The victory enabled the owner-trainer-jockey combination of Dr M A M Ramaswamy, Ganapathy and Prakash to record a back-t -back double in the Invitation Cup, the trio having been associated with the success of Southern Regent at Chennai last year. The trio dominated the weekend of racing, winning three Gr. 1 events and losing the fourth one, the Gr. 1 Super Mile, only by a whisker. The weekend result was only a continuation of the sensational season that the team has been having in the winter season.
Dr Ramaswamy was overwhelmed by the victory of Mystical and made an emotional appeal to his son to take over from him. ``I am tired but my son is not showing zest,’’ he said soon after making his son M A M R Muthaiah receive the coveted trophy of Indian Racing Calendar from Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy.
Mystical had worked poorly in his final gallop and coming after a disappointing performance in the Indian Derby, there were quite a few skeptics who were not prepared for a sea change in the fortunes of the Poonawalla bred stalwart. However, jockey Prakash chose to continue his association and picked him ahead of stablemate Flashing Star who had bounced back to form, with a smashing win in the Bangalore Derby. Holding Court, who had beaten both these two runners, definitely had his share of supporters as the son of Royal Kingdom had maintained his condition and fitness. But in the end, looks proved deceptive as Holding Court, after showing up briefly in front at the final turn, surrendered too meekly for comfort. Jockey McCullagh reported loss of whip in the final furlong.
Having made the mistake of setting too scorching a pace in the Indian Derby, things were expected to be slowed down by pace-maker Admiral’s Force. French jockey Samuel Fargeat either couldn’t hold Democraticus or that he can ride only one way, i.e. lead from the front, that he took the speedy son of Royal Kingdom to the front, ahead of the pace-maker and dictated a modest pace which told on his chances and he ended up a faraway fifth. Holding Court raced in the third position though he was not well settled and keen to pull away. Mystical was well settled behind the front-running trio of horses along with Flashing Star.
Approaching the final bend, Holding Court was quickly in front with Flashing Star who had made a quick forward move, joining him on the outside. Mystical saved ground and came through the shortest way. Holding Court went ahead but he did not show the acceleration he was capable of. Flashing Star shaped liked a winner but Mystical’s splendid acceleration sealed the issue in his favour. Refreshing finished fourth.
The action now shifts to Mumbai where the first three placed horses of the Invitation Cup are likely to clash all over again in the Gr 1 Indian St Leger.
