Lack of crucial inputs from the saddle can make the form go haywire. Jockey Suraj Narredu is a jockey on the upgrade unless he has thought that he has learnt enough and that he has reached the summit. If he does not seriously think about the pathetic manner in which he rode a one-paced horse like Adolfito in the Governor’s Gold Cup on Wednesday and not find fault with his riding, he may have reached his mark and may not progress much. He had ridden Adolfito to a smashing win over Obligado who was legless in the Gr 1 President of India Gold Cup at Hyderabad only a fortnight ago but on similar terms, the latter won thanks to lack of pace judgment on the part of Suraj.

It is easy to take shelter by saying that horses are for courses and that Obligado is a great performer on the Mysore track where he won the Derby two years ago. But when you show a distinct lack of understanding, it is difficult to accept the result at face value. Adolfito was certainly not lacking in fitness and he runs freely in front at a good gallop and it is his ability to get the others off their bridle by the time the final bend comes is what makes him such a devastating performer. He is a one paced horses who can be tackled easily by others who have got a greater turn of foot if they don’t come under pressure early enough. By going to the front and dictating a slow pace over the mile and quarter trip, Suraj was only playing into the hands of Malesh Narredu who could track the front-runner on Obligado without having to move a muscle till turning for home. With Obligado breathing down the neck of Adolfito without coming under any bother, it was inevitable that the former would beat the latter for turn of foot if not for anything else. The pace set by Suraj on the favourite was perfect for Obligado because even some of the useless runners in the fray could pace without coming under pressure. It was evident at the final bend that Suraj had gifted the race on a platter to Obligado who moved up strongly in the final furlong to win with a great deal of comfort. 

Nothing went right for Suraj on Wednesday. Baracudda who was strongly fancied to win the 1400 metres Sanctity Cup, lost his chances at the gate, losing more than 10 lengths at the start. The fact that Baracudda managed to finish less than two lengths behind the eventual winner Charleston was indicative of the fact that he was a good thing beaten. This is the first time that Baracudda had done likewise. Patrichian too made no show as Star Empress proved too good for the field.

Michael Eshwer has worked wonders to get Show Boat in a winning condition. Show Boat who had seen more than one trainer, had never really fulfilled the promise. This time out, the change of stables helped as the four-year old filly won as she pleased. Now that she has come right, Show Boat can make her mark in Mysore bases races.

There was a quiet touch on Sporty while there was a big support for Win Again, assigned to be ridden by Basheer. Sporty who shot through the rails in the final furlong, won quite capably while frustration was in store for those who supported Win Again as she was late on the scene. In the day’s other action, Feng-Shui brought off a big upset while Fragrant Bouquet won at cramped odds. She’s Bird who ran a forward race managed to retain the runner-up spot from Power of Dreams who flashed home rather late.