This years edition was a big let down with only four acceptors vying for the coveted crown. The presence of Diamond Hunter and Aquitaine amongst this small group, gave an air of respectability to this prestigious event. The two of them were supposed to have clashed earlier this month, but that never materialized, because Diamond Hunter was found to be lame on that afternoon. Aquitaine had won that particular race effortlessly and announced her arrival in Class I. On the other hand, Diamond Hunter was reported to have recovered from his minor ailment and was being tested regularly in his morning trials. Trainer Michael Eshwer was supremely confident of his chances on Saturady. The bookmakers were on the same wavelength, as they had no hesitation in installing him as an on-money favourite ahead of Bourbon King and Aquitaine.
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| Trainer S S Attaollahi leading Aquitaine (Suraj Narredu Up), winner of The D P Sharma Memorial Sprinters Trial Stakes |
Suraj Narredu seems to have struck a fine understanding with Aquitaine. He took her to the front and was able to lead comfortably ahead of Diamond Hunter, Bourbon King and Dinesa. The four runners negotiated the bend in single file. The supporters of the favourite were un-nerved by the posture of Suraj on the front runner. He hadn't moved a muscle till that stage. Harish produced Diamond Hunter towards the middle of the track and essayed his challenge. Suraj was still biding his time. The two of them galloped alongside for 200 metres, before Suraj asked Aquitaine for her final effort.
The filly responded gamely and skipped away for an emphatic victory. Diamond Hunter looked flat-footed at the end. Dinesa came with a late bid to push Bourbon King into last place. Suraj was delighted with the temperament of Aquitaine, and expected her to run a big race in the Sprinters Cup to be held at Bangalore during the summer season. He also paid a rich compliment to trainer Attaolahi for keeping the filly in such fine condition.
The champion jockey was in his elements while riding a treble during the afternoon. Suraj's next winner came astride another Attaolahi ward called Corbett in a terms race for first season runners.This was another smart winner bred at The Kunigal Stud Farm, which has been enjoying a successful year. With winners carrying a penalty for their earlier efforts, some well performed maidens were staking serious claims in this event. In an open betting event, Dream Park was marginally favoured ahead of Corbett and The Senator. The last named looked heavy in the paddock and the lack of an earlier run was pretty evident. Corbett and Leonardo looked outstanding on paddock looks and were raring to go. Idar Princess led Corbett and Leonardo till the bend and retired from the fray. Corbett took over thereafter, and under some relentless guidance from Suraj, kept Leonardo at bay. The last named is a big made horse. He seems to be one paced and more suited over a trip. It will be interesting to see him going to the front in a race longer than today's six furlongs. Fleet Indian came from mid division to beat Fair Option for third place. Corbett's victory gave Attaolahi a well deserved double for the day.
The treble was accomplished through an armchair ride to victory on a horse trained by his father Satish Narredu. Classic Charge had run a good second in his only career start. He was faced by an opposition consisting of ordinary specimens. Spark of Ilderim was the only other one to impress in the parade ring, but then he too seemed to be out for an easy outing. While Suraj took Classic Charge into an early lead, John allowed Spark of Ilderim to drop back through the field and graced the rear while taking the final bend. Classic Charge justified the short odds quoted on him and won by more than a distance. Spark Of Ilderim came smoothly to be a close third behind Sensational.
Trainer Samar Singh had a nice priced double when his charges Little Splendour and Orange Orchard posted victories in the first two events of the day. Both won in identical fashion by making start-to-finish bids, and scoring comfortably. With one sided support flowing in the direction of Ganapathy's Lunar Lust, the other runners were neglected in the betting ring. The even-money favourite floundered badly, and was unable to keep pace with the field. Lunar Lust took a lot of money down with her and finished in the ruck. Little Splendour wasn't unduly extended to keep Spark Of Class at bay. Fancied Vayuputra had to be satisfied with the third spot.
Orange Orchard took a nice jump from the innermost draw, and ran kindly for apprentice Madhu Babu. The duo opened a nice lead before the bend ,and retained it till the very end. Gracian and Spread A Smile were subjected to some hard and forceful riding to save place money.
Sparingly raced Valid Expectation came with a nice run in the final furlong to beat Marcegalia in the upper division of the Dariya Daulat Cup, the added attraction in the seven event card. Here again, Ganapathy's ward Poetic received one-sided support and started as a clear favourite. Marcegalia made all the running and seemed to be holding on, before Arjun Mangalorkar Valid Expectation arrived on the scene. Despite a hard ride from Srinath, Marcegalia was beaten well before the winning post. John rode a neat race on the winner. Favourite Poetic finished a fair third.
A thrilling finish was witnessed in The Garuda Cup, a sprint race for horses in Class II. Just In Time and Rare And Precious had won their previous starts and were making a bid to score an encore. Both were supported enthusiastically by their respective groups, and a roar engulfed the stands when they came thundering down the final furlong. Just In Time had made all the running, and was being challenged by Mighty Heart and Rare and Precious as they came past the distance post. While Just In Time began to tire, Rare And Precious grew stronger and won comfortably from Mighty heart. The winner is back to his last season form, and is capable of repeating. The handicapper seems to have got the measure of Just In Time, as he had penalized the filly heavily for winning back to back races in recent months. She will have to wait a while before entering the winners enclosure.
