Green Bax hit the front as the field was dispatched for the seven
furlong trip, with Six Stars finding it hard to do the job of a
pace-maker. Southern Star raced in about fifth position, with
Democraticus close on his heels. Rounding the final bend, Southern
Empire swiftly moved into striking position and sailed past the
front-running Green Bax without any apparent effort but once the
favourite saw the shadow of Democraticus, he quickened in a trice to go
clear. For the first time in his career, Southern Empire had to be
driven out with the aid of the whip but the full-brother to the multi
classic winning Smart Chieftain was not going to be subdued and he
stretched out fluently. He went away for a comfortable win by over three
lengths in a smart time of one minute 25.3 seconds. Green Bax ran to
finish third another seven and half lengths behind. Only the presence of
Democraticus ensured that Southern Empire had to stretch out.
Star Luminary has made tremendous strides since the winter season. The
well bred daughter of Razeen smashed the opposition, coming from behind
and winning as she pleased over seven furlongs in a race meant for
horses in the 20 to 50 category. From the evidence of this run, Star
Luminary should progress smoothly to becoming a force in graded races at
other centres. Chilly Wind ran to finish second while the rest of the
runners did not have the wherewithal to match strides with the eventual
winner.
Jaggy Dhariwal trained Carra Mia won the Heir Apparent Palte (Div.I)
quite competently from Chef De Mission and Stoli Orange. The well bred
daughter of Burden of Proof, Carra Mia ran green but will come back
stronger after this run. Amazing Look was the odds on favourite to win
the lower division but he flopped against the might of Ruben Star who is
a full brother to the celebrated Spectacular Quest. Though the
runner-up, far from ready as compared to the favourite, he had the class
to overcome his other disadvantages. In another race meant for
three-year olds, Nina Lalvani trained Pride left the field standing to
win in good fashion. The full sister to Derby winner Elite Zone, Pride
was not hard-pressed to win as Auchinlech who was running for the first
time after being gelded, tired after raising hopes at the top of the
straight. Red Mustang finished third ahead of Fantabulous Prince who had
attracted a fair bit of attention in the betting ring.
Arjun Mangalorkar has sorted out Lanark which was a late addition to his
string and his belief that sprint was the best trip for the son of Glory
of Dancer was vindicated. Lanark easily accounted for the opposition
which included Cooper Bracelet and Blairgowrie. Baghzad ran
disappointingly.
In the day’s other action, King of Queens proved too good in the 1100
metres Malakpet Plate where the well-backed Jango packed up after
leading the field into the homestretch. Flying For Victory dragged
himself to the third spot.
