Picture Me helps Netto regain his confidence
By Diablo
Hyderabad
Nov 15, 2003
Trainer Donald Netto is on the rampage. That too with a vengeance. The six-month suspension seems to have steeled his resolve. Giving a glimpse of what he could unleash in the rest of the season, the young trainer booted home a brilliant treble on the fifth day of the winter season here on Saturday (15.11.2003).
The icing on the cake was the victory of Picture Me in the day’s feature event, Sri S Ramakrishnam Raju Memorial Cup, a 1200 metres scurry. Winning the event was no big deal though for this four-year-old daughter of Young Senor out of Simerance. With virtually none of the eight other contenders in form, including Miami Vice who is more or less at the end of his campaign trail, it was a cut and dry case for Picture Me. Yet, all eyes were on the Category I horse as this was Netto’s first big race after his return from suspension.
Last winter, Donald Netto was nudged out of the race for champion trainer’s title just as he was on the final lap of unprecedented glory. He was suspended on charges that one of his wards was not allowed to run on its merits. The punishment must have dealt a severe psychological blow to the youngster’s confidence, though at no stage did he show traces of that disappointment. That his owners stayed put with him has obviously helped him to maintain a positive attitude. His friend Joseph Silvester too did his bit by keeping Netto’s string in perfect health until the latter returned towards the end of monsoon.
That Picture Me was in great heart was seen during the Monsoon season itself when she beat one of the season’s overwhelming performers, stablemate Okati Okati Okati. A section of the followers had felt then that Okati Okati Okati was stopped in favour of Picture Me. But Saturday’s win should clear that doubt, particularly because he beat seasoned campaigners like Fabulous Gem and Golden Image and the fast improving Bruno Magli.
Though coming out of the gates first, Picture Me preferred to leave the rails for Bruno Magli and raced with Miami Vice on the outside. But with Miami Vice keen to match strides with the leader, Rutherford dropped Picture Me into third position where he found Bar-At-Lawn breathing down his throat. Bruno Magli won the battle for lead with Miami Vice and swung the field into the straight about two lengths clear. Miami Vice took the turn a bit wide and left the straight course open for Picture Me. Rutherford quickly grabbed the advantage and had Picture Me range alongside Bruno Magli at about 400 metres out. The stage was then left entirely for him. Fabulous Gem and Golden Image completed the formality by taking up their appointed berths.
Bruno Magli appeared to be folding up in the final furlong. No way was it an indication that he ran out of steam. The outing was only to check one last time if he was ready to resume his unfinished campaign in the highest category and one is sure both jockey RB Shinde and trainer Prasad Raju are now convinced that the Conquering Hero gelding is indeed ready. Raise The Prize, Royal Sapper and Plano showed that they still need some time to come into the fancied bracket, but Bar-At-Lawn can now start preparing for a win towards the end of the season.
Netto’s other two wins came in the opening and closing events of the day through Eyes Right (Category IV) and Gracious Bay (lower division of the Zoom Zoom Plate in Category III). They gave Rutherford Alford also a treble for the day.
Trainer Srinagesh was the other professional to have a fruitful time. First he struck in the race for maiden two-year-olds through Ashatamasha (Alnasr Alwasheek – Carolina Rose) and then stole a thunder immediately after with a huge upset in the Vegavathi Plate for Category II horses through Steal Away.
As ever, Leo D’Silva’s ward (Mansfield) drew large support in the maidens’ race followed by the one from Satheesh’s yard (Simple Wish). That Ashatamasha took the third slot on the bookies’ list indicated that the filly had quite a few backers. Further strengthening his supporters was the drifting odds on the first favourites. As it turned out, Ashatamasha won comfortably despite running a bit green. Shamsuddin’s Secret Champ, who came second with the benefit of a run, and KRK Raju’s Rudraksha should win soon.
Long shot Steal Away dampened the spirits of punters by causing an upset in the opening leg of Jackpot. Almost An Angel, the public choice at 4-1, dominated the race until 300 metres when it became clear that the winner is not her but someone from the bunch that was swooping down on her. Maid Of The Mist and Chickluckchick were the ones to look good at that stage. Steal Away had begun his run just then about a distance behind the front bunch, so he was not expected to make it. But apprentice NM Sequeira rode a fantastic race to get the better of Maid Of The Mist in the last 20 metres.
Of course, as someone who beat youngsters in his previous start in Catgory III, Steal Away deserved a look-in at the bottom of Category II, but he would win in a terms race was beyond one’s imagination. Srinagesh deserves a pat for his confidence in Sequeira who stole the punters’ purses away.
Deshmukh’s plans for Maid Of The Mist may have been blurred by Steal Away, but he could take heart from the fact that another three-year-old from his stables, Legacy Of Pride has added to his credentials as one of the talented middle distance runners. Being consigned to the second rung among his contemporaries seems to be working favourably for this Greensmith –Classic Line gelding because that is allowing him to work his way up the ladder quite unnoticed. After picking up a race during monsoon, he used his next race to test waters alongside Annapolis and struck again for his career’s third win.
Divine Perfection, who went down stairs but found weight a problem, looked good while coming second with a late effort. Famous Tribute should also strike in a similar trip.
Shamsuddin’s Great Combination won the upper division of the Zoom Zoom Plate from the front, but he is sure to find the going tough upstairs as there are already quite a few good sprinters awaiting their turn. That could mean a closed chapter for Great Combination till the end of the season unless he gets a significant drop by then.
Horses to follow:
Category II: Maid Of The Mist, Royal Baby, Famous Tribute, Divine Perfection.
Category III: Ne Tlus Ultra, Sunaina.
Category IV: Bukhara, Cannon Ray.
