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Splendid Surprise Matures Like Fine Wine

By Pearcey | 17 May 2009 | BANGALORE


Splendid Surprise (Harish Up), winner of The Jayachamaraja Wadiar Cup Grade-III

Trainer Mahesh seems to have worked wonders with his Mysore Derby winner Splendid Surprise, who came from the rear of the field to sweep past his opponents and post an emphatic victory in The Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Cup (Grade III). Sunday's feature was endowed with stake money exceeding Rs 1 Million, and some of the best middle distance runners were set to fight for honours. Rhapsidion Snow, Originality, Tomsk, Aquitaine and Lionheart were expected to be the frontline contenders. Splendid Surprise was known to relish a longer trip, and today's seven-furlong distance was considered to be too short for him. He was totally neglected in the betting ring. The money flowed in the direction of Rhapsidion Snow and Originality. Both had performed well in Mumbai and their morning trials confirmed their well being. Since Rhapsidion Snow had given a scare to Oasis Star in her last start, she was backed down to firm favouritism as the horses began to reach the starting gates.Because of some heavy showers earlier in the afternoon, the going had become a little sticky. The first five furlongs of this race were run according to expectations. Rhapsidion Snow raced well within herself and led from Aquitaine, Originality and Spirituall, while the rest of the runners were spread out at the back. Splendid Surprise was second last while Reflection Of Gold was seen gracing the tail end of the field. The scene changed in the last two furlongs. While Rhapsidion Snow and her nearest pursuers began to tire, it was left to Splendid Surprise and Reflection Of Gold to show their abilities. Splendid Surprise came with giant strides, and in the capable hands of Harish, drew away from the rest. The win was so emphatic that the victory margin of four lengths seemed like a compliment to the runner-up. Reflection Of Gold flew into second place while Rhapsidion Snow just about managed to finish a poor third. Splendid Surprise has matured into a fine specimen, and in his present form, looks set to dominate the other terms races later in the season. The Mount Everest Trophy was the only race for maiden three-year olds in a long card of nine events framed for the day. Sirdar Singh trained Lady Duff ran according to expectations and posted a comfortable victory. Lady Duff, who had run a nice fourth in her only career start, was looking well in the paddock. She was supported strongly in the betting ring. She allowed Calypso Star to lead till well into the straight, before overhauling him near the distance post. Jagadish drove her strongly thereafter, and Lady Duff showed an impressive turn of foot while holding on to her advantage. Strongly fancied Bucephalas finished a tame third. Imran Chisty and Ryan Marshall were the only professionals to score more than once. Imran rode Spark Of Isis to an extremely popular victory. This filly was running after a gap of almost nine months. Spark Of Isis had run a fair second as a three year old to Originality. She had obviously been prepared to the minute, because she ran according to the stable's expectations. There was one-sided support for her, as the odds against her came tumbling down to even-money at race time. She tracked Smart n Special briefly and assumed command before swinging homewards. It was smooth sailing thereafter and she won as she liked. Perfect Analysis and Man United took the minor placings. Imran's other winner came in the form of Lock and Load. In pouring rain, Lock and Load came with a late run to down the colours of front running Enduring Star. The latter let down a huge following, as he had received strong support in the bookmakers ring. Spirit Of Excellence and Valid Expectation finished strongly to fill the frame. Ryan Marshall enabled Amit Caddy's establishment to land the biggest gamble in recent times. Southern Gladiator was opposing market leaders Special Charm and Rugged Beauty in The D N Hosali Memorial Cup. He was backed down from 10's to 3's in a matter of minutes. He enjoyed a distinct weight advantage, as he was set to receive 6 kgs from the other two. Ryan had clear instructions to make the running, and he lost no time in going to the front. Southern Gladiator opened up a huge lead, and led by a fair distance till well into the home stretch. Rugged Beauty narrowed the gap, but it wasn't enough to topple the leader. Special Charm was totally outpaced and was lucky to retain her third place ahead of a disinterested Dante's Peak. Ryan's other winner came astride Attaolahi's Silken Thomas. There was news that this horse had improved after being gelded. The news turned out to be perfectly right, as Silken Thomas put up an impressive show in an age group race for horses in Class III. He came with a late run to nail Spark Of Class near the distance post, and scamper away from the rest. Tina's Triumph came from the rear to finish a close third. Trainer Darius Byramji opened his account when Welcome Back showed a welcome return to her old form by putting up a speedy display in the concluding event of the day. The three kilos claimed by Mahesh proved to be decisive. Welcome Back was taken to the front and was never headed. It was left to Milagro and Fantabulous Prince to save place money. Favourite Just In Time was not sighted, and apparently disliked the soft underfoot conditions. She ended a poor fourth. Mister Trooper and Brother In Arms were the other winners in the day. Mister Trooper downed the colours of hot favourite Seven Star close home in the opening race of the afternoon. Chandrasekar rode this winner for Sharat Kumar. Brother in Arms helped Gnaneshwar and Neil Darashah to keep their tallies moving. A dream opening near the rails helped Brother In Arms to seize the advantage and retain it till the end. Damgood ended a close second while the heavily fancied Stagelight, who had received a severe check in the backstretch, finished strongly to finish a close third. The last named should show out in her next start.