Placed advantageously on the scales on promotion, Star Hopeful (Razeen –
Habitizia) gave a spanking to the mediocre bunch of contestants in the
2400-metre General Obaidullah Khan Trophy. Aspinalls, who was a rage in the betting
when pitted against Holding Court just four days back, caught the
market’s fancy once again.
But for raising a momentary glimmer of hope at the bend, Aspinalls never
appeared in a position to land the spoils. P. S. Chouhan astride Star
Hopeful manoeuvred his way through the pack running ahead of him and
then steered him in workmanlike fashion. No sooner had the heads turned
for home than Dedication made a strong bid, the only bright spot in his
entire journey only to eventually end a tame third.
The inspired support attracted by Hosidar Daji trained maiden Adrenaline
Rush made students of form ponder the rationale
behind the amount of money wagered on him. There was hardly any evidence
to justify the cause but racing has never conformed to any rule book in
the past and neither will it in the future too.
An airing during the opening week of the current season and then a dummy
run in the 2000 Guineas was all that was required for Adrenaline Rush
(Steinbeck – Stimulating) to prove that he was aptly christened. Malcolm
Kharadi put in a lot of effort to get Adrenaline Rush going and the race
was sewn up the moment he found his rhythm. Glory with Naill McCullagh
did some flattering before submitting meekly before the winner. Nucleus,
who had raised a lot of hopes after an encouraging run earlier, gave a
pathetic show to end fourth behind Sky Hunter.
Armament (Razeen – Blue Ridge) survived the adversity heaped upon him by
his own rider and held on gallantly as runner-up Sea Spray unleashed a
late run in the Loyal Manzar Trophy. With just over a furlong left to
go, C. Rajendra ran into a wall of horses aboard the Imtiaz Sait
trainee. He quickly decided to switch lanes and took the shortest route
for home. Suraj Narredu was forced to belt Pesi Shroff’s candidate Sea
Spray to get the desired response but the winning post had already come
to the rescue of the favourite.
Tartarus (Tecorno – Kildangan) was McCullagh’s solitary mount that
obliged his fan following. The Mahroze Irani trained colt lay in the
rear bunch till turn and then travelled on the extreme outside to
register an encore. Cincinnati, Ryeback and Grantown followed him home.
The last named should relish an extended trip.
It was a case of so near yet so far for the temperamental filly Amanat
when she was shocked by Chinoy ridden Maugisa (White Crown – Ming
Delight) virtually in her last stride. The Magansingh Jodha saddled mare
was unfavourably placed as the horses began their journey for home and
Amanat appeared to be coasting towards her maiden win. The odds against
Amanat, interestingly, were hammered down whilst those of Arzano saw a
suspicious drift.
The price of Money Stream (Binkhaldoun – Charmed Creek) stayed on the
right course, unlike that of her barn-mate Arzano, and so did Don
Surti’s protégé as she avenged her earlier defeat at the hands of Ruby
Rosa. Vikram Walkar piloted her safely despite Ruby Rosa attempting to
get better of Money Stream once again. Belle Chose with McCullagh in
charge was seen in all kinds of trouble throughout the race and ended in
the rut.
Vikram Jodha ridden Flames of Fire, the five-year-old gelding tended by
Hormuz Antia, obliged the moneybags without much ado after his rivals
Last’n Impression, Sound of Silence and the rest decided to come in a
procession behind the winner.
Vikram booted home a brace after reaching the wire just in the nick of
time atop Altaf Hussain saddled Skywards (Storm Trooper – Indrayani) in
the concluding race. Rare Look had to bear the brunt of Skywards’ late
arrival on the scene. Viceroy ran a game third ahead of Pretty
Ballerina, who remained uninspired despite the presence of McCullagh’s
presence in the saddle.
