Giacosa finally proves her mettle
By True Blue

Mumbai
Mar 03, 2007

Giacosa was one filly whose name was being discussed as a potential threat to Haunting Memories, who was considered a virtual certainty for the Indian 1000 Guineas before Guest Connections played party-pooper in December last. The Nanoli Stud-bred daughter of Placerville out of Puzla was not up to the mark on that occasion and two subsequent runs over sprints brought no change in her fortunes.

Her trainer C. D. Katrak finally placed her in the Kailashpat Singhania Trophy, a Class II event which appeared to be at her mercy right from the handicap stage of the race. The line-up of six was hardly intimidating for Giacosa though the presence of C. Rajendra ridden Persephone ensured sumptuous odds for the Malesh Narredu piloted filly. Giacosa treated her five rivals with sheer disdain and was a winner all the way from the moment the gates flew open. Persephone played the role of bridesmaid and was followed by Suraj and Dynamical.

The other two riding engagements of C. Rajendra, Festive Light and Pride, evoked unusual interest not because they were favourites but due to jockeys Sunny Chinoy and Y. S. Srinath finding themselves in the dock for their alleged misdemeanours atop these two horses when they last raced.

The saddle of the Narendra Lagad trained filly Festive Light (Major Impact-Andes) had slipped forward when ridden by Chinoy but the RWITC authorities suspect foul play and the judgment is due anytime. Strangely, Festive Light ran before the D-day and returned victorious in the Thumbelina Plate. Festive Light was up in front from the barriers but had almost lost the race when Cotswold Arms was powered by Niall McCullagh to take the lead briefly. The latter enjoyed the lead for about 100mts before Festive Light rallied to regain the advantage. Imperium took his own time in warming up on his debut and ran on to peg back a visibly tired Cotswold Arms.

The Imtiaz Sait trained filly Pride however fared badly probably to prove Srinath's claim that he harboured no ulterior motives when he rode her on Derby day. She was nowhere in sight when Sanjay Kolse saddled Nanjing (Razeen-London Cries) stormed into the lead opposite the stands and cantered away with Rock Witness Trophy. Jockey Aadesh Kumar was in a slight bother but extricated the filly before the situation could turn ugly. Star of War ended runner-up after flattering briefly in the straight. Call To Arms ran well to finish third ahead of Desert Dust.

Aadesh had earlier partnered Silent Presence (Greensmith-Menorah) from Bezan Chenoy's yard to a fluent victory though probably unfancied by many including his own connections. The chestnut gelding came wide into the straight and literally flew in the closing stages of the six-furlong sprint to mow down her ten rivals including Precision who was just about to get going. Sphinx came into the money after early leader Dancing Bride found the going tough.

Faisal Abbas trained Cabinda (Warrshan-Celestial Virgin) proved that her victory in the race declared null and void a fortnight back was no flash-in-the-pan. She did so with the assistance of K. P. G. Appu, whose power-packed drive enabled her to conquer Crown Affair initially and Silver Girl later as the winning post came into sight.

Lunar Queen (ex Ancient Secrets) broke the jinx and finally found herself in the winner's circle. The Dallas Todywalla trained mare was ridden start-to-finish by jockey Harish. Malesh aboard the favourite Raiba had no desire of playing spoilsport and ended a tame third behind Queen of the Turf who dragged Vikram Jodha towards the wire.

Trainer Magansingh Jodha led in a winning brace as the day came to a close but this was much to the chagrin of the punters. The aged mare Battery (Bee's Prospector-Mists of Avalon) not only improved her career statistics but also gained some precious stakes before being retired to stud. She carried the statutory penalty for her victory last Sunday but that didn't stop her from producing another electrifying performance that left Excitement stunned. Master Planner just about managed to hold on to the third berth from Oh What A Babe.

Jodha's second winner was the friendless Crimson Red (Reasonable-Full Eclipse) who proved far too good for the on-money favourite Siberian Siren and second favourite Simply Perfect, who seems to be due for another remaining ceremony by his masters.