Classical Act in invincible form
By Sharan Kumar

Classical Act smashed the opposition in the Gr 3 Bangalore St Leger quite easily, maintaining his unbeaten run on the Bangalore track. The Jaggy Dhariwal trained Classical Act was expected to sweep the Indian classics after he did a ``Lammatara'' by winning the Kingfisher Derby in only his second run of life last Summer. Unfortunately, the Dr Vijay Mallya owned gelding suffered a serious lung infection at Mumbai and though he recovered from the problem by the time the Indian Derby came around, the ill-effects of the infection prevented Classical Act from running to potential over grueling trips. As such, his poor run continued even in the Gr1 Indian Turf Invitation Cup. Now back after a long rest and sufficient preparation, he proved that he was a cut above the rest among his contemporaries by his effortless win in the Gr 2 Maharaja's Cup and now followed it up with yet another splendid show, beating the likes of Zurbaran even more convincingly in the latter's own game of outstaying him.

There were doubts whether Classical Act would be able to tackle the grueling 2800 metres as effectively as he had done over shorter trips. Zurbaran was a stout stayer and on this account, many were of the opinion that a battle royale was on cards. In the event, it fizzled out to be a non-contest. It was Zurbaran who had run out of gas when the runners took the final bend and Classical Act cruised past the front-runner and then stayed on albeit expending most or all of his reserves. Zurbaran shot his bolt rather too early for comfort and jockey Malesh Narredu was a tired man, trying to extract more from a horse that had called it a day. May be Zurbaran did not have enough ground work to run a race of this kind, having spent considerable time at the stud farm while Classical Act was busy at work on the Bangalore track. Ironically, Classical Act too had dropped form after he was rested at the stud farm after his famous win in the Kingfisher Derby! Classical Act will run in the Gr 1 President of India Gold Cup next before being sent to Singapore to emulate Saddle Up. 

Zurbaran was asked to win the race the hardest way by setting his own pace and then outstaying the rest. Adolfito raced second ahead of Classical Act, with the only other runner in the race, Baffert gracing the rear. Zurbaran had a break of about five to six lengths in the back stretch but Pesi Shroff had swiftly moved up to be within striking distance by the time the runners took the final bend. Adolfito did not measure up to the task of hassling Zurbaran and was a spent force even before the final bend while Baffert was only slightly better off in comparison. 

Classical Act (P Shroff up) winning the Bangalore St. Lager (Grade II)




Mr. Marilingaiah, Chairman of BTC presenting the Trophy to Mrs.Rekha Mallya, Owner of Classical Act.

Freeze of presentation ceremony

Zurbaran brought the field into view but his lead was quickly diminishing. Classical Act surged ahead without fuss and stretched away to win by over four lengths from Zurbaran. Baffert was a distance behind the runner-up and Adolfito an identical distance away. Classical Act is a horse for the Bangalore course but unfortunately what he could have achieved without interruption to his training remains only a matter of speculation. Zurbaran who was in blazing form in winter cannot be denied his slice of the cake because his performance in the Gr 1 Indian Turf Invitation Cup was truly breathtaking. 

The authorities are not tough on those causing interferences. Jockeys are being fined routinely but this hasn't help as the professionals have continued with their errant ways. Appu did to Warren what the latter had been famous for when he squeezed him out of the race by forcing his way through a narrow passage, causing Dust On The Bottle to drop right back from a prominent position at the bend. Advertorial who shot through the insufficient gap on turning for home, managed to stave off the challenge of Jacques Cartier to land the spoils in the Astronomic Plate (Div I). The lower division of the race went the way of Lady Bountiful.

Advetorial (K P G Appu) winning the Astronomic Plate Div I from Jacques Cartier (Shoban Babu up)

There was big support for Puttanna trained Maurya that had Krishnan in the saddle. Warren Singh on Misty Charms cut across from the outside draw, cramping the runners on his inside. As a result, Maurya got a check and lost a few lengths, which cost him dear. M P Mahaesh trained Silver Storm who had showed out in the final spurt, moved up well on the wide outside and won with a measure of comfort from Flaming Tower and Maurya. The favourite could still have won with stronger handling than that offered by Krishnan. Maurya was clearly the superior horse in fray.

Jockey Harish is in his elements ever since he returned from a short stint in South Africa. Capture The Moment was the market rage in the Brindavan Garden Cup but the favourite who was none to well placed and given a lackluster ride, allowed the front-runner to steal the race. Harish took Perfect Ten on a start to finish mission and Harish was able to establish a big lead with no body to hassle him. Perfect Ten came into the straight well clear of the field and stretched away to win by over eight lengths from the favourite who warmed up to the task rather too late for one's comfort. Harish unwisely kept on using the whip even when it was not necessary and ended up being suspended for two race days for excessive use of the whip. However, Harish distinguished himself with a splendid performance on Fugleman. 

Fugleman trailed the field in the D M Shivaswamy Memorial Cup (Div II) but Harish managed to pull out the fancied runner from the rails on turning for home and gave him a trouble free ground to gallop. Fugleman came up with a sustained run to edge out Almonar and Viking Victor in a close finish.. There was inspired support for Viking Victor but he did not justify the same. Star Chivalry showed a complete reversal of form when winning at the expense of Wikhed Idea who had shaped like a winner in the upper division of the race. Though the distance was sharp for Star Chivalry who is bred to stay, the son of Placerville had made his mark only in sprints.

Dr. T.Timmaiah, former Chairman & Senior Steward of BTC presenting the Trophy to owners. 

Fugleman (Harish up) winning the D M Shivaswamy Memorial Cup Div II from Almonar (K P G Appu)

Supreme Treasure was lucky to win the Divine Light Plate because Caitraratha was not given an enterprising ride. Supreme Treasure surged ahead of Caithraratha inside the final 300 metres and crossed over to the rails after doing so. Supreme Treasure did not quicken the way one expected and Caithraratha could have collared the front-runner with stronger handling. Prakash was fined Rs 2,000 for causing interference to Caithraratha while an enquiry has been opened into the riding of the runner-up. Prakash had a double for the day, having won on Prospectors Delite in the day's opener.