Wednesday’s card produced its share of outsiders while a couple of gambles came good as well. In the sole cup event of the afternoon, The Red Chief Cup, Daniel David-trained Burst Of Speed made a complete mockery of the field and the substantial penalty of 8kg that she was lugged with for her earlier win.
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Rather unfortunately, the other horse which was backed in this race – River Route, planted and completed the course after the others were making their way to the stables. His backers were misguided by his mock races which were fairly impressive. The grey obviously knows the ‘real thing’ and plays a little game of her own. Trainer Quinn has quite a struggle on his hands with this filly.
Arman completed a rare double when he piloted Errol Bhungard-trained Ardent Prince to a narrow triumph over the hapless Highland Magic. Backed confidently once again by the connections, Highland Magic once again found one better. After three failures as a favourite, it may be wise to give him a break. Once he gets his breath back, he may yet win, but only the stout hearted will dare to test their luck on him once again.
Rutherford Alford’s Avalanche Star came good after several failures. Lying a handy third in the six-furlong sprint for the Argus Handicap, Kishore Kadam urged his mount to go past front-running Agility. The favourite Maznavi had a change of rider. Imran Chisty failed to make it from Hyderabad and C. Alford was the able substitute. The filly missed the kick-off and was never quite herself. Top-weight Duke Of Windsor was a creditable third.
Rather surprisingly, recent winner Fly For Sure closed as the favourite in the race for the Adolfito Handicap. After all, he was belted a dozen times to scrape home last time out. Though Arman Khan’s allowance to some extent negated the 5kg mandatory penalty, he appeared never to be in with a chance. It was the ever-eager Palme Dor and the tardy beginner Asiatic Star who fought out the finish of the sprint, with the latter prevailing under Kamlesh’s hard riding. The disappointment was Arghos who may have found the five-and-half furlong sprint a little too sharp for his liking.
Awesome Indian from Bharath Singh’s yard picked up the Crystal Man Plate without too much trouble. Tracking front-running Cuba Libre till the top of the straight, Islam pushed Awesome Indian to take up the running from the distance post. Though Debonaire Girl did put up a late challenge, she played bridesmaid for the second consecutive day.
The afternoon is never complete at this centre unless C. Alford rides a winner. In fact, he opened the proceedings with an armchair ride on Golden Globe in a three-horse race for the Artemis Handicap.
