.png)
India's first & foremost horse racing portal
Register Now 
Rubik makes a fine impression
By Sharan Kumar | 17 Jan 2004 | BANGALORE
Rubik (R Thomas up) winner of The Vijayanagar Trophy being led in by trainer Padmanabhan
Padmanabhan had reason to be enthused by the performance of Rubik in the Vijayanagar Trophy, which the son of Placerville won in spectacular fashion. Although the race was for horses belonging to the lower category, Rubik showed glimpses of his old form that he displayed in his very first run of life when he lost in a photo to Allies Serenade who went to win the Mysore Derby. Rubik left the field for dead at the top of the straight and won pulling up by five lengths. The trainer should consider running him in the Derby considering the fact that the plum event either here or at Hyderabad consists of horses, which have won one or two races, Fond Fantasy being an exception. Since horses of inferior credentials are in the fray for the Derby, Rubik too deserves a chance. He has the breeding and is on the upgrade.
Rubik was highly rated as a three-year old but after losing in a photo to Allies Serenade, he had one more run but he ran disappointingly. He was subsequently gelded and given a long break to put on condition. He appeared in the early part of the season and recorded a smashing win. Since he received a steep penalty and the trainer decided to entrust him to Ronen Thomas and not to an apprentice as he had done earlier, many were skeptical about his chances. The fact that the trainer did not claim any allowance itself was reason for many to support the claims of Rubik strongly as it was clear that Padmanabhan thought his ward was capable of putting it across the opposition without any need for an allowance jockey. He was proved right in emphatic fashion. Crown Ambassador who was the favourite, hit the front from the word `go’ for the mile long trip even as Rubik found the early pace to be too slow for comfort. After being switched out on the wide outside, Rubik quickly moved up and settled comfortably behind the front-runner. Rounding the final bend, Rubik surged ahead and stretched away for a facile win. Spark of Fire edged out Space Craft for the second spot while Crown Ambassador was a tame fourth. There was lot of support for Space Craft who had won well last time out but then Silva was found wanting and the runner up spot which was hers for the asking went unclaimed. The Stewards slapped Silva a suspension of two days for unsatisfactory riding.
Jockey Pesi Shroff made one of his rare appearances on Saturday and he was astride Saratoga Sizzle who had the best credentials. But surprisingly, the son of Tejano was allowed to run at nourishing odds. Shroff waited with Saratoga Sizzle till the turn as Crow Wood expended all his energies in the front and pushed the favourite to the front. The favourite went clear in a trice to win pulling up from Taipan who ran a good forward race after a long gap. Nominate who came in for inspired support, won without much fuss from Dare You Say and a late-finishing La Reine.
Star Qualities proved too speedy in the Sriharikota Plate, a five and a half furlong race for maiden three-year olds, winning the race with great deal of ease from Highlfying who is steadily improving. Way To Fame finished third and has earned useful stake money this season.
Dr Nefarious prevailed in a three-horse finish over The Soothsayer and Authentic Power. The Soothsayer shaped like a winner but Dr Nefarious managed to nose out in a thriller. Authentic Power who had run down the field, reportedly returning lame, was seen in better light albeit going down in a close finish. Silver Cat, who was left to tackle a hopeless opposition, finally came out of the maiden ranks. In the day’s concluding race, Star Hunter and Mahek vied with each other for public money but it was long shot Grace And Shot who shocked one and all by doggedly stayed on in front.
News Letter
Contact
Email: info@indiarace.com
✕
- HOME
- STUD FARMS
- ARCHIVES
- GLOSSARY
- CLASSIFIEDS
- EX-NAME SEARCH
- DAM
- SIRE
- ROLL OF HONOURS
- FEEDBACK
- HORSE TALK