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Star Alliance (Razeen – Triois Etoiles) came in full of steam in the homestretch and gave no chance to main rival Confiserie who tried hard to make a race of it. Star Alliance had shown during her last start victory that her final burst is her best. That was in a six-furlong sprint. Now over an extended four furlongs, Star Alliance displayed a great sense of the pace and when jockey CD Hayes brought her to the front, Star Alliance darted ahead and won comfortably. Even the third placed Matata Pride seemed an ‘also ran.’ Such was the authority of her victory.
Trainer Vinayak sent out a popular double as well with IL Tabarro and Aquilo. IL Tabarro (Ontario – Sexy Gal) made ample amends to her agonizing photo-finish defeat in Pune and this time got the photo verdict in her favour. Running up in the front bunch led by River Gem, IL Tabarro snatched the lead just when Rajasthan Royals threatened to grab the initiative. At the distance post IL Tabarro had built up a handy lead, but in the final 100 metres River Dragon and Bluebird came on very strongly at her. IL Tabarro kept going and her connections would have heaved a sigh of relief when the trio hit the wire together. IL Tabarro just managed to hold on. Although River Dragon put in a brave effort and ended ahead of Bluebird, it was the latter who impressed me most. She literally flew in the last part and gained the maximum in the final few strides. Bluebird is ready and the one to note in her next outing.
Aquilo (Storm Trooper – Ravij) had been consistent over his last few assignments and his day came at the most opportune time. Red Indian shot into the lead and set a fiery pace. Coming into the straight, Red Indian stubbornly stayed in charge as Romantic Impact and Priapus were finding it tough to keep up. Aquilo was denied a narrow passage when Equidae passed him to tackle Red Indian. Cairndhu also started to get into top gear and was covering ground. With Red Indian going at it hard, Equidae raised his gallop to peg the leader back. With less than 100 to go, Malesh got the gap he was looking for and riding as if one possessed, stormed on the duo and with a fiery last assault snatched victory practically on the last stride.
Beyond Stars (Stardan – Naivement) shocked the field with a tremendous run to get past more fancied Serenity at the distance post. Serenity tried to make it start to finish but lost the plot in the final furlong. That’s when jockey C Rajendra, who had to rely only on his pushing as he is not yet allowed the use of whip, goaded Beyond Stars ahead. He got the lead quite easily but the effort was to sustain it all the way. Beautiful Stranger came into the picture in the last furlong and Grant had him going at a terrific pace. Rajendra rode with resolve and with his strong pushing just managed to ward off the ever-threatening run of Beautiful Stranger. Ocean Storm ended a close third while Serenity finished in the frame. Favourite Moon Star was never in the hunt.
Jockey Daniel Grant, however, had a double to show at the end of the day. He had won earlier astride Delta Port (Razeen – Pearls Of Thought) displaying superb riding skills. Settling in the mid-bunch until the half way stage, Grant improved position at the turn and when Barbara showed urgency going into the straight, Delta Force was ready to unleash his final run as well. Barbara looked a strong proposition in the straight and was finishing on with a good gallop. Delta Force had not only to get past Barbara in front but also had to contend with a fierce challenge building up just behind coming from Shodaan. Grant got the best out of Delta Force and collared the leader close home. Shodaan got stronger at the finish, but Barbara had enough in her to hold on to the runner up berth. Satsuma Star did not quicken well enough to bother the top three but held her own for a place in the frame.
Grant’s Double came atop Oh Calcutta (Juniper – Fabulous Fortune). The last start facile winner was kept in top condition by veteran trainer SS Shah. River Knight garnered the maximum support and understandably so. After all, being full brother to Set Alight is a huge credential. Add to that his victory on debut in Pune. So when River Knight turned for home with only Absolute Reality in front, he was expected to go for it without much fuss. He had barely begun to shift into top gear when Oh Calcutta displaying a devastating gallop swept past River Knight sending James Doyle almost in panic mode. Oh Calcutta left nothing to chance and ran away from the rest. River Knight though went all out and to his solace gained a few yards to reduce the margin of victory. Though he disappointed this time, it would pay to persist with River Knight. Oh Calcutta was simply unbeatable on the day.
The First Lady (Diffident – Ampula) set the tone for the day and it was the ‘ladies’ that dominated the entire day. Nine out of the long card of 12 races were gobbled up by the fillies. I am tempted to believe that they were aware that Akshay Kumar was going to be in the stands and as would any lady, they too wanted to be seen at their best!
On her usual gate to post essay, The First Lady, this time put in a gritty effort and fought her way after nearly surrendering the lead. The First Lady had a handy led coming into the straight but Towering High quickly came alongside and even headed her at the distance post. Jockey S Sunil was up to the task and fought on relentlessly and eventually got The First Lady to bound forward at the winning post. Rising Asset, Nonios and Pomme De Terre finished closely in that order. Pomme De Terre comes in for special mention as she not only carried the top weight but also was a bit slow at the start.
Fiamma (Glory of Dancer – Warning Shadows) put in a spirited run to snatch the verdict in a close finish. Fiamma’s performance was breathtaking simply because she came up from a seemingly hopeless position and was surrounded by horses nearing the distance post. With not a lot of ground to cover, and no time to whirl around horses, one would have been forgiven for totally neglecting her even when they reached across the Grand Stands. Jockey Cleary pulled off a rabbit out of thin air. He simply created his passage like a magician and once Fiamma smelt fresh air, she rocketed forward to shock both Monarchos and Excellent Story who was at top flight. Fiamma finish was blinding at she returned an awesome winner. A truly brave performance indeed!
Glorious Miss (Warrshan – Supreme Glory) ran a messy race and was erratic in the homestretch. She behaved until well into the straight, but when the race heated up, jockey SA De Souza had a tough time getting Glorious Miss to maintain a straight course. She hampered the run of Opportunity and fortunately for her the others that came after her were not in close vicinity when Glorious Miss was scattering her hoof prints all across the turf. The Stewards held an enquiry soon after which did not have any bearing on the judge’s placing. Jockey SA De Souza bore the brunt of the Stewards who handed him a weeklong suspension taking effect on 4th January 2010.
Cloud Cover (Royal Gladiator – Cloud Nine) timed his run to perfection this time but not without jockey McCullagh’s powerful riding coming into play. Adams Law got into the straight first and soon Wild Torronaado began to mount a severe challenge. The duo battle on and just when it looked like Wild Torronaado had Adams Law covered, Cloud Cover pounced on them to take the race away with a powerful last minute surge.
It was yet another memorable day at the races with a large crowd thoroughly enjoying the Sunday afternoon. Twelve races were a bit too taxing though, but the presence of Akshay Kumar late in the day kept the crowd in good humour. Akshay was the guest of honour and he, along with his wife Twinkle, presented the Mid-day Trophy to the winning owners. Both Akshay and Twinkle were looking absolutely fit belying their age and their brief interaction on the mike went down well with the masses. The RWITC had packaged the day well and Mid-day ensured the star presence in keeping with their association with the races.
