Master Craft floors the opposition

By Sharan Kumar
brsharan@yahoo.com

Bangalore
July 3, 2004

Darius Byramji trained Master Craft has been somewhat of an enigma. Originally rated as a classic prospect, the son of Razeen has along been a big disappointment, right from the day he made a disastrous debut. His facile win in the 1200 meters H B Gundappa Gowda Memorial Cup, a race for horses rated 40 and above, which featured Saturday’s races highlighted the fact that he talent was not properly assessed thus far and he was tried over varying trips before his depth was found.

Master Craft (Harish up) winner of the H B Gundappa Gowda Memorial Cup being led by trainer Mr. D Byramji & owner Mr. Ashok Ranpise

Mr. Ashok Ranpise receiving the trophy from Mr. H G Balagopal

Be that as it may, the feature event had an open look about it with Storm The fort, Conqueress, Soviet Bay and Master Craft on the basis of his blazing work out, running with equal chance. Soviet Bay has figured on board consistently though his wins have been interspersed with some listless runs. Soviet Bay is a killer when things fall in place but run-of-the-mill performances have been par when expectations are high. Storm The Fort appeared to have been peaking judging by his two runs in the current season while bottom-weighted Conqueress had run above expectations when winning out of turn last time out. But it was Master Craft who came in for sustained support in the ring and such enthusiasm was vindicated when the son of Razeen floored the opposition with a devastating turn of foot inside the final furlong to leave the front-running Conqueress flat-footed. Storm The Fort battled on to finish third ahead of Soviet Bay.

Suraj Narredu took Conqueress on a start to finish mission even as Harish on Master Craft was running into problems to position his mount in a striking position. Rounding the final bend, Conqueress shook off Storm The Fort but did not quicken the way that could have turned the race decisively in her favour. In the meanwhile, Harish maneuvered to get Master Craft on the wide outside and the son of Razeen came up with a devastating turn of foot to have the race won a long way from home. Though Master Craft won decisively, he has limitations to be consistently successful at this level.

Very few trainers risk running their wards over a trip of 2200 metres trip without the benefit of a race run but trainer Padmanabhan has always been an exception to the general rule. Creativity is inventing, experimenting, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and proving be different and at the same being successful. And Padmanabhan fits the bill quite well. He ran Exuberant over a trip of 2200 metres without a race run and the four-year old filly who was running nearly six months after her last run at Mumbai, readily justified the faith of her master by a recording a decisive win in the Kumararajah M A M Muthiah Cup. Full sister to the celebrated Classical Act, Exuberant did not pose any problem for jockey Pesi Shroff and the filly bolted in well clear of Accordance and Galaxy Star who failed to sustain his effort, perhaps not relishing the grueling trip. Exuberant has indeed strengthened out well since winter though how far she will move up can only be a subject matter of speculation at this point of time.

Exuberant (Shroff up) winner of the Kumararajah M A M Muthiah Cup being led by trainer 
Mr. Padmanabhan

Vijay Singh trained Formal Invitation was another who proved to be an exception to the general rule when the son of Steinbeck won over a mile long trip in his debut run in splendid fashion. Formal Invitation proved too strong for the field, swamping the opposition in impressive fashion. Favourite Eden just about managed to edge out Pas De Surprise to clinch the second spot. C Alford who rode Formal Inviatation had a good day, steering two more winners through Santarelle and on-money favourite Anaroma. The latter won quite capably and her win was made that much easier because Freebee was not unduly extended when taking the targeted runner-up spot ahead of King Is Born. Santarelle won at the expense of Almonar and Fantasy Strip without much fuss though the margin was dwindling at the finish.

Jockey Srinath has been riding with tremendous confidence ever since he returned to the saddle after being forced to sit out due to a controversial suspension for nine months. He drove out Breno to a repeat win over Newmachar and Greenlawn even as Spacecraft did not show the expected improvement after his suggestive run behind the same winner. 

Cricketer turned trainer Anant Vatsalya hadn’t succeeded in his mission of winning a race at Bangalore for nearly five years but he ended the drought with a well brought out coup on Eternal Prince. The son of Local Talent came in for inspired support and Eternal Prince readily justified the support with an easy win over the opposition. Beyond Limits was second ahead of Mount Titlis. Fancied Storm Hawk was never in the hunt. 

Prakash’s perseverance enabled Star Emblem to edge out Bollinger in a tight finish. Apprentice jockey Vivek dived into the rails from wide outside which perhaps made a difference to the outcome as the lesser fancied runner was caught up in virtually the dying seconds of the race. Dominic trained True To Reason landed a quite touch in the Royal Tern Plate (Div II). True To Reason just about lasted out to win from Don’tforgeetmaumann and Diamond Cut but returned lame after the race. Make a note of Prosperone who looked gross but nevertheless put in a suggestive run.