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Fond Fantasy maintains winning streak
By Sharan Kumar | 02 Jan 2004 | BANGALORE
Mr.C.N.Nataraj presenting the trophy to S.Ganapathy, trainer of Fond Fantasy
Fond Fantasy ‘s victory in the Gr 2 The Hindu Bangalore Oaks was a foregone conclusion. She was a cut above the rest and barring an accident; it was difficult for any one in the fray to overhaul Fond Fantasy. In fact, the classic scene all over the country is so hazy that no one has been able to predict the winner because on each occasion, the unexpected has happened except when Fond Fantasy has been in the fray. The Ganapathy ward has been a model of consistency but whether she can maintain her winning streak further is now a matter of speculation because she returned lame after that race. How much of that is going to bother her preparation for the Derby is what determines her level of performance.
With The Hindu group of newspapers resuming their sponsorship of the Oaks, the racecourse had a festive look, with the event traditionally run on the first racing day of the New Year, attracting a field of nine runners. Fond Fantasy’s win was taken for granted and the question that needed to be answered was who would take the placings on the board. Starry set a reasonable pace in the early part only to slow it down later on in the race so much so that the timing recorded for the event (2 minutes 37.50 seconds) was one of the slowest for the event. Fond Fantasy, who raced in fourth or fifth position, smoothly cruised into a striking position approaching the final bend and surged ahead inside the final 350 metres to establish an unassailable lead. Starcent who was only running for the third time in her career, showed great deal of improvement when taking the runner up spot ahead of Alannah who raced upfront right from the start and held on grimly till overhauled by the first and second and placed horses. Fond Fantasy appeared to be slowing at the finish as evidenced by Starcent finishing a shade over two lengths behind. Fond Fantasy limping back to the stables was indeed a sad sight. Cesandri finished down the field and it is quite possible that she might have also been a victim of some physical infirmity.
The Derby scene is as open as ever as thus far none of the hopefuls have given creditable performances. The question mark about Fond Fantasy also adds confusion to the intriguing scenario.
Racing favoured the followers of money as well backed horses ruled the roost. Moon Emperor won the New Year Trophy quite comprehensively from Annakita. There was support for Sibelius, half brother to the well-performed Kanthara but the son of Storm Trooper packed up on turning for home. The Music Lover looked a cinch in the Tungabhadra Stakes and the son of Duja proved too speedy for the rest when bursting clear of the field in the final furlong. Ex;osivo was second while Conqueress put in a dismal performance. The Music Lover can repeat.
Star of Windsor had it easy in the R H Shah Memorial Plate, making mincemeat of the opposition. After being held up in the rear, the son of Steinbeck came on the wide outside and went away for a smashing win over Baracudda. Star of Windsor has the potential to turn into a formidable contender for the plums in future. Khalsa towered over the rest in the Somvarpet Plate and the son of Local Talent, despite having a troubled passage early on, won with a great deal of comfort. Glenfarclas Gal finally obliged after letting down her supporters on innumerable occasions. In the day’s other action, which produced an exciting finish, Thrill of Success just got up in time to get the better of Steady Growth to land the spoils at nourishing odds. Fancied Cardinal Rule made no show.
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