While Bourbon King cannot be denied his due, the question mark is whether his effectiveness would be blunted over the mile and quarter trip of the
Kingfisher Derby in July. The way Royal Ambassador and the inexperienced Western Command
were covering ground in the end from way behind, gave an impression that the front runner may have been slowing in the end
as the former was just a shade over three lengths from the winner and latter another length away
and both were closing in on the winner. Badge of Gold’s run was most disappointing especially after facile win in a race meant for horses rated 80 and above.
Badge of Gold moved up from the wide outside draw to take charge to dictate the pace followed by Elusive Study,
Vijayraaj, and Bourbon King while the rest were jostling for positions in the rear. Royal Ambassador and Western Command graced the trail end of the field. Badge of Gold did not quicken on turning for home and Bourbon King smoothly stepped up the acceleration to go clear of the field. The race was as good as over. Bourbon King went six lengths clear, with his
immediate pursuers falling back rapidly. It was left to Royal Ambassador and Western Command to make their move the widest and come up with spirited run which ensured that the winner’s lead was cut down considerably. Bourbon King clocked a timing of
1 minute 38.09 seconds while Alvarita had clocked 1.37.81 seconds.
Both Alvarita and Bourbon King have proved themselves to be best of their sex for now with almost similar manner of victories in their respective races. Both are capable of getting two furlongs extra which is what the Derby trip is but it remains to be seen how the other possible contenders shape up in the next two weeks. Southern Charge, who would have made a big mark in the race, would run a nine furlong race next week and his performance will give a clue to the shape of
things to come. Over a trip which requires both speed and stamina, Southern Charge would prove a handful to these opponents. There is also Our Excellence who is being steadily prepared for the big race. The reason why Bourbon King’s did not look as impressive as the one recorded by Alvarita is because Royal Ambassador and the totally inexperienced Western Command who went into this race without a run benefit, having just one race run to his credit, were too close for comfort.
Retribution continues to be unlucky as he suffered a reverse at the hands of Perpetuity who has been highly rated. The Imtiaz Sait trained Perpetuity hadn’t raced during the Mumbai season despite being fully prepared to race for some reason or the other. Perpetuity had been given the feel of the track in a mock race and since then, he had been blazing the track. However, considering Retribution’s experience, he was made the firm favourite ahead of Perpetuity. Milford raced
upfront as Retribution was settled in the second position, with Perpetuity running in close proximity. Rounding the final bend, Milford rolled out and Perpetuity came in, denying Retribution
a clear run and it took some time for jockey Mark Zhara to get his horse an on even keel. In the meanwhile, Perpetuity surged ahead. Though Retribution showed
some flourish along the rails, Perpetuity had enough reserves to win the day. Milford ran on to finish third.
Sloane Square had all the chances to win the Regency Stud Plate (Div.I) but weakened in the closing stages of the race. My Turn who had been given two forward runs without being stretched, came up with a sustained run to surge ahead and then held on to win from a late-finishing Perfect Attraction and
a poorly ridden Carra Mia. Sloane Square was a close fourth. In the lower division of the race, Chief’s Dream and Oprah threw tantrums while being loaded and were withdrawn from the fray on veterinary grounds. Favourite Alandra was taken on a start to finish mission by jockey Alford and the daughter of Placerville held on to win from Mucho and Mission Chief. Noble Quest, who came in for strong support, was not well positioned by jockey Krishnan and he gave his horse too much to do in the straight.
Wonder Smile was outstanding in the sprint race for horses rated 40 to 70 as she had run with the likes of Royal Ambassador and Upper Crust. Wonder Smile did not have things easy and had to be driven out to win from Mercurial and a late-finishing Logans Run. Prakash had another on-money winner through South Star who despite drifting odds, obliged at the expense of Vijayveer. There was a quiet touch on Proud As A Peacock but the son of Local Talent never raised hopes at any stage of the race.
Snow Ranger, who had showed out in a race, duly won the Commanche Trophy (Div.I) without much fuss while Royal Alchemist won the lower division at cramped odds in a good timing. In the day’s other action, Graphic Design proved too good for the field as jockey Chisty decided to be earnest about his job.
