|
For apprentice MA Roushan, the opening event on Thursday was a memorable one. Hammerhead (Diffident – Private Collection) and his jockey Roushan shook off their winless status and derived the sweet taste of victory at the expense of hot favourite Sea Diamond. The favourite galloped into the lead soon on start and Hammerhead moved to settle one behind the favourite. Into the straight, Sea Diamond was soon challenged by Hammerhead and the duo battled on all the way to the winning post. Both Trevor atop Sea Diamond and Roushan on Hammerhead were all out and it was good to see the two apprentice boys engaged in a tough battle. In the end, Hammerhead had that bit extra to pull off a hard-fought victory over the overwhelming favourite.
Although trainer Hormuz Antia was disappointed having lost narrowly in the first race, he saddled a double on the day. Untouched (Puerto Madero – Actress) shocked all and sundry creating a major upset in the third race. It was an open race all right, with Ijlal, The Rebel, Sparkler and Mypethoney cornering most of the support. Untouched paid off a whopping 40/1 on the totes. Shaktiman led the field home and soon the front bunch closed in to make a final charge at the winning post. Shaktiman was losing out to Mypethoney and Ijlal. The Rebel was trying to poke in through the middle and Untouched was gaining ground rapidly on the outside. Sparkler was the widest one out and was also coming into contention. In the last furlong though, Untouched, who was so in the betting I am sure, surged forward with a game gallop to post a comfortable victory from Sparkler, Mypethoney and The Rebel.
Antia’s second winner though, was the heavily backed Highland Music and this time the luck held for the very likable trainer. I have known Antia for some time now and it amazes me how he manages to make his presence felt with the kind of small string of unsung horses he stables in his yard. Most of them that come to him are not in the soundest of conditions yet he manages to get the best out of them with conviction.
Highland Music (Greensmith – Starstruck Actress) pulled of a narrow start-to-finish victory from the fast finishing Young Offender. Highland Music entered the straight with a slender lead but none in the vicinity looked good enough to pose a worthy challenge. Uproar, Adams Law were getting nowhere, Daffodils seemed to cover ground but not fast enough to get to Highland Music. At the distance post, you could spot Young Offender covering ground with purpose but he had a lot to cover. Highland Music was still going briskly and when Young Offender came in with his final assault, jockey SP Ranjane managed to just keep Highland Music going to ward off the challenger by the shortest of margins.
Sea Star (Maria’s Mon – Chanteline) won the Warsaw Pact Pate in an emphatic manner. The odds-on favourite who chased Prince Lochinva until the turn made it a no contest once inside the homestretch. Sea Star kicked away from Got To Go who improved to be second and in the latter half of the straight, ran away to compile a comprehensive victory.
Ancient Wonder (China Visit – Dazzling Queen) was another impressive winner who could score again. Sitting in the rear of the field, Ancient Wonder moved swiftly and effortlessly to sail past Prime Time and Appalina early in the straight. Royal Companion, the main rival, was just alongside, but the way Ancient Wonder quickened, Royal Companion simply could not match the dazzle. Ancient Wonder was simply too good for the bunch and drew away for an authoritative victory. Royal Companion found one better this time and will bide his time. Ancient Warrior, on this run, should repeat.
Living the Dream (Soviet Star – Hatheethah) won the Dramatic Irony Plate without any trouble. Chasing the leader Tommy Carmichael, Living the Dream moved to the front while turning for home. Once in the lead, Living the Dream accelerated well and within no time had constructed a decisive lead to outpace his rivals comprehensively. Sacred Relic and River Minstrel were just no match for the Todywalla ward who was ridden well by DS Rathore. Sacred Relic did manage to narrow down the verdict a little bit but that was all he could do. Tommy Carmichael did well to end a close third ahead of River Minstrel. Favourite Drama Queen was the biggest disappointment and finished in the rut. She was in view as they straightened for home, but just failed to raise a gallop.
Aajaa Nachle (Alnasr Alwasheek – Dancing Greens) justified the support she received to register her maiden victory in the hands of SA De Sousa. Making it a start-to-finish affair, Aajaa Nachle was always comfortably in front. She stepped the pace once into the straight and Socaroro who was always in chase of her had to end doing so. River Rule too could not improve his position and finished on third ahead of Strauss.
For the professionals only Hormuz Antia ended the day saddling a double.
