Major Roberts gives Intrinsic Value the slip
By Usman Rangila


April 02, 2005

In a nail-biting finish that could’ve gone either way, Major Roberts gave Intrinsic Value the slip in a photo-finish to claim the A.F.S. Talyarkhan Trophy, the main event of Saturday’s card. Shiraz Sunderji trained Major Roberts (Major Impact-Kisses Due) hit the front after a none-too-smooth jump from the gates and appeared to be coasting to an impressive debut victory. However, the Cooji Katrak saddled filly, Intrinsic Value had warmed to her task when given a crack or two by Malesh Narredu to range along side Major Roberts. In the ensuing battle for supremacy, racegoers were treated to an absolutely thrilling finish as the duo went stride for stride in the home stretch. Although Intrinsic Value looked tantalisingly poised to topple the favourite, C. Rajendra applied relentless pressure on Major Roberts to escape the clutches of Malesh. Rajendra secured the verdict in his favour through the bob-of-the-nose. The suspense became unbearable for the punters as the RWITC judges took an unusually long time to separate the two horses in the camera print.

Rajendra had earlier boosted his tally of winners when Imtiaz Sait nurtured Trainership (Placerville-Tashtiya) graduated from the maiden ranks. The chestnut gelding raised a resolute gallop to overhaul Snowing Diamonds and Eye To Eye. Babita ran on to place second ahead of Opium, who was lethargic at the start and appeared on the scene only when the race was in the safe-keeping of Trainership. Snowing Diamonds forward run was a suggestive one and the filly should strike in the lower class before the season ends. 

Cooji found solitary success coming his way when Arcadius (Indictment-Cryptic) gave a thrashing to his rivals including the favourite Avantage in the Topmost Trophy. It may be recalled that Arcadius had lost to Sugar Babe in controversial circumstances when ridden by R. K. Mahesh last month. P. Kamlesh-ridden Arcadius was running on promotion here and he simply steam-rolled Avantage, who has a Class I victory to his credit. Interestingly, Sugar Babe, the conqueror of Arcadius, bit the dust earlier in the day. The mare from Faisal Abbas’ yard probably found the weight of the public’s purse as also the penalty incurred for her last success too heavy a burden for her to carry. Sugar Babe was seen struggling throughout against a moderate opposition and ran a disappointing fifth behind Saeed Shah’s ward Higher Than Hope. Wow didn’t have the luck of the race and ended a noteworthy third behind Leureus, who made the entire running over the nine-furlong trip.

Later in the day, Faisal sent out two handsomely-priced winners through Living Logic and Mistilook. Steered confidently by V. Kotwal, Living Logic (Portroe-Lovermore) came with a sustained run to ruin the chances of Belle Chose, who was being hailed as a winner close home. Favourite Ho Chi Minh played truant once again and never figured in the fray. Mistilook (Inner City-Island Mist) defied the handicapper once again to complete a hat-trick of wins in the hands of apprentice Vikram Walkar. Mistilook responded kindly to her rider’s call and surged clear of favourite Aag and Sugar N Spice in the closing stages of the race.

Pesi Shroff found the four-year-old filly So Perfect in an obliging mood as he decided to exploit her talent just nine days after she had won her maiden race. The daughter of Burden of Proof out of Seven Hearts proved far too superior for her nearest rival Seaport, who too was seeking to register an encore. Zahra was unable to accelerate when the favourite forced the issue and had to settle for fourth place behind early leader Silver Lancer, who found the seven-furlong trip beyond his compass but the speedy display given by him should warm the hearts of his connections.

Having come close to tasting success twice in earlier proceedings of the day, Malesh found his mark in the concluding race. Arti Doctor nursed Joy of Light (Razeen-Sparkling Vision) showed further improvement as she rallied well in the straight to take charge and stretched away to post a magnificent win over Convenience and Caring. Sheen Falls failed to justify the support she received, labouring to a tame fourth.