Alchesaye and Bastian Bay were ahead of the pack as Retribution was
settled alongside the rails in the third or fourth position with Sontag
Etoile and Vanquish racing along side. In the homestretch, Retribution
did not quicken the way expected and at one stage, it looked like he
would once again let down but once he got into his stride, there was no
stopping the favourite. Retribution easily overhauled the front-running
Alchesaye and Bastian Bay who were disputing the issue and went away for
a comfortable win. Vanquish came from behind to snatch the runner up
berth. Vanquish is another unlucky horse who has always found one better
and thus remained a maiden though he will be carrying penalty for
running on board, when he races next in handicap races.
The progeny of Burden of Proof relished the rains that came mid-way
through the long-winding 11-event card and were involved in a close
finish in the 1200 metes Capricorn Stud Trophy, a race for horses rated
60 to 90. Chagall, who raced upfront, had the first run on his
opponents, went into lead after a strong duel with Beckham and then held
on when Fantabulous Prince came up with a big run. Chagall who had run
second to Upper Crust thus reproduced his form to clinch the issue.
Ascot Lady, who was the original favourite for the race, raced with the
bunch till the bend and then packed up to finish dismally. The daughter
of Greensmith reportedly bled.
Royal Treasure looked outstanding in the Champion Trainer Cup (Div I)
and expectedly the M P Mahaesh ward won pulling up. After racing a handy
third, Royal Treasure moved up swiftly and quickened brilliantly when
asked to do so by jockey Mark Zahra and won by a widening margin of over
eight lengths. The rest of the field was simply outclassed. Apertini was
at cramped odds in the lower division and the only possible threat for
her supremacy was Baffled. Thanks to a baffling ride by M Reuben,
Apertini who hit the front from the word `go’, held on comfortably to
win. Apprentice jockey S John who has been enjoying good success, had a
treble for the day as apart from Colonel Duff and Apertini, he was
astride another winner in Darktan. Darktan who was the betting rage,
left the field standing in the final furlong to win as
he pleased.
Arabian Knight was one of those highly rated horses bred at the Kunigal
Stud Farm who was also a supplementary entry for the Derby. After a poor
run in the early art of the season, Arabian Knight ran to the high
expectations of his connections, with an emphatic win in the 1400 metres
Track Lightning Trophy (Div II). There was strong support for War of
Attrition but the got-abroad colt, who has a wind problem, was a spent
force much before the race took a serious turn. Southern Chieftan ran on
to be second ahead of Astounding Blue. Arabian Knight appears to be a
good quality three-year old.
In the day’s other action, Orientation justified the strong support that
she received in the ring by successfully thwarting the challenge of Plum
Pudding in the 2200 metres Lively Emprey Plate, a race for horses rated
20 to 50.
