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Classical Act emerges as a stunning prospect
By Sharan Kumar | 22 Jun 2002 | BANGALORE
lassical Act (Pesi Shroff up), winning the Tippu Sultan Cup
It was a pity that beer baron Dr Vijay Mallya was not present to lead in Classical Act on Saturday. Mallya, who has accumulated over 100 classic winners, was having a lean trot in the last one year but Classical Act would surely end that. The son of Placerville decimated the opposition in spectacular fashion to come out of the maiden ranks and stake his claim as a top-notch classic contender.
This full brother multi-classic winning Smart Chieftan has had a series of problems but trainer Dhariwal has painstakingly worked to get him into tip top condition and the manner in which the three-year old gelding swamped the opposition spoke of great things to come. Though he may not figure in the line up for the forthcoming Kingfisher Bangalore Derby, Classical Act would be the talk horse of the winter.
A creditable field lined up for the1400 metres Tippu Sultan Cup, with Another Time who had impressive credentials to recommend her chances and Baffert who had sizzled the track in the fray and as such, the unheralded Classical Act was allowed to run at nourishing odds, perhaps for the last time in his career. Jockey Pesi Shroff took Classical Act to the front as the field settled down and the son of Placerville came into the straight clear of the field. When asked to quicken, the response was swift and brilliant. Classical Act left the field for dead, with Baffert and Another Time fighting for minor placings long way behind.
There is no doubt that if Classical Act stays sound and maintains the rate of progress, he would surely have the measure of the best in the land. Classical Act is blessed with a tremendous engine and it is the tyres that one needs to take care of, as the progeny of Placerville are known to have delicate legs. Classical Act is no exception to the rule nor was his full brother Smart Chieftan.
Rashid Byramji's Extreme Contact who had run below par in his last outing, came up from way off the pace to clinch the verdict in the shadow of the winning post from unfancied Al Habib in the 1200 metres Stewards Cup, the highlight of the day's races. Royal Satin was a suggestive third and this son of Green Forest would make his mark over a slightly extended trip before long. Soviet Bay ran below par.
The Nawab Sultan Ali Khan Memorial Plate had an open look about it and the odds in the bookmakers ring too suggested it. In the event, Firecrest who was essaying the mile and a quarter trip trip, was taken on a start to finish mission by jockey Aslam Kader and the got abroad held on resolutely to win from a late-finishing Forest Monarch, Adolifito, Pretty Move and Enterprisor who finished in a line. A mere short head separated the second, third and fourth placed horses. Forest Monarch could have made it but for the fact that Malesh Narredu failed to get a clear run, having to switch his mount in and out. The victory of Firecrest enabled the erstwhile champion jockey Aslam Kader to come out of a rut and record his first success for the season.
While Aslam had reason to smile at the success, the one who was most upset by the outcome was jockey Pesi Shroff who believed that the lazy Adolifito would not have lost if the ineffective whip had not been in force. What is the point of thrusting equipment that is useless, he argued. It is unfair if the best horse in the fray does not win. Only the free running horses are benefiting by the new whip and more than 50 per cent of the horses are bound to under perform, he said agitatedly.
After failing to oblige twice, River of Stars finally made it in the Ramkirpal Plate (Div I), getting the better of Breaking News close home. Jockey Ronald on Star Diamond took things too easy and his lack of efforts did not go unnoticed and he ended up with a fine of Rs 5,000. In the lower division of the race, Dancing Clear managed to stave off the challenge of Cherry Blue. Favourite Prince Thunder ran below expectations. Make a note of Cherry Blue who should figure prominently next time out.
Bansuri who had let down as a favourite last time out, won the 1100 metres Camineto Plate, a race for maiden three-year olds, with a start to dash effort. Strange Beauty chased in vain. Fancied Some Romance did not come out of the gates while favourite Princess Cut who sported bandages, was never in the hunt.
Diamond Harbour who was well placed in the 1400 metres Udhagamandal Plate, duly obliged, edging out Juarra close home. Dark Felt failed to justify public confidence. C A Kuts trained Kyosoba who had run previously unplaced, surprised everybody, with a start to finish effort in the 1800 metres Sweet Memories Plate. Under the norms followed here, the trainer would have ended up with a fine for the improved performance but the trainer got away here scot-free. May the Stewards had other considerations.
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