Given a long rest,
Fantabulous King showed out in the 1400 metres Karnataka Police Cup on
Saturday in tremendous condition and won the race comfortably from Just
Brave and Queen of Fashion raising hopes of his possible wins in graded
races later in the season. Fantabulous King no doubt won quite stylishly
but the fact that he did come under undue pressure at any stage of the
race paved the way for his victory. It remains to be seen how he fares
when he takes on a more competitive set and has to perform under
pressure. All said and done, it was a remarkable comeback by Fantabulous
King and his trainer Sardar Singh deserves wholesome praise.
Queen of Fashion had all the credentials to win having been well placed
in the scales but the filly did not impress in the paddock parade and
was a poor third. Cannon Glow set the pace followed by Ciraja, Queen of
Fashion and the rest, with Fantabulous King in about eighth position for
the first two furlongs. Ruzzan on Fantabulous King smoothly moved up on
the wide outside and had his mount in front as the horses took the turn.
Fantabulous King quickly spurted into the lead and went away for a
decisive win. Queen of Fashion plodded on and failed to pick up speed
and was beaten to the third spot by Just Brave. Just Brave was closing
in on Fantabulous King who appeared to be perceptibly slowing down at
the finish line. Attorney was fourth. Fantabulous King can continue his
winning ways only if he makes further improvement but there will always
be a question mark about him 'choking' under pressure. However,
Fantabulous King is surely a horse with a great heart considering what
he has gone through!
Though the going was on the softer side, fancied horses were to the
fore. Amazing Striker, who had run behind Holding Court in his last
essay in winter, had it easy in the 1600 metres Yeravada Stud Plate,
beating his only challenger Moment of Hope with great ease. The others
who followed this pair were all for an airing. Though Amazing Striker
won well, nothing much can be read into this win. He is still short on
classic expectation. Prakash who guided Amazing Striker to victory, had
another arm chair ride on Spectacular Blaze who won a race meant for
horses rated 10 to 25, in the manner of a good a type of a horse. Dingle
was a faraway second ahead of That’s The Touch who picked up momentum
far too late.
Wafadar and Cellisima were both spiritedly backed in the ring but the
latter had the last laugh, getting the better of the former after a
brief tussle. The cross nose band on Wafadar snapped during the race and
this perhaps could have contributed to Wafadar surrendering meekly. In
the other division of the race meant for maiden three-year olds,
Distributor had it easy against Elusive Adventure who was flat-footed
when the former kicked clear at the top of the straight. King of Queens
had some supporters but punters would be wise to stay clear of him till
he comes up with a reasonable performance. Obviously, something is
bothering him.
Charleston and Demanding were the market fancies in the R Khodayar
Memorial Plate and both ran true to public expectations by fighting out
a thrilling battle in the final furlong. Though Srinath tried very hard
on Demanding, C.Alford on Charleston was able to get his mount to put
his neck in front at the finish. New trainer Narayan Gowda’s Tough Deal
started out as the favourite in the concluding race but as race time
approached the drifting price sent ominous signals. Kinrara replaced him
as the favourite and readily justified the confidence in her by winning
with a great deal of ease from Boonlay and Continental Pearl. Tough Deal
gave a raw deal to his supporters.
