www.indiarace.com - Bangalore Winter Season 2002-03 Live Photographs

Henceforth sharpens up for the big fight

by DIABLO
diablo@indiarace.com

Hyderabad
December 27, 2003

When the going gets tough, the Tough get going. That in a nutshell sums up Henceforth’s fabulous victory in the MLN Reddy Memorial Cup, the feature event at Malakpet on Saturday (27.12.2003). In a field which was a virtual who is who of the centre’s sprinters, the three-year-old effortlessly carried 59.5 kilos to the winning post.

Henceforth had done this once, before graduating to the top category, but to do it in the company of illustrious sprinters is an achievement indeed. The victory not only endorsed Henceforth’s class but also put him on the same pedestal as Onnu Onnu Onnu. Of course, it is too early to conclude that he is in the same class as Onnu Onnu Onnu, who had won the only skirmish they had till date, but what is beyond doubt is Henceforth has matched the achievements of his contemporary trophy for trophy.

Aware that this was his first big test after his defeat to Onnu Onnu Onnu, the stable meticulously planned Henceforth’s run. They knew that he cannot toy with the opposition as he had done while beating Run For Roses or contemptuously run away from the field like he did on his Category I debut. The key to his success this time was in conserving his energies for the final assault, and that was precisely the plan.

Jockey Kavan Kariappa, who had been doing well for the stable this season, rode Henceforth in check. That was as good as half the task accomplished, for Henceforth likes to run from the front and that would have proved disastrous as he was carrying a load.

In what could be their last runs here, unless of course the club permits them to run till the end of
the season, it was two six-year-olds in the 14-horse field -- Stroke Of Genius and Fabulous Gem – who hit the front. Henceforth stuck to the quarters of the latter, while Sherie Rose ran prominently for sometime before packing up. The rest simply rumbled on at the back.

It was Fabulous Gem who challenged Stroke Of Genius first. Even as Ravishanker edged him into the lead, Kariappa pushed Henceforth into the fighting line. The son of Don Micheletto quickened his stride well, gained considerable ground and was over two lengths ahead with less than a furlong to go. Although Athlone, Bon Vivant and Bar-At-Lawn appeared to throw in their might, they were only fighting a lost battle.

Henceforth will now be targeted for Kakatiya Cup with a view to getting an entry in the Sprinters Cup during the Invitation Weekend. In all probability, he will get a chance to settle scores with Onnu Onnu Onnu before that.

Royal Sieger (Suraj Narredu) emerged the most unlikely horse to share the spotlight with Henceforth. His seven-length win in the six-furlong Step Aside Plate(Div I) was the biggest surprise on a day of the favourites. It was a run that presented a true picture of the three year old’s prowess and it was also a run which spoke about how even knowledgeable owners are kept in the dark about their own animals.

Royal Sieger’s owner must be a happy man now. Not only he went laughing to the bank twice in as many weeks after moving his horses to Leo D’Silva’s yard, but he also got the confirmation that his investments have indeed been judicious. Royal Sieger’s win close on the heels of Bombay Sapper must have surely firmed up the new trainer-owner bond.

Other three youngsters in the bunch, Gracious Bay, Artistic Way and Etiquette, are not as bad as the verdict makes it look and the first two, in fact, could win their very next outings. Etiquette will
however need some time to measure up to this class.

Leo D’Silva-Suraj Narredu combination had a treble for the day through Nordic Star and Golden Blaze. Although none of the four youngsters challenged Nordic Star, what became clear was Spring Dawn is ready to strike and could pull off any time even under an apprentice. So is the case with Mr. Bureaucrat, also from KV Srinivas’ stables. The latter was second all the way in Golden Blaze’s race and appears to tackle middle distances quite deftly. Ne Tlus Ultra was a
disappointment once again and is just a step away from dropping to Category III.

The reign of the Raju duo continued unabated in the maidens races, with Prasad Raju picking up another two through Ride And Shine and Rock Breaker. The patrons have been a bit illogical this season about winner picking among first-seasoners. How else can one explain their neglect for Ride And Shine who had run in the company of winners and subsequently showeed out in Luxury Cruise race. The Warrshan gelding overwhelmed the opposition. The patrons were rewarded handsomely for reposing faith in Rock Breaker in the lower division.

The Senior Raju too had a double for the day. He opened and closed the day’s programme with Magnetic Moment and Autocracy. The latter, whose career seemed to be on hold for quite some time, scored a fluent win. Great Combination impressed while finishing third and this Shamsuddin ward appears to be cut out for better things and therefore deserves following.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:
Category I: Athlone, Bruno Magli, Bon Vivant and Royal Sapper only when there are no three-year-olds.
Category II: Mr. Bureaucrat, Gracious Bay, Artistic Way, Awesome Win, Amazing Dancer, Oxford Days and Great Combination.
Category III: Noble Empress, Port Royal.

Hyderabad Winter Season 2003-04 - Review Archives

Rate this review

Any comments ?

	Excellent
	Good
	Average
	Poor

Name		Email
Comments

	Henceforth sharpens up for the big fight by DIABLO diablo@indiarace.com Hyderabad December 27, 2003
	When the going gets tough, the Tough get going. That in a nutshell sums up Henceforth’s fabulous victory in the MLN Reddy Memorial Cup, the feature event at Malakpet on Saturday (27.12.2003). In a field which was a virtual who is who of the centre’s sprinters, the three-year-old effortlessly carried 59.5 kilos to the winning post. Henceforth had done this once, before graduating to the top category, but to do it in the company of illustrious sprinters is an achievement indeed. The victory not only endorsed Henceforth’s class but also put him on the same pedestal as Onnu Onnu Onnu. Of course, it is too early to conclude that he is in the same class as Onnu Onnu Onnu, who had won the only skirmish they had till date, but what is beyond doubt is Henceforth has matched the achievements of his contemporary trophy for trophy.
Aware that this was his first big test after his defeat to Onnu Onnu Onnu, the stable meticulously planned Henceforth’s run. They knew that he cannot toy with the opposition as he had done while beating Run For Roses or contemptuously run away from the field like he did on his Category I debut. The key to his success this time was in conserving his energies for the final assault, and that was precisely the plan. Jockey Kavan Kariappa, who had been doing well for the stable this season, rode Henceforth in check. That was as good as half the task accomplished, for Henceforth likes to run from the front and that would have proved disastrous as he was carrying a load. In what could be their last runs here, unless of course the club permits them to run till the end of the season, it was two six-year-olds in the 14-horse field -- Stroke Of Genius and Fabulous Gem – who hit the front. Henceforth stuck to the quarters of the latter, while Sherie Rose ran prominently for sometime before packing up. The rest simply rumbled on at the back. It was Fabulous Gem who challenged Stroke Of Genius first. Even as Ravishanker edged him into the lead, Kariappa pushed Henceforth into the fighting line. The son of Don Micheletto quickened his stride well, gained considerable ground and was over two lengths ahead with less than a furlong to go. Although Athlone, Bon Vivant and Bar-At-Lawn appeared to throw in their might, they were only fighting a lost battle. Henceforth will now be targeted for Kakatiya Cup with a view to getting an entry in the Sprinters Cup during the Invitation Weekend. In all probability, he will get a chance to settle scores with Onnu Onnu Onnu before that. Royal Sieger (Suraj Narredu) emerged the most unlikely horse to share the spotlight with Henceforth. His seven-length win in the six-furlong Step Aside Plate(Div I) was the biggest surprise on a day of the favourites. It was a run that presented a true picture of the three year old’s prowess and it was also a run which spoke about how even knowledgeable owners are kept in the dark about their own animals. Royal Sieger’s owner must be a happy man now. Not only he went laughing to the bank twice in as many weeks after moving his horses to Leo D’Silva’s yard, but he also got the confirmation that his investments have indeed been judicious. Royal Sieger’s win close on the heels of Bombay Sapper must have surely firmed up the new trainer-owner bond. Other three youngsters in the bunch, Gracious Bay, Artistic Way and Etiquette, are not as bad as the verdict makes it look and the first two, in fact, could win their very next outings. Etiquette will however need some time to measure up to this class. Leo D’Silva-Suraj Narredu combination had a treble for the day through Nordic Star and Golden Blaze. Although none of the four youngsters challenged Nordic Star, what became clear was Spring Dawn is ready to strike and could pull off any time even under an apprentice. So is the case with Mr. Bureaucrat, also from KV Srinivas’ stables. The latter was second all the way in Golden Blaze’s race and appears to tackle middle distances quite deftly. Ne Tlus Ultra was a disappointment once again and is just a step away from dropping to Category III. The reign of the Raju duo continued unabated in the maidens races, with Prasad Raju picking up another two through Ride And Shine and Rock Breaker. The patrons have been a bit illogical this season about winner picking among first-seasoners. How else can one explain their neglect for Ride And Shine who had run in the company of winners and subsequently showeed out in Luxury Cruise race. The Warrshan gelding overwhelmed the opposition. The patrons were rewarded handsomely for reposing faith in Rock Breaker in the lower division. The Senior Raju too had a double for the day. He opened and closed the day’s programme with Magnetic Moment and Autocracy. The latter, whose career seemed to be on hold for quite some time, scored a fluent win. Great Combination impressed while finishing third and this Shamsuddin ward appears to be cut out for better things and therefore deserves following. HORSES TO FOLLOW: Category I: Athlone, Bruno Magli, Bon Vivant and Royal Sapper only when there are no three-year-olds. Category II: Mr. Bureaucrat, Gracious Bay, Artistic Way, Awesome Win, Amazing Dancer, Oxford Days and Great Combination. Category III: Noble Empress, Port Royal.