Champion Trainer Narendra Lagad and the jockey ‘in rousing form’ Colm O’Donnoghue hogged the limelight on the Bahrain Trophy day at the Mumbai races. Lagad saddled a lucrative treble – Maseeha, Arkhos and Prince Lochinva, while O’Donnoghue produced two power-packed finishes on hot favourites Angels Glory in the main event and Multicultural in the last race.
Angels Glory (Warrshan–Pas De L’argent) was installed the piping hot favourite at miserly odds after her facile victory in her last start. O’Donnoghue chose to hold the filly in check soon on star and Monopoly (Grant) joined in to share the lead, in close touch was La Joie De Vie (Fargeat). The others were another 3-4 lengths further back. On entering the home stretch, Monopoly was very keen and headed Angels Glory giving an impression that there was an upset in the offing. However, O’Donnoghue, who carries a never-say-die attitude, got to work on Angels Glory and the filly responded by putting up a brave fight and in the final dash for home finished pulling away form Monopoly although the verdict showed just about a length. Monopoly was a fighting second and did give the favourite a run for the money and should score early.
The Gen Obaidullah Khan Trophy was vied for by six runners and the support was divided between Lahinch (Shailesh) and Maseeha (Nadeem). The former hit the front to make his own pace and Maseeha followed close in second, Taanush (Ashish) and Fiery Fortune (Tograllu) kept each other company, and then came Dreaming and Rococo bringing up the rear. In the straight, Lachinch soon packed up as Maseeha came to the scene, Taanush began to put up his fight and Fiery Fortune started to chase the duo. At the distance post, Maseeha (Flitch–Six Crowns) was going well and Taanush really needed to come with something extraordinary to get past Maseeha who kept on going at a good pace. Taanush was all out but just could not catch up. Fiery Fortune did well and improved upon his previous performance and managed to finish ahead of Rococo this time.
Destined Prince (Riyaz Shaikh) made his start-to-finish essay look an easy one as he did not allow anyone in the fray to even get close to him. Dictating his own pace, Destined Prince (Royal Kingdom–Empress Ann) entered the straight with a handy two length lead and further increased the distance speeding out of reach with every stride. With more than 300 metres to go, it was clear that Destined Prince was striding to an easy victory and the rest were only to vie for the minor slots. Golden Orra (Shailesh) held on to the runner-up berth from the top-weighted Urban Warrior (Neeraj). Urban Warrior improved a couple of notches midway towards the 300 m, but the weight told and he could not sustain. Destined Prince was very impressive in victory and looks good for an encore.
Siroco (Glory of Dancer–Santella Katie) has been consistently hitting the board and a win around the corner was always lurking. Trainer Rehanullah Khan was quick to spot his ward's tendency to shift out and duly instructed his jockey to make a rail run. Hayes did as instructed and for a moment did get into traffic problems but Rehan insisted again on a rail run and was ultimately proved right. Siroco (Kishore) this time got a lovely opening and swooped upon the leaders – Medtias Pride and Lightening Bolt (Shailesh) and darted ahead. In the final moments, Siroco again drifted out but finished a good 2 ½ length clear of Lightening Bolt and as they passed the winning post, Siroco finished the widest of all but one. Arabian Pride (Biramne) ended a decent third. Arabian Speed (TS Jodha) disappointed as did the Malesh-ridden Amaranza.
Aquadisiac (Kishore) was sent out the firm favourite in a big field. Wild Temper hit the front early and was joined by Mysterious Star (Srinath). Aquadisiac settled in the mid bunch with Arkhos in front. As they turned for home, Mysterious Star led the pack with Arkhos ready for a challenge. Aquadisiac made a quick forward move, while Carlos was aimless and Mejestical pretended to be in the fight. At the distance post, Mysterious Star was finding it difficult to keep his lead as Arkhos (Chinoy) and Aquadisiac started to mount pressure. The latter pair pulled ahead only slightly away from Mysterious Star closer home and this time around Kishore Kadam was found wanting in his pushing power and just failed to stretch his mount right at the post. Arkhos managed to hold on and prevailed by a head. Mysterious Star ended a good third. Mejestical completed the frame and showed signs of coming to terms. May need another run and he should be ready more so over a mile trip.
Mickey Mantle (Fargeat) was the strongly fancied favourite. His manner of victory over his last 7 furlong assignment after a lay-off had impressed all. Most of the money came on the 9/10 on-favourite, while Prince Lochinva was the only other horse with single-digit odds. The second-in-demand made it a gate-to-post affair and won untroubled. Leading the field homeward, Prince Lochinva (Major Impact–Game of Light) maintained a good 2-length lead over the threatening Tigress Noire (Srinath) and held on gamely by 1 ½ length. Mickey Mantel was in the reckoning only till the home turn at which point he did not accelerate as expected and only managed a place in the frame outpaced by Eagle Mountain for the third spot. He did not seem to relish the extra 200 m and disappointed. Prince Lochiva looks good for another such performance. Tigress Noire was a notable second.
Colm O'Donnoghue can’t seem be doing anything wrong. The on-money favourite did not exactly get a flying start in the 1,200 m sprint and found himself way back from the leaders stuck on the rails. It was Solu who lead early in a tightly packed front bunch and a second group of runners were about 4 lengths detached. Multicultural was in the second group. Around the bend, O'Donnoghue began urging the mare and was still about ninth with 400 metres to go. Meanwhile, Solu was staunchly defying the others and relented only after crossing the distance post and begging to be noted over a shorter trip. Encouragement took over but was soon passed by Jazzego (Srinath). Within moments, Multicultural, who was coming up in top gear sped past them all to get a clear verdict. Jazzego was a good second and Hymn Star (Dashrat) pegged back Encouragement for the place money.
Multicultural should run well in her next outing as well and keep an eye on Solu over a 5 furlong scurry.
