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Portman Square springs a surprise
By Sharan Kumar | 16 Jun 2002 | BANGALORE
Portman Square (Pesi Shroff up ), winning the Colts Trial Stakes (Grade I)
The Gr 1 Colts Trial Stakes turned out to be anti-climax with the fancied duo of Superior Force and Zurbaran outclassed by the improving Portman Square. The son of Warrshan, Portman Square showed vast improvement and his cause was aided by the splendid ride given by ace jockey Pesi Shroff who outthought his fellow professionals with the patented ice-cool temperament that has become the hallmark of India’s most successful jockey of the big occasion.
Superior Force is one of the most highly rated three-year old who has time and again failed to deliver the goods. He was a spent force even before the final bend and it is clear that is something is wrong with him or he is simply overrated. Zurbaran who was down with a bout of fever before the start of the season and lost considerable weight and condition, went into the race with just a mock race as a lead up race to the classic, was a pale shadow of his former self. His cause was also not aided by jockey Malesh Narredu who went after pace maker Noble Executive. The scorching pace set by Noble Executive undid all the front running group and jockey Pesi Shroff who had quickly assessed the situation, had Portman Square racing well off the pace and exploited the reserves against a tiring Superior Force who had nothing left in him when the lesser fancied son of Warrshan zoomed past him. Portman Square retired home a comfortable winner. Royal Force moved up from the rear to take the third spot ahead of Noble Executive who kicked on finish fourth. Had he been ridden with restraint, Noble Executive could have been a serious contender.
Portman Square is by Warrshan who is a full brother to the celebrated Razeen. Portman Square is likely to run in the Derby and should be front-runner considering the fact that Priceless could find the extended trip beyond her compass. Incidentally, Accede who recorded his third straight win during the course of the day, has the makings of becoming a Derby prospect but whether his connections would rush him to the Derby fray or not remains to be seen. But considering the failure of Superior Force, he may be pitched in the Derby after all.Accede who was set to take on a reasonably good opposition in the 1400 metres Chamundi Hills Cup, was not hard pressed when recording an easy win. Accede looked gross but that did not deter him from thrashing the opposition. This son of Razeen has a bright future ahead of him. Ganapathy, who trains him, had the most rewarding day of the season, saddling five winners although success in the Colts Trial Stakes eluded him. Among the impressive winners led by Ganapathy were Tide of Fortune who made mincemeat of Fast Trick, Strider, half-brother to Starsky and Nationalistic who all recorded smashing wins. Blush With Pride was a long shot who got up just in time to get the better of front-running Astigmatic.
Former Test cricketer David Johnson who owns a couple of horses, proudly led in a winner through Loknath trained Burning Roma who took charge at the top of the straight and then held on gamely to contain the challenge of favourite Xorra in the day’s opener.
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