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Ashish Hogs the Limelight on Blue Lagoon

By Parjanya | 22 Dec 2009 | DELHI


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Taking the assistance of visiting jockeys has now become a regular affair at the Delhi race course. Though local hero Rajinder is still topping the tally, yet the treble of Deepak Kamble Ashish gave some anxiety for his supremacy at the races held on Tuesday. However, excellent riding by the duo certainly helped the local upcoming professionals to learn a lot about riding tactics. Saddler Sangeet Charan (who is also a part-time race caller) had a reason to smile having been behind the success of the trio - Bay of Thunder, Blue Lagoon and Splendid Man. Ashish stole the heart of the crowd and dignitaries including Smt Sheela Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi, who presented the senior division of the Chief Minister's Cup. In the field of 12, Ashish’s mount Blue Lagoon was in the tenth spot at the top of the home stretch. In spite of that, he kept urging the filly and once she picked up momentum travelling from the stand side, the closely huddled front-runners were unable to stop her from victory by a length. Undoubtedly, the filly, who has always produced her best over the mile, took the advantage of bigger field and slower pace that suited her strides. With this performance, She should complete a hat-trick. Yourethetouch, who was in the mission of defying the heavy penalty for his lower class victory, could have won if Blue Laooon was not there. He should make amends. Intricate, who warmed up late, just managed to pip in-form Subroos. The mare looks all set to earn laurel. Subroos, who was looking for a hat-trick, should keep this outing aside. Earlier, Ashish's hard work helped Bay of Thunder to shed the maiden status in the upper division of India Gate Plate. He kept on pushing the three year-old chestnut colt before the final curve. Though Rajinder left no stone unturned on Miracle Maker by bringing him back from nowhere to finish half-a-length away from the victor. Ashish again got into act on Splendid Man in the concluding event - New Delhi Plate. His timely guidance to the three-year-old colt to shift the track from the rails inside the distance post was good enough for the fast-finishing Rising Princess. The latter should taste victory soon. A further close third was Mysterio, whose run is best ignored. Amity, who came from tenth position, is expected to find her way soon. In the lower division of the plate, Time And Again caused an upset under the guidance of another visiting jockey Nirmal Jodha. The favourite Es Sider planted in the gate and took no practical part in the race. Beacon Light, who drifted out alarmingly before finishing second at the outer-rails, should be able to raise a winning gallop soon. Thundering Hero, who was away at the tail end, was alerted to the task late to finish fifth. The day's opener - Law and Order Plate, was at the mercy of the debutant Wild Power, a half-sister to Splendid Man. Making an impressive run over seven furlongs itself tells the story of how much potential she has. Breaking Mould, who once appeared to be threatening the filly, failed to respond at the time of need. Dancing Beauty, who was in with an impression of being speedy customer, was never allowed to run freely despite leading the way narrowly and before finishing further behind the runner-up berth occupant. A ding-dong battle between Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Ashwa Pallavi and Rajinder on Vagabond enthralled the gathering in the lower division of the Chief Minister's Cup. The former succeeded in foiling the start-to-finish bid of the latter by a whisker. Rajinder soon got an opportunity to take sweet revenge on Gajendra in the Christmas Cup. Putting Invinsible Force into top gear, Rajinder left nothing to get away less than the nostril of Gajendra's Mount Ashwa Shourya. The duel was at the height in the final furlong. Rapid Fire should soon strike.