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Ashwa Paarth Toys with Opposition

By Parjanya | 19 Jan 2010 | DELHI


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Ashwa Paarth proved to be too good in the Hazara Stud Million at the Delhi races on Tuesday. Trainer A Khan was the lone professional to notch up double in the card of six races. Coincidentally, the winners of most races of the day were in the age group of four. In the absence of top rival Rock It, the second million for the youngsters was at the mercy of Uday Bhan Singh-trained duo Ashwa Paarth and Ashwa Pushkar. Ashwa Paarth (Ontario - Chain Reaction), who ran second to Rock It in the Sports Lifestyle Million, has a unique advantage - the speed. Also, he had an impressive barrier trial earlier over seven furlongs along with Derby third and fourth placed horses Mighty Crusader and Suchiman.

Ashwa Paarth made a quick start but soon found another speedy horse Shocking Star alongside. However, after travelling a little over a furlong, Shocking Star failed to keep up the pace. And after turning for the small straight, Ashwa Paarth was way ahead of others. His stablemate Ashwa Pushkar, winner of the Colts Trials Stakes, found the trip too sharp and could only occupy the runner-up berth. Dancing Babe (Classic Tale - Slice of Lime) came from sixth position to run a late third. "I was confident that the horses will be one and two. I expect particularly Ashwa Pushkar to prove his potential in the mega-million, in which the distance is ideal form him," Mrs Anita Chauhan, owner of Ashwa Paarth, said.

"When Shocking Star joined the strides, I got worried but seeing her unable to bear the pace, I got confident about the success," said Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who rode Ashwa Paarth. The supporting event of the day, Celtic Memory Cup, saw A Khan-saddled Saphire registering a stunning victory over the favourite, Kohinoor Beauty. Despite running after a gap of over three months, the daughter of Eljohar and Divine Desire showed her class making every post a winning one. She should complete an encore over a shorter trip. Kohinoor Beauty found the trip a little sharper. Shaksham Babe finished an impressive third. Earlier, Enya (Rajinder astride) dominated the field in the senior division of Rebutal Plate over 1,400 metres. Her victory was like a flash in the pan but running over longer distance within a short span of 48 hours and carrying a massive weight of 61 kilos after finishing in rear in the mile-long North India Derby baffled the racegoers.

Rabi Kounga (Gaswar/Blue Hen) emerged victorious in the lower division of the Rebuttal Plate. The colt was opted out from the Derby and was prepared especially for this event. The visiting jockey Sunil had to put in all his experience to bring out the best in Rabi Kounga as a flash challenge came from Taanush, who was charged too early, but failed to respond during the closing stages. The success may help Rabi Kounga to even score over a mile. Taanush should make amends. Jockey Sameeer Khan's brilliant riding on Bay of Thunder was another highlight of the day. Riding patiently, Sameeer brought the chestnut colt from behind to neck Just Like A Woman out in the Badran Plate. This was the second close victory for the victor. Bay of Thunder (Classic Tale - Thunder Sport) has the potential to achieve a hat-trick. Serious Attitude shed the maiden status in the Feminine Plate.