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Berlioz romps home in style

By Sharan Kumar | 20 Aug 2004 | MYSORE


Berlioz (Appu up) winner of the Nanoli Stud Million (Grade 3)

Padmanabhan trained Berlioz has made a rapid transition en route to becoming a horse of classic potential. The victory in the Gr 3 Nanoli Stud Million was achieved more easily than the verdict suggested. Jockey Appu guided him to a start to finish win, with Spectacular Quest clearly in distress in the closing stages of the race. Camarioca who was finishing on strongly should also make her mark in the classics. 

Given the kind of improvement that Berlioz has shown both in attitude and on the learning curve, he should go far as he is sure to get the necessary support from the shrewd trainer. Though Berlioz enjoyed a distinct pull in weights, it is quite possible that he will reassert his superiority even at level terms. Such has been his dazzling improvement. Having said this, one has to say that Fantabulous King still enjoys the rating as the best three-year old unless otherwise proved in the coming months. Bred at the Nanoli Stud Farm and owned by Mr. & Mrs. Khushroo Dhunjibhoy in partnership with Sunil Jhangiani and Byram Jeejeebhoy, Berlioz’s progress from now on will be one of excited anticipation.

The Nanoli Million attracted a quality opposition perhaps next only to the one that one saw in the recently run Kingfisher Derby. There was Colts Trial Stakes winner Spectacular Quest, Fillies Trial Stakes heroine Lindsay and Sprinters Million conqueror Fly The Fury along with Berlioz who had shown great promise after a fluent win in a maidens’ race by working outstandingly in a preparatory workout. Even Spectacular Quest had blazed the track but he looked a shade less sharp since the hard Summer campaign. The fact that he was conceding weight to all his adversaries ensured that he was offered at a good price in the ring along with Berlioz who received support based only on expectations.

Appu took Berlioz on a start to finish mission, with Spectacular Quest close in attendance, while the rest were spread out behind them. Berlioz was traveling well within himself when he cruised into the final stretch even as Prakash was working on Spectacular Quest to be in close touch. Berlioz quickened nicely when asked for an effort and it was clear that no one was going to stop his victory march. Berlioz checked in a length and quarter ahead of a tiring Spectacular Quest and a late-finishing Camarioca in a good timing of one minute 25.5 seconds. The got abroad son of Sri Pekan, Berlioz appeared to have something in hand as Appu was not required to use the whip at all. Fly The Fury did not run to potential while Lindsay disappointed.

Michael Eshwer trained After Glow who had won against the run of expectations at Bangalore, justified the strong support she received in the betting ring, getting the measure of Almond close home. Jockey Suraj Narredu had After Glow settled way off the pace but the filly covered ground quite appreciably in the final furlong to get the measure of Almond who shaped like a winner. Now that After Glow has struck form, she should move in the scales and possibility a slightly extended trip could see her more at home. Almond can profit from this run if his connections ask for a serious effort from him next time out.

Gregory Sandhu who is one of the better trainers at Mysore, brought off a big coup on Chill Pill. The two runs that she had during the last season and the use of blinkers helped Chill Pill. Though the daughter of Flitch jumped outwards from the widish draw, jockey Imran Chisty did well to work vigorously on her to get a striking position. Chill Pill stretched out well and established a decisive lead in the final furlong and as such, the finishing burst of Liquid Gold went in vain. Win Again who was an unexpected third is being readied for a touch. Candica had all the chances butwas found wanting.

Chabilis won the day’s opener quite comprehensively from a late-finishing Ocean Spirit who found the front-runner blessed with a greater degree of speed. Dontforgetmaumann wore down the challenge of So Ravishing to win close home. Trainer Inayathulla had a double through Diamond Cut and Track Fantasy. Diamond Cut appeared to be losing her chances as she was drifting out alarmingly but Royal Ribbons came to her aid she came alongside which helped jockey Prithviraj to straighten out the horse. This enabled Diamond Cut to get the better of Braid Hills in the shadow of the post. Track Fantasy won at nourishing odds at the expense of Merango who found rather late in the day. There was a three-horse finish in the concluding race of the day, with Indigenous getting the nod ahead of Tina’s Turn and Victory Queen. The outside draw went against Victory Queen as apprentice Ranjeet Singh failed to get on the inside and had to travel wide all the way. Having come 10 horses off the fence, the jockey compounded his problems by trying to come closer to the rails instead of keeping a straight course that would have helped him to save ground and score.