Ramaswamy’s fillies hold the key to the seasons first classic
By Chris Hoover

Bangalore
June 12, 2004

The first classic of the season is always a showpiece as it sets the pace for the events to come. It is unique being the
first classic of the year for three-year old fillies in the country. There are 13 contenders for the Fillies Trial Stakes to be held on Saturday at the Bangalore Turf Club. 

The favourite could be Dr M.A.M. Ramaswamy-owned Queen Of Fashion (Razeen-Fly For Baby) with B. Prakash in the saddle, while stable mate Pricewise (Razeen-Gourgandine) with Irish saddle artist Mark Gallagher astride, may also vie for top honours. 

Queen Of Fashion had decimated her mediocre opposition in a sprint race in its first start and has the breeding and performance on her side. 

Meanwhile, Pricewise has run the distance while taking the Abdul Wajid Memorial Plate in heavy under foot conditions. If the weather plays foul, Pricewise will be right there.

The other serious contender would be Michael Eshwer-schooled Blurr, the winner of the Poonawalla Multi Million at Mumbai last year. She has had a run earlier this season in the Karnataka Juvenile Million, where she finished a tame sixth to Fantabulous King in wet conditions. Blurr has the credentials and performance behind her, but if the going gets soft, it may pose a problem to her. 

Trainer Eshwer was quite optimistic about the chances of his filly when he said. "Blurr has come up very well after her last run. She has improved and all is well with her. Hope the weather holds good that day."

Crown Secret and Flightingale could be the other two fillies that may fill the frame. Crown Secret out of Crown Treasure, has had a lung opener in decent company where she ran fifth to Spectacular Quest. She is highly rated in her stable and with champion jockey Pesi Shroff doing duty on her, Crown Secret might pose a challenge.

Ultimately the weather and the conditions will have a say in the first classic that will showcase some of the best fillies in the country.