The terms of the race
appeared to favour Romantic Hero in the 1200 metres Bangalore Turf Club
Ltd Trophy but the race had a very competitive look about it because
most of the runners had credentials to win the race. Romantic Hero was
the most favoured one to win along with Waves of Glory and Antarctic
Zone who had his own share of supporters. War Zone hit the front as the
starter dispatched the field for the six furlong trip, with Romantic
Hero in close attendance along with Secret Warrior and Exploding Wonder
while Star Magic was in the penultimate position. Antarctic Zone who was
sluggish at the start, trailed by about four lengths behind Star Magic
till the runners approached the final bend by which time the former had
moved up appreciably to be in close proximity with the front runners.
Romantic Hero surged ahead on straightening but he could not break clear
because the other runners were breathing down his neck. It was Antarctic
Zone who showed sparkling acceleration in the final furlong to seize the
initiative and by the time Star Magic came up with a big run, he was
within the safety of the winning post. Antarctic Zone spared a fast
diminishing neck at the finish to Star Magic while Secret Warrior
battled on stave off his last start conqueror Romantic Hero despite
being greatly disadvantaged by the terms of the race. Waves of Glory was
finding foot late and the filly would surely have been happier with more
ground to cover.
Gold Star, who had been campaigned ambitiously in classics without
success, was running over his pet distance of 2000 metres against some
modest performers and as such, he had the best chance to record a long
overdue win. He was backed spiritedly and readily obliged though Aerosat
flattered to deceive. After tracking Solar Flower till the half way
stage, Malesh let Gold Star take over the running and the son of
Steinbeck kept on increasing the lead to check in by a shade less than
three lengths. Aerosat was second ahead of Solar Flower who stayed on to
finish third.
Joy of Light has lot of class but he is being exploited over a trip
which is too sharp for comfort. The son of Razeen overcame the short
five furlong trip and despite losing a stride in the straight, finished
with a flourish to edge out Alice Wonder and Moment of Creation who were
battling it out for honours. Joy of Light can repeat provided he is
asked to cover more ground next time out. Eternity provided Malesh an
arm-chair ride to victory as the daughter of Tirol left Rage of Angles
stranded at the top of the straight to win decisively. Malesh had no
difficulty in guiding One Way to victory over Secret Path. The rider of
Secret Path Prashanth could not offer strong assistance to his mount and
he has a long way to go.
The best of Malesh was reserved for Star Strike who again was essaying a
five furlong trip when he would have been happier tackling a longer
trip. Star Strike, who was drawn on the inside, was left behind as he
lacked the initial speed and seemed to be a hopeless cause at the top of
the straight. But the persistence of Malesh enabled Star Strike to
pounce on the front-runners close home to edge out Carrera to provide
some thrilling moments for the race-goers. If only racing here been as
fierce and competitive on all days!
Rajendra’s both wins were achieved with great deal of ease. Hugo and
Star Destiny proved too good for their opposition, winning as they
pleased. The day’s opener saw an upset as on-money favourite Tearaway,
in the hands of Malesh, could not live up to his name, fading out when
the race was on the boil. Flying Investor, who was backed by the people
in the know, brought off a big upset, at the expense of Generalissimo in
a close encounter.
