With the absence of quality candidates for the forthcoming Bangalore Derby, Star of Windsor who edged out Spark of Glory in the Chief Minister’s Trophy on Saturday emerged as a live contender for the plum event. Spark of Glory showed vast improvement over his previous run and should relish the extended Derby trip and will also be a force to reckon with. The more seasoned campaigners in the fray for the terms race did not figure at the finish and it was left to four-year olds to battle the issue, out performing their rating in the process. Double Eagle, who was the highest rated horse in the fray, ran below par to finish a disappointing fifth.

 

Star of Windsor who had recorded a smashing win over a mile last week, enjoyed public support along with Spark of Glory as the latter appeared to have made good improvement since running a dismal race in the 2000 Guineas. On that occasion, Spark of Glory was completely outpaced by the fast pace of the race but over the mile and quarter trip, he was more at hope, racing well in contention and in fact, had the first run on Star of Windsor. The fact that he had to take the final turn wide perhaps was the cause of his defeat.

 

Golden Fortune showed the way, with Connivance, Spark of Glory, Crown Royal racing in close attendance while Star of Windsor was settled in the rear group. Passing the 600 metres mark, Ronen Thomas on Spark of Glory made a forward surge but unfortunately for him, the jockey of Connivance too was moving to take position. As a result, he was taken out and he came into the straight about six to seven horses wide. In the meanwhile, Crown Royal who had come the shortest way home had shot clear but Spark of Glory covered the leeway in a trice and took charge. But Star of Windsor, despite having to come wide, shot through the middle and managed to spare a short head at the finish. What tilted the scales in favour of Star of Windsor was his superior turn of foot because Spark of Glory appeared to be catching up fast on the front-runner who shot ahead close home. Both these horses are bred to stay and a renewed battle over a mile and half trip will be of immense interest. Fond Fantasy may still run the Derby trip notwithstanding the fact that she returned lame after the Oaks as the talented filly is reportedly been plagued by the problem for a longer time and her performance has been unaffected notwithstanding the handicap. The filly was back on the track after the Oaks run but it will be Herculean task still for her to overcome the colts over the grueling trip. While Crown Royal did his reputation no harm by finishing a close third, Believer who was being touted as a possible Derby contender, could at best be considered as a fair fourth.

 

Star Admiral won the Karnataka Racehorse Owners Association Trophy, a rich terms race for first season runners easier than expected. The well-bred son of Placerville out of Queen to Conquer, Star Admiral stood out in the paddock parade though his looks suggested that he would be more at home over trips longer than sprint. However, he carried so much class that he was able to overhaul the opposition with great deal of ease. The top-weighted Blairgowrie who enjoyed overwhelming public support, failed to maintain his sparkle and was beaten to the fourth spot. Blairgowrie led the field, with Star Admiral in close attendance along with Laguna Blue and the rest. Rounding the final bend, Blairgowrie failed to accelerate in the manner expected and Star Admiral found foot to leave the field for dead. Laguna Blue kicked on to take the second spot ahead of a late-finishing Lindsay. Star Admiral is surely one to follow.

 

The trainer-jockey combination of Ganapathy and Prakash who were associated with the success in both the main events of the day, ended with a lucrative treble. Prakash drove out El Condor to contain the challenge of Cybergenic close home. Merango finished on to take the third spot.

 

Silken Magic was backed to the exclusion of her rivals but the daughter of Diffident took a slow jump and though she covered up plenty of leeway, Samyuktaa managed to prevail in a close finish. The Stewards who ordered an enquiry into David Badel’s riding found him guilty of riding an injudicious and ill-judged riding and suspended him from Jan 20 to 30.

 

Dancer’s Quiz, who had run a forward race in her last essay, had it easy, winning from Red Flame with great ease. Trajan prevailed in a thriller over Glenfarclas Gal and Newmachar finally found a suitable and mediocre opposition to record a long overdue success in the day’s other action.