Once again, the finishing effort of Flashing Star is sure to make many
believe that the son of Razeen will have his say over the Derby trip of
2000 metres, a feeling that he gave even when he lost almost in
identical fashion to Yes Es Yes Ses in the Gr.2 Karnataka Juvenile Million over
seven furlongs. Though Holding Court was grinding to a halt because he
had expended his energies in going into what proved to be a decisive
lead, it is also possible that his turn of foot could once again prove
decisive when the two meet in the Derby.
Though Holding Court had done nothing wrong in his lead up effort to
this classic event, race goers reposed more faith in Flashing Star
because of the spectacular nature of his wins at Mumbai. What many
overlooked was the fact that Flashing Star takes his own time to warm up
and pick up speed and in a short straight as the one in Bangalore, the
horse which quickens best on turning for home enjoys a distinct
advantage. Holding Court on this count alone deserved far greater
support than he got in the ring. There were many who reposed faith in
Arturo who had won in good timing in his last essay. Yes Es Yes Ses was
completely overlooked in the betting ring. In the event, the race turned
out to be a two-horse race with Yes Es Yes Ses finishing a far away
third ahead of Amazing Striker and Arturo. Amazing Striker’s fourth from
way behind was eye-catching.
Admiral’s Force set a scorching pace as the starter dispatched the field
for the mile long trip, with Finest Moment, Arturo, Holding Court,
Flashing Star and the rest racing in close attendance, with Amazing
Striker gracing the wrong end of the field. The fast pace helped Holding
Court settle well. Entering the straight, Admiral’s Force weakened
giving way for Holding Court to take centre stage. Flashing Star was
flat-footed for speed and had a good margin to cover on his adversary.
Though he closed up the leeway menacingly, Holding Court held on grimly
to win by a whisker. Holding Court has the class to get the mile and a
quarter trip and if he is held up and his burst of speed used
effectively, he can continue his winning ways. Flashing Star has on both
occasions here has flattered to deceive. The victory of Holding Court
provided first season sire Royal Kingdom with his first classic race
success. For Holding Court’s owner Haresh Mehta, it was a big occasion
because it was his first classic victory in his chequered career.
Eshwer trained Opera Queen who had everything her way in the 1200 metres
Regency Stud Plate, won quite impressively from a late-finishing
Diffidence and Perpetuate. Equally Good led the field into the straight
but had no answer when Opera Queen unleashed her run. Diffidence was a
noteworthy second. There was support for Solar Rocket but the support
was going to misfire because the five-year old mare hasn’t won a race
for quite a while now.
Risada showed plenty of promise when beating the opposition pointless in
the Tudor Jet Plate (Div I). Equally emphatic was the victory of
Mystical in the lower division. Both these horses should mature into top
class performers. Magic Touch, who ran behind Mystical, is slowly
getting into form and should strike before long. Romantic Getaway was
another impressive three-year old to come out of maiden’s ranks. This
full brother to Poonawalla Million winner Noble Opinion showed plenty of
speed to win as he liked. Mystic Minstrel’s leisurely second was
suggestive of early success. Wafadar needs more time and a weak
opposition to make his mark. All The Rage should show appreciable
improvement after a good forward run in the race.
There was spirited support for Hyderabad challenger Dama Grande but
Solarity who had been waited with for a long time, was seen in true
colors and thus spoiled a big touch. Dama Grande finished on strongly
but it went in vain. With better saddle assistance than the one offered
by apprentice Madhu Kumar, the favourite could have thrown a scare to
the supporters of Solarity. A quiet coup was brought off on Magical
Spirit who edged out Ashwaraaj in the dying moments of the race. Sharp N
Smart who came in for spirited betting, was a beaten cause well before
the race was on the boil.
The well bred Rising Force recorded a smashing win in the 2000 metres
Rajah S R K Ranga Row Memorial Cup. Radical Power, who had won unfancied
over a sprint, was the betting rage but the full brother to Radical
Force who has been plagued by several physical problems finished a
dismal last.
