Perseverance finally pays off for Kanthara in Fillies’ & Mares’ Stakes 

By Usman Rangila

Pune
Oct 03, 2004

Forced to nurse her wounds after close encounters in six consecutive runs, perseverance finally paid off for the Cooji Katrak nurtured filly Kanthara. The Nanoli Stud-bred dark bay daughter of Alnasr Alwasheek out of Zuni was a cut above the rest in the Fillies’ and Mares’ Stakes and made a classic statement of this fact with a fine victory here on Sunday. Some doubts were being expressed about Kanthara’s ability to tackle the nine-furlong trip, which proved baseless as she drew away from the pack in the last furlong. 

It was nearly a year ago when Kanthara was last seen being led into the winner’s enclosure. Kanthara, co-owned by Vispi Patel along with RWITC chairman Khushroo Dhunjibhoy, played second fiddle in three group three events including the Indian 2000 Guineas where she ran just half-length behind her stable-partner Rapidash.

Malesh Narredu was inclined to put all the defeats suffered astride Kanthara behind his back and rode a flawless race on this occasion. Making gradual progress at every pole, Malesh brought Kanthara into contention at the turn but was willing to wait for the right opportunity before he could launch his assault. With a little over 200-metres to go for home, Malesh put Kanthara in top gear. Kanthara stole a march over her rivals and there was no competitor in sight to eject her from the comfort zone. Self Appointed and Dazzling Queen ran on to follow her home along with Starcent, who was in the vanguard all the way but failed to cast her shadow over the proceedings. Both Sprungli and Highness ran far below expectations and were unsuccessful in making it to the judges’ frame.

Cape Merino (Merchant Up) winner of The Kinski Plate

Sail Away (Y S Srinath Up) Winner of The Silver Fire Plate

Imtiaz Sait saddled Live Legend had been blazing the morning tracks giving rise to the hopes of a winning debut. The Pesi Shroff ridden progeny of Razeen caught a tartar in Sail Away, who was spurred into a gallant run by Y.S. Srinath. The Nina Lalvani trained son of Greensmith ran green as he threw a challenge at Live Legend close home but managed to gain the upper hand in the shadow of the winning post. Pesi tried to reverse the placings in the Stewards’ room where Srinath was given the benefit of doubt and rightly so because Sail Away was travelling the better of the two when Live Legend met interference. Lack of experience may have done in Live Legend in this run but he surely lives to fight for yet another day. Star Gold and Convenience completed the final frame and it would come as a surprise if they do not gain from this exposure.

Path of Fortune (B Prakash) Winner of The Nymph Plate

Kanthara (M Narredu Up) Winner of The Fillies' And Mares' Stakes (GR.3)

Presentation Ceremony of The Fillies' And Mares' Stakes (GR.3)