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The repeated failure of three-year-olds during the early part of the monsoon season has been causing some concern to punters. Knowing the superiority of the Bangalore class, they expected Missoni to land the spoils. But it was not to be.
Trainer Deepak Karki needs to be complimented for turning out Sangoma in the pink of condition. The hat-trick horse of last monsoon season made it a one-horse race despite the top-weight. The favourite Andeana was seen to struggle all the way while the Jaiswal runners just made up the numbers in the 1,800 metres race. In the kind of condition he is in, Sangoma may well pick up a race in the highest category if placed judiciously.
Though Bella Italiana was backed down to even-money favouritism in the Serrafina Handicap, she failed to justify her odds. She finished an unimpressive third after All Time High and Sea Sprite fought out the issue. The result vindicated the Stewards’ decision to disqualify her after her whopping 8-length victory, subsequent to her testing positive for a banned substance.
That Kolkata runners are far inferior to their imported counterparts from south and west was proved yet again in the day’s main event, The Supernova Cup. One person who is obviously wise to this discrepancy in class is trainer Arti Doctor. She has been hitting pay dirt with her runners over and over again. The lady has the acumen to place her wards intelligently and she made quite an impact with Romantic Impact. The forward runner had come fresh from Pune after placing second.Sailesh Shinde sat at the tail of Darius-trained Alacrity till the distance post. Thereafter it was all over bar the shouting. Local hope Adamaris was all at sea while the rest, with the exception of Cameo, where completely outpaced. The winner was available at 6/1. Top-weight Palme D’Or was withdrawn as he bolted at the starting gates. Thus Darius Byramji ended the afternoon without opening his scoresheet.
Trainer Sarfaraz Khan had two runners in the opening event, The Pure Valour Handicap. The odds obviously suggested that the connections were cold on Mafia Chief. The favourite My Fair Lady won without too much fuss. Top-weight Bottom Burst showed some initial speed before caving in. Shadab Khan rode a copybook race to bring home the bacon. Jockey Imran Chisty made good his ride on Vikash Jaiswal-trained seven-year-old Flying Jaguar. The casualties were the fancied trio of four-year-olds – Arizzano, Best Bet and Succesful. Arizzano’s 8-kg penalty did her in while Best Bet was given a poor ride.
Trainer Javed Khan completed his double with Dynamic Move in the last race of the day. Mahesh rode a powerful finish to get the better of runaway Bravo Italiano. The favourite Portpatrick couldn’t be spotted while Mirror Image remained a hazy reflection.
