Smart N Excellent pulls through
By Sharan Kumar

Bangalore
Mar 16, 2007

Smart N Excellent was well placed to strike in the 1200 metres Racing Patrons Trophy and the son the Brave Hunter readily obliged with a strong run in the final two furlongs to stave off the challenge of Lava to win the feature event of Friday’s races. Incidentally, Smart N Excellent had thrashed Lava by a big margin when the two had met in the lower class but since then, both these performers have had their share of wins. The closeness of the verdict and the possibility of Lava overhauling the favourite with a better quality ride only served to highlight the fact that both these runners are closely matched and the flattering victory in the past did not reflect the true merit of the relative contestants.

Predictably, Smart N Excellent who had run behind Running Thunder was strongly backed to lift the trophy. Jersey Pride and the rest were available at longer odds but the second favourite was withdrawn at the gates on veterinary grounds Tribal Fantasy led the way as the starter dispatched the field for the six furlong trip, with Smart N Excellent in third position while Lava brought up the rear of the field. The Music Lover pulled up in distress at around the 700 metres
marker and stopped galloping.

Tribal Fantasy brought the field into view with the favourite in hot pursuit. Smart N Excellent got the better of the front-runner and went clear. However, with Lava closing in strongly there was some concern that the long shot would be able to get the measure of the favourite. However, Smart N Excellent had enough reserves to reach to the safety of winning post. Tribal Fantasy ran on to finish third.

The Bharachuki Plate, a race six furlong race for maiden three-year olds, had some attraction for the race goers if only because the full brother to the mighty Southern Empire was running in the upper division. However, Southern Chieftain does not appear to be a patch on either Southern Empire or any of his predecessors like Smart Chieftain and Classical Act as he ran in patches and finished a tame third. Western Command, who ran green, was inclined to run out at the final bend but packed enough punch to win the race from Flaming Lamborgini. Fearless Angel, who was backed to the exclusion of her rivals in the lower division, was flat-footed as Stylish Bay went on a comfortable start to finish victory. Snow Ranger was third.

Padmanabhan trained Red Mustang who had found one better on three occasions over shorter trips, was campaigned over a trip of 2200 metres and since the progeny of Ajaad are rarely seen running over this trip, there were not many takers for the four-year old colt. Ace of the Race who had run in the Derby, was backed to the exclusion of his rivals, with Red Mustang at nourishing odds. In the event, Ace of the Race was finding it hard to stay in touch with the rest of the runners even before the final bend and finished poorly. Red Mustang, who was ridden in restraint, came up with a strong run in the centre of the track and won with a measure of comfort from Hidalgo. Compton Star ran on to finish third.

Dhariwal trained Chiquitita has been in great form and barring an odd bad run, she had won twice during the season. However, she was not reckoned to win by many as Secret Fury, My Turn and Stone of Destiny came in for stronger support. Stone of Destiny lost all his chances by being tardy at the gate. My Turn had all the chances but did not get stronger assistance and was third. Secret Fury chased the front-running Chiquitita in the final furlong but was unable to collar the front runner.

Rhapsidion Snow, who had her share of problems, which delayed her from making a mark, was a cut above the rest in the 1400 metres Ilkal Plate and the daughter of Placerville won from end to end without being extended. Woman In Charge ran on to finish second. The victory of Rhapsidion Snow provided trainer Padmanabhan his third winner of the day. The four-year old filly should be supported till beaten.

In the day’s other action, Pillar of Gold recorded a repeat victory, with Royal Liaison struggling hard to overhaul the eventual winner. Worth A Gold won at nourishing odds while apprentice Himanshu recorded his first winner in Bangalore by guiding Fast Machine to a facile start to finish victory.