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Palazzio’s Sun, a five year-old by Alnasr Alwasheek, was hustled out of the gate by Martin Dwyer. The pair established a clear separation from the pursuers. With 400 metres to run, as the challenges were thrown in, jockey Dwyer asked for more. For a moment or two, it looked like Palazzio’s Sun was throwing in the towel. There was evidence that Paddy’s pupil was getting leg-weary but he picked up again and the margin widened. Martin Dwyer had to work extra hard to keep his advantage and Palazzio’s Sun drifted to the left and went past the wire running on the mid-part of the course. The question of interference did not arise as Palazzio’s Sun was well clear of the pack.
The time was 1 10.37 seconds for the 1200-metre trip. Palazzio’s Sun won by two and one quarter lengths. The layoff had a major impact on the fans. Padmanabhan’s ward was freely available at 7-1 and at 8s in places.
Forest Flair was put in chase of the winner and was in the mix all the way. He’s back to go today over 1,400 metres and the field appears to carry less depth and there is no doubt that he will have a large following.
I greeted Martin Dwyer. He is to the point. He carries himself with humility. “I was aware that speed was good. I went a good clip early. I was then able to let my horse find his rhythm. That helped. He quickened but there is no question that he was not 100% racing fit with the long break. Paddy has done a wonderful job with him.”
Trainer Padmanabhan was matter-of-fact: “He is a good horse. He was training well. He was second to Oasis Star last year in this race.”
The Stayers’ Cup, the other high profile race on Saturday, was dominated by the Mumbai-based Maseeha. Trainer Zadmal Singh has worked wonders with this six year-old gelding. Jockey Silvestre de Sousa had Maseeha tracking Cavaradosi, the pacesetter. De Sousa was brimming with confidence that he did not choose to be covered up. Maseeha, for the most part, was removed from the rail. Asked for an effort as the race took a serious turn, the Flitch gelding struck the front midway down the lane. Conceptual emerged to mount a bid but jockey de Sousa had the situation in control. As they raced towards the line, it was clear that Maseeha will hold Conceptual.
The 3000-metre Stayers’ Cup was run in 3 12.23 seconds. Masseha won by a length and a half. A 5-2 chance, Maseeha’s home field advantage was a critical point in many a fan’s winner-picking theory. Silvestre de Sousa won the last race with Serenity. That set up him perfect for his Native Knight ride in the big race this afternoon.
Richard Hughes connected with two favourites and he replaced Neeraj Rawal after the latter was unable to ride after a fall. “I am warming up and it is a good feeling,” Richard quipped.
Let us turn our attention to the two Grade I races today. The Super Mile may see Dancing Dynamite go off favourite. On Derby day, the Padmanabhan-trained five year-old was an eye-catching winner. Diego Rivera chased Dancing Dynamite home that day and is back to do battle again. Kieren Fallon, who is having a successful campaign in Dubai, flies in for the ride on Diego Rivera. Juventus is trained by S S Shah and will be trying to shake off the effects of a layoff. Sea Ruler and Sprint Star take their chances for a second time this week. They were outrun in the Sprint yesterday. Mahaesh’s Splendid Surprise has a big heart and many a time, in his career, he has been the giant-killer.
The Becket camp is getting bigger and more vocal. The Jacqueline bandwagon has to be stopped. She is sitting on the throne. She has to be dislodged. The Derby may be looked at from different angles but the Shroff-trainee did what she had to do. Richard Hughes said the other day, “It is not going to be easy. I am not concerned with a slow pace. In the 1000 Guineas, my filly handled it. I am looking forward to it.”
Padmanabhan has been bullish about Becket. He compared his prize pupil to John McEnroe, the tennis star. “He (Becket) wants to destroy the opposition,” Paddy has written in a newspaper piece. His optimism is having a solid effect on the market.
Narendra Lagad attempts to do a feat that many dare not think about. He’s running a maiden in a Grade I Classic. Native Knight may be a maiden but he has been knocking (loudly) at the door. In the 2006 Epsom Derby that Martin Dwyer won with Sir Percy, there was a four-way photo finish. Dragon Dancer was only a head shy of winning England’s biggest race and the Darryll Holland-ridden sophomore was a maiden. Dragon Dancer remained a maiden for a long time. Is there a possibility we may see history being made? You may not be racing-savvy if you rule it out.
Does Jacqueline have to find more to keep her crown? My belief is that it is Becket who has to show he is the better of the two. Shehzad Abbas thought aloud. “If this was a two-horse race, why would I have travelled from Hyderabad with Sparks?”
Systematic, entrusted to Srinath, is one who may merit a second look. The Steinbeck filly won the Bangalore Oaks and was a solid third in a fast-run Hyderabad Derby.
Trainer Dhariwal does not talk much. He’s confident about Arabian Prince’s chances. “After all, I have a smart four year-old. That was an impressive win in Hyderabad. How can you disregard him? “
Now, a word or two on Martin Dwyer and Becket. “I will be lying if I told you I am not disappointed. Yes, Paddy called me and explained. That was an act of courtesy. That’s the owner’s decision. You know, I’ve been in this business long enough. I am not letting this bother me. What do I think? I thought I should let the filly come and beat me. I opened up in the Derby but she’s a class act. I wish Becket can win and wish the connections the best,” Martin told me.
Yes, Jacqueline is at the cusp of making history. What is my pick? It's easy to make a case for the King Charlemagne filly. Curiously, the biggest win in King Charlemagne's career came in Deauville's 1200-metre (turf) Prix Maurice de Gheest. This is a Group I contest in France. Deauville is 50 miles outside of Paris. Nureyev is Jacqueline's grand daddy on the sire's side. A note on Talit Kumi. She is by High Estate who is by Shirley Heights, an Epsom Derby winner. Jacqueline has acquired a wonderful blend of acceleration and staying power.
Becket’s father, Hawk Wing suffered narrow losses in the Epsom Derby and Newmarket’s 2000 Guineas run over a straight course. Does Becket have more to offer? One has to concede that the best of Becket has not been seen yet.
There are questions and more questions. You and I and thousands of others will be looking for answers at Mahalakshmi this afternoon.
