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Valahak Runs True To Form
By Pearcey | 17 Dec 2011 | BANGALORE
Trainer Irfan Ghatala leading Valahak (B L Paswan Up), winner of The Karnataka Police Trophy
For the second day in succession, it was an Irfan Ghatala trained horse that came out and won the day's feature at Bangalore. After Toroloco's win yesterday, it was the turn of Valahak to dominate The Karnataka Police Trophy on Saturday. Being a handicap for horses in Class I, this sprint attracted a fairly competitive set of runners. On all known form, Valahak looked better than the rest. He had already won a similar event in Summer and was lucky to be rated near the bottom of the scales. Florida had won a sprint in the lower class a couple of weeks ago and was running on promotion. Missoni had been figuring regularly on the board, but was yet to win in this category. Atlantus and Rare And Precious were known to possess the ability, but their heavy imposts did not inspire confidence amongst their respective camps. In one of the most "open" betting events this season, one could back anything at almost 5's and over.
The speedy Florida did the customary front-running and set a good pace ahead of Equanimity, Valahak and Missoni. Rare And Precious led those at the back, while Atlantus graced the rear. The order remained more or less the same as they entered the straight. With Florida feeling the heat and rolling out under pressure, it was Rare And Precious who rallied along the rails and came into contention. Valahak moved smoothly in the centre and Missoni was produced towards the outer portion of the track. With all three riders pulling out their sticks, it was Valahak who moved better than the others. BL Paswan pushed him vigorously in the final stages to hold Missoni and Rare And Precious at the wire. A brave Atlantus carried his 65 kilos with ease to end a late finishing fourth. Despite his modest breeding, the winner is one of the most improved horses at this centre. Valahak has moved smoothly up the ladder in the last few months.
The other impressive performance of the afternoon came from another Irfan Ghatala trainee named Zultanite. This nice looking colt had run only once in his career. As a two year old, he had trounced a bunch of well regarded horses. Just as people were starting to talk highly about his future prospects, Zultanite had suffered a setback. Irfan gave him a lot of time and handled him with care. Some steady preparation coupled with a mock race a week ago ,were enough to target him at The TB Hanumantharaj Memorial Cup. Since Suraj had partnered him in the mock race, he was asked to guide him again on Saturday. Taking a good jump from a wide draw, Zultanite was settled behind a wall of horses. Mountain Splendour, Grand Success and Sudden Magic were at the helm of affairs as they made their journey into the straight. Keeping Zultanite away from trouble, Suraj produced him on the wide outside. He allowed the colt to settle into a comfortable rhythm before asking him to quicken. The response was almost immediate. Zultanite came like a train and swept past the leaders. Grand Success succeeded in retaining his second spot ahead of a heavily whipped Sudden Magic and Shivalik Prince. Now that Zultanite has found his galloping shoes, he must be backed till beaten.
A fine judgement of pace coupled with some hard riding enabled PS Chouhan to score the other double this afternoon. While he showed immense patience with Darius Byramji's Saganaki, his front running tactics with Sirajuddin's Win Again paid him rich dividends. Saganaki was facing a group of horses in Class IV. A majority of them were three year olds who had already emerged from the maiden ranks.Saganaki got her turn today. Since she was known to be blessed with stamina, Darius chose a nine furlong race for her. After taking a level jump, Chouhan allowed her to find her rhythm. Without hustling her, he settled comfortably at the back and allowed Saganaki to stay there till they reached the top of the straight. The front running pair of Argentum and Formidable were sending distress signals at this stage. Saganaki was put in top gear and asked to "go". She responded nicely to Chouhan's urgings and won easily from a late and fast finishing Hill Rising.
Sirajuddin's Win Again was attempting to win the third straight race of his career. Even though he had been rated above 80, the trainer chose to run him as a top weight in the lower class. Making use of an advantageous draw, Win Again darted out of the gates. Chouhan allowed him to set his own pace and was content to wait till they reached the bend.. He was put under further pressure in the straight ,and the horse's response was brilliant. Win Again made light of his heavy impost and galloped away to an easy victory over Current Ray and The Spartan. The winner has struck fine form, and he is one of the few three year olds that have graduated to the highest category this year.
Suleiman Attaolahi's got-abroad filly Cocktail Circuit made a successful debut to win the babies race this afternoon. Weighing in excess of 500 kilos, she looked really "big" in the paddock. However, her chances in today's event were quite visible on the betting boards. She was backed to the exclusion of her rivals and was an odds-on choice in this race. Anthony Crastus allowed her to settle on an even keel and was content to track Meghalaya and Starstruck till the top of the straight. He got a bit nervous when Meghalaya kicked clear near the bend , and was soon urging his mount. After running a bit "green" initially, she found her galloping shoes. Cocktail Circuit increased her speed to sail past Meghalaya in the final furlong, and score with a measure of comfort. Starstruck and Dominator were better than the other six youngsters. The winner seems to be better suited over a longer trip and is sure to improve after today's experience.
Some heavy wagering on Amit Caddy's Magic Wave in a class V event, saw this three year old starting as the shortest priced favourite of the day. His third in a higher class coupled with some brilliant trackwork led to such a scenario. Imran Chisty felt that the horse was not right, and asked the veterinary doctors available near the starting gates to have a look at him. They checked the horse and certified him fit to participate in this race. Magic Wave was taken to the front and was almost three lengths clear of Super Saloni and Bonanza as they turned for home. Bonanza closed the gap with each successive stride and was almost abreast as they came near the distance post. Under some hard pushing of Shoban Babu, Bonanza beat Magic Wave much before they touched the wire. Rosie's Dream appeared late on the scene to finish a tame third.
Last outing winner Youre Stunning defied the handicapper with a superb victory amongst horses of his own age group. He was backed down from 10/1 to 7/2, and was successful in landing a second gamble within a period of just four weeks.He was partnered once again by P Mani. The grey ,trained by Pradeep Annaiah, tracked Sun Gold till the 400 metre marker before assuming command of the situation. The useful lead that he enjoyed in the last furlong helped his cause. Despite bursting a blood vessel and slowing down in the final stages, Youre Stunning managed to finish marginally ahead of Alianz and Voodoo Moon. There was some support for Spark Of Knight, but that was obviously misplaced. He should be left alone from a betting perspective, as this was the second time that he had disappointed his followers. Alianz showed some sparkle, and this is one horse that can be placed to win over a slightly longer trip in similar company.
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