Venus Arising wins Derby prep-race to vindicate the trust of her owners
By Usman Rangila

Pune
Sep 05, 2004

It is not very often that you come across an owner who goes public with a prediction that a certain horse of his would emerge victorious in a forthcoming event that too many days before the race. And when this owner happens to be Mr. Khushroo Dhunjibhoy then you’ve to take his word seriously. In an interview recorded for the horseracing episode aired on Ten Sports last Saturday, he definitely meant that his horse, Venus Arising, would win the General Rajendrasinhji Trophy. "Find me standing up when the field reaches the 200m-marker to cheer Venus Arising who should definitely win," is what the current RWITC chairman is reported to have said. 

Venus Arising, the three-year-old chestnut filly trained by Cooji Katrak, proved far too superior for her rivals in vindication of the trust imposed in her ability by her connections. Although she was pitted against just five horses from her age group, the daughter of Steinbeck out of Lei gave a stupendous performance to win the group-three event. Racing in the same colours as Venus Arising, Annunciation carried out the task of setting the initial pace for his stable-mate perfectly. Meanwhile, Malesh Narredu astride the winner chose to bide his time in the rear and made his move only when Zahra took over the mantle from Annunciation at the final turn. 

Malesh got a dream opening close to the inner rails and he wasted no time in bringing Venus Arising through the shortest way home. The filly literally flew towards the destination as if wings had sprouted on her and fulfilled the prophecy of her owner. Warsaw Pact couldn’t raise a fluent gallop when throwing a challenge at the winner and could only manage to wrest the runner-up slot from Gold Star and Zahra. This was supposed to be Venus Arising’s prep-race for the Nanoli Stud Pune Derby, this season’s mega event to be run early next month, and it must be said that the filly passed this litmus test with flying colours.

Venus Arising (M Narredu up) winner of the General Rajendrasinhji Trophy being led by trainer Mr. Katrak & owners Mr & Mrs. K.N.Dhunjibhoy

Freeze of cup presentation ceremony of the General Rajendrasinhji Trophy

Cooji saddled another winner through Magical Morn (ex Thabazimbi), who was entrusted with tons of smart money in this outing. The moneybags who fancied Magical Morn surely missed a heartbeat or two when Magical Morn nearly clipped Solidarity on the climb uphill and lost position. With the kind of money on stake, it was hardly surprising to see P. Kamlesh ride Magical Morn like one possessed. The late burst produced by Magical Morn in the final stretch coupled by the inconvenience faced by Sundrenched because of the riderless Black Hawk saved the day for the punters as Magical Morn pipped Sundrenched in virtually the last stride.

Adam's Star (Belose up) winning the Northern Star Plate from Striking Beauty 
(C Rajendra up) 

Veteran Bezan Chenoy sent out a brace of winners, who were more or less unfancied. Adam’s Star (Placerville-Mitzvah) looked on the heavier side in the paddock parade yet thundered on to the scene with a flourishing run to blow up the encore bid of favourite Striking Beauty. Adam’s Star was nowhere in the picture when Striking Beauty seized control of the running from Elusive Dream with Diffidence also trying to throw her hat into the ring. Pramod Belose-ridden Adam’s Star unleashed a devastating run which was simply uncontrollable as he cut across sharply and nearly collided with Diffidence and Striking Beauty. Adam’s Star eventually went on to win by a neck over Striking Beauty and Diffidence. The rider of Diffidence expectedly lodged his protest against the winner, which was appropriately dealt with by the Stewards.

Monifieth (Razeen-Adored) made a solid comeback after his solitary run at Mumbai when he outclassed the opposition towards the end of the day. The four-year-old bay gelding saddled by Bezan was travelling handy throughout the mile-and-a-quarter journey. Jockey R. Rupesh alerted him to his task only when heads turned for home and Monifieth cruised away for a comfortable win over Starboard, who was denied a clear run. Trojan King let down a large following and so did Narrator.

Monifieth (R Rupesh up) winner of the Deccan Bookmakers Association Colts Trial Stakes 2004 being led by trainer Mr. Chenoy

Liesl (C Rajendra up) winner of the Bade Miys Trophy

 

Imtiaz Sait-nurtured filly Liesl (Placerville-Stop It Dear) registered an encore when she romped home in the hands of C. Rajendra to lift the Bade Miya Trophy. Liesl chased Solar Flower all the way home and produced a brilliant run to storm into the lead. Rise was seen galloping when the race was all over and finished close behind Cakravana and Friendly Gift who completed the frame.

 

M.K. Jadhav-saddled Polar Star (Greensmith-Moonlight Magic) ran true to form and obliged his followers in the curtain raiser. Yogender Singh astride the winner had little difficulty in tackling Hidden Rainbow, who was just not interested in the proceedings. Maranello (Tecorno-Mirabelle) accomplished a start-to-finish victory over Attia In Sunlight and See No Evil in the Amber Royal Plate. Similarly, Political Power (Sizzling Melody-Red Rosette) too made every post of the lower division of the Ibiza Plate and won fairly easily from Storm Alert, who was backed down to favouritism, and Colour of Joy.

Polar Star (Yoginder Singh up) winner of the Ibiza Plate Div I being led by trainer Mr. Jadhav & owner Mr. Vijay B. Shrike

Political Power (I Chisty up) winner of the Ibiza plate Div II being led by trainer Mr. Joshi

Freeze of cup presentation ceremony of the General Rajendrasinhji Trophy

Mr. Vivek S. Jain receiving the trophy