Aboline (Burden of Proof – Super Fan) from trainer Arjun Manglorkar’s yard came into his own and ran a brilliant race to fetch his owner Mr Deepak Khaitan the prestigious Maj. P K Mehra Memorial Super Mile Cup (Gr1). Aboline showed a lot of grit and courage to come through a hampered passage and even after he broke the shackles and went to the front, Aboline was tested again, this time very severely by Dancing Dynamite. Aboline withstood all the hardship and to the joy of his trainer, returned victorious.
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| Trainer Arjun Mangalorkar leading Aboline (C Alford Up), winner of The Maj P K Mehra Memorial Super Mile Cup Grade-I |
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Aboline was well up with the pace set by Iaepetus and the entire field was closely huddled all the way. Iaepetus led the field into view and was fighting a hard battle to survive. Juventus probably had the best chance getting a dream opening on the rails. However, the veteran trainer SS Shah’s ward, who was one of the top contenders, failed to produce his best when it mattered most. Aboline had horses on all sides and was desperately looking to break free. Aristos was going all out but not gaining anything of consequence. Chios, Celestial way and Sea Ruler failed to raise any hope. Diego Rivera quickened but only too briefly. Dancing Dynamite opted to shift out and make his run from there.
Meanwhile, Aboline saw daylight and sprung into action instantly. He surged past Juventus without too much effort and then coped with Dancing Dynamite’s mighty final assault to ward off a spirited challenge and carve out a narrow victory by the proverbial skin of his teeth.
“He had had a set back during the Kolkata Derby and that’s why he ran poorly there. Trainer Arjun Manglorkar has got him back at his best and this was indeed a hard race. He responded magnificently and never gave up. I am mighty pleased with the progress he has done,” said Christopher Alford, the triumphant jockey.
“I am pleased with this victory and Aboline is back to where he belongs. It has taken some effort and he has bounced back. He is a tough horse and I was optimistic of his chances once he opened up on this track in a mock race. I am happy but not surprised,” said trainer Arjun Manglorkar.
The super mile was the closest of the top four races. The finish was tight as the entire field of twelve ran within five lengths to make it a blanket finish with a cavalry charge. A truly fiercely contested mile indeed!
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