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Tapatio shows big improvement

By Sharan Kumar | 23 Jun 2002 | BANGALORE


Tapatio (P.S.Chouhan up), winner of the Justice Cup being led in by owner Narendar Reddy. Also seen trainer Pradeep Annaiah (extreme left)

Trainer Pradeep Annaiah had reason to sport a big smile on Sunday as he led in Tapatio after the son of Twist And Turn recorded an exciting win in the Justice Cup, a rich terms race for four year olds and over. The victory of Tapatio came as a welcome relief to race goers who are sick and tired of seeing the same dominant colours winning race after race. For Pradeep Annaiah, it was without doubt the best winner he has saddled thus far while for owners V Narendra Reddy and Vijet Bhandari, it was a moment to cherish because they have had a champion from a modest string of horses. Indeed, it was a good result for racing overall.
 
The Justice Cup attracted a crowded field of 18 runners and for the first time in many years, such a big field faced the starters. With the handicap races having been restricted to a maximum of 12 runners, such a possibility can come about only in terms. Imtiaz Sait trained Pleasure Hunt who had run a blinder of a race on this track in the Indian Turf Invitation Cup in March, was the firm favourite to win, with Alchemy and Tapatio being the next in demand at lucrative prices. However, Pleasure Hunt refused to be stalled, holding up the proceedings for a considerable time. With all the efforts at persuading the filly to enter the stalls failing, the filly was withdrawn before coming under starter’s orders, thus robbing the race of the presence of a versatile horse.
 
In a fast run race, no hopper Walk In the Clouds set the pace and among the fancied runners, only Alchemy failed to get a favorable position and gradually faded out by the time the runners had crossed the 800 metres marker, reportedly suffering a cut injury. Tapatio was raced in the rear of the field as the big made has always done well when held up till the final furlong. As the field straightened for the run in for home, Anagram assumed command and shaped like a winner even as the five-year old mare was strongly challenged along the rails by Tempt Me Not. However, Tapatio burst through the middle and got up in time to nose ahead of the front-runner. Jockey P Chouhan rode a neat race on the winner though he was excessive in the use of the whip.
 
Different Ballgame won the 1200 metres Regency Stud Plate and had to survive an objection to keep the placing. Jockey Malesh Narredu, perhaps wanting to tighten Soviet Lake who was racing on the inside, a wee bit, went in little more than he would have wished to and caused a severe interference. Jockey Shroff was unbalanced as a result and he in turn went on to Days of Glory who was racing along the rails. Different Ballgame went on to win from Soviet Lake. Shroff’s objection against Narredu for causing severe interference was overruled by the Stewards who however fined the jockey Rs 5,000 for the same reason! The way objections are dispensed with at this centre has been inconsistent and there is need for clear-cut rules in this regard. Whether the interference made any material difference or not is a subjective conclusion and often horses which have looked beat, have come up with a re-run and won and as such, the severity of the interference is what the Stewards need to look into. At other racing centres, the objection would surely have found favour. Keep an eye on Way To The Stars who was an unexpended third.
 
Karazzano who had the benefit of a mock race and blazing track work to support his claims easily got the measure of front-running Star Above to win the 1200 metres Commanche Plate (Div I) where Ascot Knight ran below expectations. The lower division of the race saw Saratoga Sizzle easily contain the challenge of Original Sin and Inscription. Fancied Amazing Career was withdrawn from the fray on veterinary grounds.
 
Dominic trained Kimera recorded a hat trick of wins, winning the Maroof Farah Memorial Plate (Div I), bursting clear of the field at the top of the straight to win from Crystal Goblet who took on a far superior opponent. Kimera is in rousing form and can be further exploited profitably. The upper division of the race saw favourite Rio Tinto bite the dust, loosing in the shadow of the post to Brora.
 
Sher Khan has this habit of springing a surprise when least expected and letting down as a favourite. Sher Khan floored the opposition where on money favouritie Classic Ballet failed to live up to the promise of the mock race. Fugleman who had let down as a favourite in the lower class, surprised in the Bergamo Plate, the concluding race of the day, winning at the expense of Slovania who flashed home too late to be of any use. Apprentice jockey J Chinoy who has success come his way rather too easily for comfort, has been found wanting if things don’t work his way.