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| Tomsk |
Arjun has done well with Tomsk. This was the fifth victory for this nice looking chestnut colt. Tomsk had beaten Originality on level weights in summer, and had given weight to Icebreaker while finishing second to her at the begining of this season. The fact that the two above mentioned fillies have been dominating the "Classic" scene at Bangalore, is a great compliment to him. No other horse of his vintage has won more than once in class I till now. It seems that Arjun knows what to do with him, and Tomsk in turn, knows what is required of him in a race. John, who has partnered him in four of his wins, has a set pattern of riding him. He keeps him in mid field without urging him, and shows him daylight only in the final two furlongs of a race. Today's performance was a revelation, as Tomsk showed a huge step-up in form, and defied the handicapper. It is learnt that Tomsk is now headed for Delhi, where he shall run in the mile long Delhi Derby on 1st March 2009.
Friday was another good day in the office for Suraj Narredu. This young professional, who has led the jockey's table from the begining of the season, added another three points to his tally by steering Spark Of Gold, Calming Influence and The Last Samurai to popular victories during the afternoon. All three were public favourites and returned amidst wild cheering from his fans. The win on Spark Of Gold was achieved with immaculate planning. Suraj allowed his mount to grace the rear end of the field for more than six furlongs in this 1800 metres event, before he made a move around the final bend. He skirted the field and charged for home. The others were caught napping as Spark of Gold opened up a big lead near the distance post. This advantage ultimately proved to be decisive as he held on to win by a diminishing half length from Sunny Colours.
The victories astride Calming Influence and The last Samurai were achieved in workmanlike fashion. Both of them won with a measure of comfort and can be expected to win again in the later part of this season. Calming Influence has a fair turn of foot as she quickened nicely to overtake the front running Smart and Special. She handled the top weight and an extreme outside draw with utmost ease. On the other hand, The Last Samurai showed his staying capabilities and his liking for a longer trip ,as he seems to be one paced.
It was unusual to see three races being framed for three year olds in a single day. The Sangam Cup was a terms race with penalties for winners. Dhariwal's Captivating (Burden Of Proof-Cesandri) was an impressive winner in her only career start. Although she is a June foal, she looks and races like a mature filly. She was installed as an on-money favourite to lift this cup, and she won as expected. Captivating, in the hands of Chris Hayes, made all the running and won from Red Renegade. The two of them fought out for a while before the favourite emerged as the better of the two. The rest of the runners were clearly not in the same league, as they finished way behind the duo. The runner-up was gallant in defeat and will be too good to miss in his next start.
Another event for maiden three year olds was split into two divisions. The upper division was won easily by the well bred Tanzanite. This filly from Irfan Ghatala's yard was reappearing after an impressive debut, wherein she had finished an unextended fourth. The opposition today was comparatively weaker, and Chris Hayes rode her with confidence. He held her back for most of the way before releasing the brakes in the final furlong. She lengthened her strides nicely to show that she would be happier over a longer trip. Virtuoso, who had made the early running before finishing second, gave indications of an early triumph. The lower division was won by rank outsider Divine Gleam from the stables of trainer Ganapathy. The winner won in the hands of apprentice Shoaib, and was obviously friendless in the ring. The big made colt got up on the last stride to down the colours of favourite Sans Pareil.
The only other race in the long nine event card was a sprint for older horses in class IV. This was again split into two divisions as there was a large number of horses entered in this race. Both the divisions were won by rank outsiders Hidalgo and Aspiring Seven. Hidalgo got up in the end to nail Enforcer at the post. The odds-on favourite Lago Vista did not raise a gallop at any stage of this race and ended in the ruck. Aspiring seven won at the expense of Gara Fluid and Rain Man. The favourite Immortal ran in patches and took a lot of money down the drain.
The Bangalore Turf Club announced a change in the dates for the Derby. The same shall now be held on Sunday, 8th February 2009.
