Ganapathy's ward Imperial View outclassed his six opponents in The Hemavathi
Trophy, the feature event in Saturday's race card at Bangalore. This half
money favourite was uncharacteristically taken to the front by Colm
O'Donoghue in this mile event, and he won untroubled from Stafire, Dare Don
and Fairytaleending. After his arrival in India a couple of weeks ago,
O'Donoghue has ridden many superb races all over the country. Most of his
victories have been gained while coming from behind, and therefore, todays
ride looked very different. He displayed fine judgement of pace, by making
all the running when he found the early pace a bit slow. It is hoped that
our young jockeys are watching and are able to pick up a few tips from him.
O'Donoghue displayed his calm and confident nature in the opening race of
the day, wherein he was riding another Ganapathy two year old Prince Ville
(Brave Act-Imposing). This on-money favourite was knocked around at the
start and fell back to sixth position. Not one to be perturbed by this
sudden turn of events, he settled Prince Ville on the rails and continued to
bide his time till well into the straight. Second favourite Rare and
Precious ridden by Christopher had kicked clear at this stage giving a
fright to the supporters of the favourite. This anxiety was very short lived
because the moment O'Donoghue started moving on Prince Ville, the response
was immediate and the two of them were soon clear of their opponent. Glory
Bound came from way behind to take the third spot ahead of a very ordinary
bunch of youngsters.
The supporting event of the day was the TB Hanumantharaj Memorial Cup, a
1400 metres race for horses in class III. It was an open betting race with
more than half the participants being strongly supported by their respective
connections. Arjun Mangalorkar's Allonia was looking extremely well in the
paddock and selected herself ahead of the others. She was easily backable at
6/1 in the betting ring. She was tardily off, and was gracing the wrong end
of the field while Cannavaro led from Lord of Illusion, Flaming Lamborgini,
My Friend Paul and Ever So Clever. Cannavaro was tiring out as Allonia was
seen picking up momentum on the wide outside. It was evident that Allonia
had got the better of the front runner but she was unable to hold the
challenge of Flaming Lamborgini who had flown after getting a dream opening
on the rails. Allonia lives to fight another day. Cannavaro stayed on in
third ahead of an unextended Ever So Clever who should be the one for your
notebook.
Dr Vijay Mallya's Callista made her maiden appearance on the racetrack in a
sprint race for horses in class IV. It was obvious that her connections
thought very highly about her chances, since the bandages sported by her did
not deter them from backing her with confidence. This good looking filly
made the rest look very ordianary. Ryan Marshall settled her in early fourth
position and sailed away in the straight to win from a well backed Arabian
Memories, Lago Vista and Kemrock. Callista can be backed cofidently to
repeat this success in her next outing.
Prithviraj's fans lost a lot of money when both Rare and Precious and
Arabian Memories finished second in their respective races. They were well
compensated when they went to town on Madam Rich by slamming her down from
5/2 to 9/10. Jockey Md Shafiq was a picture of confidence on Madam Rich as
he settled his filly in mid division allowing Associator to lead from Give
Me The Money, Kandiate and Indian Swift. He did not move a muscle till well
into the straght and yet took over the running in the last 300 metres. He
gave a couple of cracks and soon Madam Rich was seen clocking in, a distance
clears of a late finishing Indian Swift and Kandiate.
Appu was slated to ride two firm favourites during the afternoon. He was
able to guide You and I to a popular victory over Chaila Babu in a race
reserved for horses in the lowest class. The rest of the field was very
ordinary and finished way behind the two of them. His other ride was atop
Ascot Lady, a filly known for having niggling problems throughout her
career. He took her to the front from an extreme outside draw and packed up
in the last furlong. Rank outsider Zafar came with a smooth run to win the
first race of his career. Korporate came from way behind to finish second
ahead of Southerner.
