wire slipped along the rails to finish third while Bernardo, who probably needed this run, filled the frame.
Silver Rose, Dash On Regardless and Pacific Groove who were back from Bangalore found themselves taking a major portion of the slice, all three finding a place on board in The Grand Entry Plate -- the fifth race of the day. Silver Rose won while Dash On Regardless was the runner-up as Pacific Groove filled the frame just a neck behind Navija. Ujjaini and Nano War brought the field into view on the straight from where Jockey Gnaneshwar on Dash On Regardless took it up only to be challenged by the grey Silver Rose who won by a length and a half. Pacific Groove’s late burst was noteworthy.
After the loss of the on-money horse in the opening event, the favourite hunters must have been a relieved lot when the half-money Al Jadeed gave no anxious moments to his followers winning by over five lengths to spare from Alukkhas. Classic Dancer, who was tardy at the start, brushed up early and finished third in this short sprint (1,100 mts).
Lot of money came on the L.V.R. Deshmukh-trained Attractress who winded up at 10 to 6 on in the betting ring. All the eyelashes went down in the grand stand as the gates opened and Attractress was slowly away losing about two lengths. Jockey Harish didn't look perturbed on this 3 year old filly who had the Bangalore Touch and moved places steadily. On entering the straight, Attractress had passed the entire field and was sighted a winner long way from home even as the grand stand rose up in a roar to cheer their favourite. Bourbon Star, who was prominent, found the winner too hot to handle and finished second. Power Ranger came up towards the end to pip Elusive Monarch for the third place.
Jockey Gnaneshwar, who had missed the winning berth on his previous two mounts, did well by winning The Best Of Bold Plate Division II on Favourable Terms. After jumping out smartly, Favourable Terms was well settled in 3rd or 4th position even as Torrestrella quickly did the running in front. On top of the straight the entire field bunched up and then Favourable Terms picked up momentum and although drifted out in the last 100 mts under pressure he held on to win by a length and three quarters. Olympic Crown who raced in the rear for most part of the race covered a lot of ground to finish second. Bon Fire and Torrestrella filled the frame.
The seventh Race sprang a surprise when the lesser fancied Speed Hunter from the yard of trainer K.S.V. Prasad Raju won with a comfortable margin of eight lengths. Speed Hunter came up well from 14 draw in the six furlong race and made every post a winning one. The favourite Spectacular Hero was never in the hunt and finished down the field. Freak Fantasy, Royal Assembly and Anguna finished second, third and fourth respectively.
Jockey Harish had a back-to-back double in the concluding two races of the day, thereby completing a grand treble. The Deshmukh-schooled Alcohology was settled back in mid-group after jumping out well. Cygnet and Mr. Chief led till the field turned for home. Midway up the straight, Alcohology took the lead and won well. Feudal Lords impressed while covering lot of ground to finish second. Jazz Man and Jugunu completed the board. Trainer Deshmukh also completed his double of the day with this win.
Kodos managed to hold on to win the last race. Jockey Harish managed to keep his mount going even as Secret Silence, Fearless Flame and Star World were putting pressure in the final furlong. Star World managed to finish second as Secret Silence and Fearless Flame followed in that order.
On a day when Jockey Harish dazzled with his treble, trainers K.S.V. Prasad Raju and L.V.R. Deshmukh picked up two races each.
