Full Speed should have
run as a favourite not because of the distance asked to cover by the
competitors but also because he went into the race with the benefit of a
mock race. Full Speed definitely stood out in the paddock parade whereas
Southern Regent appeared to be in need of a run. Ministrel Heights did
the pace-making which he has been condemned to do right through his
career, with Staranzano, King of Hearts, Full Speed, Only For Gold,
Southern Regent, Formal Invitation and Star of Windsor racing in close
proximity. Rounding the final bend, King of Hearts loomed up even as
Silva was maneuvering her way through the rails and Southern Regent was
taking time to pick up speed. Full Speed surged ahead of King of Hearts
after a brief tussle and had the race under control even though Southern
Regent threatened his supremacy for a brief second. Full Speed spared
three-parts of a length at the finish to the runner up. A little less
than five lengths behind was Formal Invitation and King of Hearts.
Trainer Vijay Singh has a classic type of a filly in Romantic Liaison.
The daughter of Razeen gave weight to most of her adversaries and a
beating in taking style to win the 1600 metres Abdul Wajid Memorial
Plate. Though Romantic Liaison did not exactly stand out in the paddock
parade, her run belied the looks. After racing in the third or fourth
position, jockey Alford pushed Romantic Liaison to take charge on
turning for home. The daughter of Razeen quickly picked up momentum and
had the race sewn up long way from home. The Peak took time to get into
his stride and was full of running at the finish ahead of surprise
performer Ministry of Sound. Scottsville, who was expected to figure at
the finish, was a beaten cause well before the race was on the boil.
Five-year old mare Rivendell has always been a let down and the volume
of betting that she attracted in the ring was disproportionate to her
ability. In the event, the punters were made to rue their decision as
the well-performed Connaught Square hammered the opposition to win in
great style. Rivendell who tracked early leader Faustino into the
straight packed up under pressure. Synopsis moved from behind to snatch
the runner up berth from Faustino who was out for a lung opener. Keep an
eye on Faustino who should strike before long.
Amazing Forest was ignored in the betting ring in the Baraloy Plate (Div
I), with the public supporting Siroco. Top weighted Smart Vision who had
collared Aquilo at Mumbai had the credentials but with jockey M R Singh
declared to ride, the gelding was definitely not a serious contender. In
the event, Amazing Forest who collared the front-running Thousand Stars
inside the final furlong went away for a comfortable win over Sporty and
Amazing Ability. Smart Vision dragged himself into limelight. Siroco was
a poor fifth.
Srinath found himself on two the heavily supported losers. Mumbai
challenger Amanat was backed to the exclusion of her rivals but the
filly who fought for her head throughout was a beaten cause when she
took the final bend and disappeared without a trace. Samarrah found foot
quickly when asked for an effort and retired home a facile winner over
Carigielaw and Hold That Tiger. The last named should strip fit after
this run.
Miss Beautiful who had run a fantastic mock race in exalted company,
duly justified the expectations in the Mamma’s Mink Plate, a mile long
race for horses rated 10 to 25. Miss Beautiful who carried so much class
for the meek opposition that she was taken to the front by Silva after
the field settled down and without raising any sweat, the five-year old
mare checked in 10 lengths clear of the rest to provide trainer Irfan
Ghatala, a double for the day. Top Cat, Storm Hawk and Great Seal
plodded home far behind. In the day’s other action, jockey Prakash had
an arm-chair ride to victory on Supreme Princess.
