Mystical runs true to expectations
By True Blue

Mumbai
Nov 27, 2004

Western India trainers were least interested in participating in the Super Mile Trophy but when it came to witnessing the race, every professional was present at Mahalakshmi.

The aura of invincibility created around Mystical had helped in generating extraordinary interest in the race though it was contested by just three runners. The S.Ganapathy saddled bay gelding raced in close attendance of his stable-mate Admiral’s Force, who set a crawling pace with the third runner, Flareon tracking Mystical. The real action started only when the three horses entered the home stretch and Prakash encouraged Mystical to step up the pace. The son of Alnasr Alwasheek out of Mystic Memory, owned by Dr M. A. M. Ramaswamy, showed signs of lethargy and there was palpable tension in the air as Flareon inched alongside. 

Prakash leaned into Mystical and pulled out all stops. It seemed like an illusion when, for one fleeting moment, it appeared that Flareon would collar Mystical. But S. Ganapathy’s ward then cast his spell over Flareon and pulled away for a convincing win. The winning margin may flatter the runner-up, who finished in the same position in the Pune Derby, but when one takes into account the nine kilos he received from the winner it puts Mystical's achievement into proper perspective.

A rare piece of perseverance shown in the saddle by S. N. Chavan enabled Enchanting Girl (Warrshan-River Foyle) to win this season’s first race for two-year-old juveniles. The Narendra Lagad trained bay filly stormed into the lead from the gates but had company in the form of Ishtar and the half-money favourite Culture Shock. Enchanting Girl seemed to fizzle out as the winning post neared and had surrendered to her rivals. As Ishtar and Culture Shock got busy disputing the issue, Enchanting Girl produced a final burst that slammed the doors on the favourite.

The dismal showing of Arti Doctor nursed filly Amanat continued though she did raise hopes of a victory. Rank outsider Olivia (Orpen–Bellacardia), ridden by the Manohar Singh, galloped resolutely in the closing stages to leave the entire racecourse stunned. Her stable-mate Olympic Medal warmed up late to finish second and her rider S. S. Baria earned the ire of the Stipes for his ‘unsatisfactory’ effort. The Stipes have decided to look into the performance of Amanat too. Although it may be a bit too late, the racing public has however realised that Amanat is not a genuine specimen and unreliable as far as betting is concerned.

After drawing a blank in his first four assignments, Niall McCullagh finally got going with a fine victory astride M. K. Jadhav’s Atmosphere (Tirol-Stratospheric). The Irishman found a lovely opening towards the rails and urged the filly to take over the running. Favourite Asiatique meanwhile changed course twice and was found wanting in the end as Atmosphere pulled off a length and a quarter win. Marquisa started galloping when the race was all over bar the shouting and ended an impressive third. In stark contrast was the performance of High Rising.

Suraj Narredu, who will be seen sporting the colours of Dr.Vijay Mallya more often this season, partnered the Pesi Shroff schooled Colour Bearer to an authoritative win over Fear of Tears and Proteus.

Falaknuma (Concordial-Flyaway Bride) from veteran Saeed Shah’s yard unleashed a terrific run when coaxed by T. S. Jodha and took favourite Ovation by surprise. Indian Fashion came in for strong support on inside information but the filly ridden by Frenchman Cyrille Stefan only flattered to deceive.

Hugo gave Imtiaz Sait his second winner of the day when Mallesh Narredu steered the Greensmith progeny to a comfortable win over Red Hot Babe, Thief of the Knight and the rest. Born Destiny, Fire God, Oceanic Zone and Adam’s Bounty were the best of the beaten brigade. Imtiaz narrowly missed out on a treble when C. Rajendra piloted Desert Sunrise capitulated meekly against Prince of Hearts (Royal Kingdom-Winning Girl). The two horses waged a ding-dong duel in the last furlong and a half but the fortunes swung in favour of Arti Doctor’s candidate Prince of Hearts, who was hard-ridden by Mallesh. Desert Sunrise's performance, nonetheless, deserves to be taken with a pinch of salt.