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| Fleeting Arrow |
The race was run at a fast pace ,as top weighted Einstein went into the early lead ahead of Dancing Highness, Fleeting Arrow and Jet Fire ,while the others were in close attendance till the runners began to take the home turn. Einstein continued to show the way and was challenged by Dancing Highness on his outside. Fleeting Arrow was stuck behind on the rails and despite the best efforts of Samuel Fargeat, continued to lug in. Jet Fire was put in top gear by Suraj Narredu and he too was getting stronger with each stride. There was a dramatic turn of events at the 200 metres marker, as Jet Fire spurted away from the rest and seemed to be going well, before Fleeting Arrow found some galloping room and started to gain ground on the leader. To the relief of his numerous fans, Fleeting Arrow came with a burst of speed and collared Jet Fire near the winning post. For this brilliant piece of riding, Samuel Fargeat received a standing ovation from those present at the course. The winner is definitely going to improve on this run, and will be a formidable force in The Bangalore 2000 Guineas to be held later in the season.
The Frenchman had plenty to celebrate during the afternoon as he booted home a popular treble. Apart from Fleeting Arrow, he rode second favourites Henry's Secret and Desert Rule to emphatic victories. Henry's Secret was held back in mid division for most of the way and was ridden for eventual speed in the opening race of the day. The big made gelding responded gamely and swept past the field. He had to hold off a belated challenge from Redshift who was a bit late on the scene. Mister Trooper came with a long stretch run to finish a comfortable third. Odds-on Latvia was an expensive failure and ran a pathetic race. She should be left alone till she shows some improvement over her current form.
Fargeat completed his treble with a start to finish effort astride the Byramji trained Desert Rule. This horse had been an expensive failure during the summer season and had been gelded thereafter. Desert Rule was set to clash with the odds-on Silken Thomas, who had shown out in a mock race and was a rage in the bookmakers ring. Desert Rule and Silken Thomas tore away from the field and entered the home straight in close order. Silken Thomas closed the gap on the leader and came abreast near furlong marker, but that did not last for long, as Desert Rule responded gamely to his riders call and ran away from the favourite. Silken Thomas can be supported strongly in his next start, while the winner should progress nicely from his current mark. Royal Bank and Spandau Ballet filled the rest of the frame.
The other professional to do well during the afternoon was Suraj Narredu. He kept his tally moving by notching up another double. His victory astride two year old Vivacity was gained with immense ease. This progeny of China Visit proved to be too speedy for her opponents and made all the running to win unexpended from Bourbon Bay and Majestic Strides. The last named made up acres of ground in the straight to give an indication of his capabilities while finishing a fair third.. He should be too good to miss hereafter. There was a lot of support for Alluring, but she performed below expectations.
Suraj's other winner was Enduring Star, who won a mile handicap for horses in Class III. The betting in this race was restricted to you’re Wonderful and Royal Amber. The big made You're Wonderful , who weighs in excess of 500 Kgs, was finally thumped with the bookmakers and reached the starting gates as the 5/4 favourite to win this race. Top weighted Royal Amber was taken on a start to finish mission while You're Wonderful and Enduring Star were held back in close attendance as they raced in the backstretch and took the rising ground. You're Wonderful was pushed round the final bend and came with big strides to collar the leader. Just as the favourite was being hailed a winner, Suraj brought Enduring Star with a smooth run on the wide outside and kept him going to beat the favourite by three parts of a length. Royal Amber plodded on to be a poor third. The last named should be a good thing in the higher class over a shorter trip.
The other two races in the day's card were the two divisions of a class IV sprint for horses four years old and over. Arjun Mangalorkar's Miss Pukka won her division with authority while coming from mid division and running away from Splendid Glory, Brother In Arms and Rain Man. Rain Man had led at the top of the straight, but burst a blood vessel at that stage. The other division was won by Neil Darashah's Ecuador. Gnaneshwar gave him a lovely ride and kept him out of trouble to go away from Black Splendour and Arabian Memories. The fancied duo of Trafalgar Square and Allegro put up a doleful display and finished off the frame.
