The bookies keeping their fists tight on the odds against Holding Court
was understood but it was intriguing to see them go generous with not
one but three favourites: Star Conquest, Enceladus and Dream Destiny.
The moneybags found
the offer of 10 to 9 on for Altaf Hussain’s ward Star Conquest from the
bookies simply irresistible when her rivals were being quoted at 7to 1
and over. Star Conquest’s connections had apparently briefed Colm
O’Donoghue about the fate suffered by the filly due to interference
earlier and asked the Irishman not to flirt with any similar danger. He
followed the instructions religiously and settled the filly in the rear
as King’s Desire led the pack of seven. Star Conquest bridged the gap
gradually as Colm brought her into the view four horses wide. She was in
command soon as King’s Desire and his immediate followers on the track
showed no intentions of prolonging the inevitable. The favourite then
kissed her rivals good-bye and the bookies had no option but to follow
suit.
Despite
carrying the winner’s penalty Enceladus looked solid in the company of
her six rivals. It was sheer optimism that encouraged the bookies to
make Enceladus the even money favourite. Be that as it may, Srinath was
flawless aboard Enceladus (Black Cash – Selerina’s Song) and scripted
her second successive win to bag the Bahrain Trophy. The classy filly
from Bezan Chenoy's barns didn’t disturb the front running act of Don’t
Be Silly in the initial stages of the sprint but soon called his bluff
when the field entered the home stretch. Enceladus wrested the lead from
Don’t Be Silly even as Luck Factor was gearing up to throw a challenge
at the favourite. However she was in no mood to entertain any one. She
stepped up the speed and surged clear when Srinath pulled the trigger.
Enceladus had something in reserve when she went past the wire and will
be a force to reckon in the forthcoming big-ticket juvenile events.
"Once bitten twice shy" finds no place in the bookies’ manual as such
the turf accountants once again took a plunge in shallow waters when
Dream Destiny’s race arrived. It was actually a mirage created by Saarah
and her handicap advantage. But Pesi Shroff trained Dream Destiny (Glory
of Dancer – Cabrona) and Niall McCullagh showed scant respect for such
assessment. All The Rage relished her front-running role and tried to
runaway with the race but Dream Destiny put a spanner in her works.
Niall timed his move and powered Dream Destiny to his second win of the
current season. Saarah made no impression at all and left her master
devastated. Julpha and Adrenaline Rush took a backseat to save any
possible trouble their presence on the judges’ board might’ve caused to
the payout
cashiers.
Nina Lalvani saddled Landlord (Mischevious Music – Uranium) fought hard
with Cavalry Brigade and apprentice Raju Singh provided his one-eyed
mount the necessary firepower to repel his opponent’s attack. The
support received by Simply Perfect in the betting was so overwhelming
that the victory stage seemed set for Hormuz Antia’s candidate. But that
moment never arrived. All that he could manage was a consolation spot on
the frame. Rage of Angels retired to end fourth after flattering for a
while. But make no mistake. Rage of Angels had not given her best shot
at the race and lives to fight for another day.
Trainer Magansingh Jodha was in Dubai on Thursday but that failed to
stop Notable Runner (Case Law – Noble Ballerina) from achieving an
encore. The filly owned by ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh got straight down
to business from the barriers only to find Acton Town a thorn in her
way. Acton Town came with a menacing run down towards the wire but
veered out under pressure. Dashrath Singh, at the same time, was
relentless astride Notable Runner and scraped through by half-length.
Cabinda laboured hard to finish third.
Wild Vegas (Storm Trooper – Mindset) ran true to form in the concluding
race and won despite being hampered by Thief Of The Knight when the race
looked poised for an exciting finish. Queen’s Special also was in
contention too but her saddle partner lacked the nerves to see her
through the ordeal and allowed the mare to drift out. Meanwhile
Cakravana came through the shortest route while S.N.Chavan brought
Wild Vegas from the outer circuit. Wild Vegas although taken out by
Thief Of The Knight showed great determination and wore down his rivals
close home. Thief Of The Knight, like his stable-partners Cabinda and
Zuetina before, seemed to have saved his best for some other day.
