Indiarace.com - india's first & foremost horse racing portal

Chase The Sun Produces a Sparkling Run

By Epsom Ace | 24 Nov 2012 | KOLKATA


Asst. Trainer James Mc Keown leading Chase The Sun (David Allan Up), winner of The Calcutta 1000 Guineas (Gr.3)

As has been the case several times in the past, trainer Padmanabhan’s judgement was spot on once again. His filly Chase The Sun (Burden Of Proof-Catch Fire) produced a sparkling run in the straight to sail past Coppelia (who was threatening to make a bee line for the winning post) and lift the Calcutta 1000 Guineas in great style. Jockey David Allan rode out the property of Dr Vijay Mallya hands and heels in the final furlong. Bred at the Kunigal Stud farm, the chestnut was looking a picture in the paddock and Allan let her settle down beautifully alongside Silverina while the trio of front-runners comprising Destiny, Koh Samui and Coppelia battled for the lead. Destiny led the pack till the top of the straight but was soon overhauled by Coppelia and C.Alford.

Once Allan decided to make his run, it was evident that the Pesi Shroff ward didn’t have a chance. Struggling to get into top gear was Silverina who may not have been at the peak of her form as she was in The Monsoon Derby. But frankly, there can be no excuses. The best filly came out and won the mile classic with a degree of comfort. Whether she will get the Oaks trip is a matter of conjecture but knowing her knowledgeable schooler, one can be rest assured that he will do what is best for this filly and her connections. In the same context, it may be added that a few minutes after the Calcutta 1000 guineas was run, The Bangalore 1000 Guineas was bagged by Jersey Girl who had edged out Chase The Sun by a nose at Mysore over seven furlongs few weeks earlier.

Young trainer Manvendra Singh seems to have come into his own of late. He not only registered a brace but did it with confidence. It was a pre-meditated double with Trrust In Me (Hurricane State-Trustworthy) and Arabica. The former closed as a second favourite at 3/1 and the grey won the opening event, The Liberty Handicap, start to finish, in the hands of Zervan. The public choice Winds Of The Ocean had his chances but failed to accelerate in the straight despite the best efforts of jockey Suraj Narredu. He ended up in a dead-heated third spot with Songstress.

The presence of David Allan atop Arabica (Burden Of Proof-Alhambra) in the upper division of The Bid For Gold Handicap encouraged many a punter into wagering on her at mouth-watering odds of 9/2. Allan once again showed that he was no hurry to call the shots and took a box seat while the fancied runners Wild Card and Abubble were vying for command. At the distance post, he urged the property of Dr Vijay Mallya to put her best foot forward and she did so with aplomb.

Trainer Bharath Singh and jockey Suraj Narredu combined well to bring home the bacon with the two-year-old filly Scuderia (Burden Of Proof-Super Model) in the Kariba Plate. This full-sister to Spectacular Style made every post a winning one but was strongly challenged by Significant (a full sister to Shershah) in the final furlong. The latter was running green under pressure but may have had another story to tell had she taken a level jump from the gates.

Bharath completed his brace with Royal Scots (Mull Of Kintyre-New Europe) in the final event of the day. The gelding thus notched up the third win of his career. Jockey Vinay Jaiswal, who rode him last time out, timed his run to perfection on this occasion, showing him daylight only inside the furlong. The favourite Haddock was never in it while top weight Goliath was a game second. The one for the notebook is Rutherford’s Rappadan Glory who finished on well without any help from the saddle.

Trainer Patrick Quinn was in his element as he pocketed a high-priced double with Viva La Diva (Diffident-Amazing Girl) and Passion N Flames. Despite an outside draw, the former made every post a winning one in the Adikshi Cup. Though she was shortening her strides in the final 100 metres, Md Islam managed to keep the momentum astride the five-year-old mare and held on from a fast finishing Follow The Dream. The favourite Accrews ran a poor race and may improve after this run.

After two successive wins during the monsoon season, Passion N Flames (Royal Kingdom-Tantalising) completed an amazing hat-trick by picking up the 2000 metres race for the Safari Handicap.  Piping hot favourite Monreale took over the running in the straight but Allan had no answer when Shailesh Shinde produced his mount on the Bangalore filly’s flank. Though Mon Reale fought back, Shailesh and Passion N Flames had the last word.

Trainer Arti Doctor led in her first winner of the season when Kamlesh rode a power-packed finish astride Al Attaturk (Al Nasr Alwasheek-Hoofbeats) to peg back the likes of Zoffany, Lord Aragon and Ice Festival.

Trainer Vijay Singh and jockey Christopher Alford combined to fetch home the honours with Abriella (China Visit-Allaire) in the Bangalore Turf Club Cup. The on-money favourite was judiciously handled by the experienced rider to land the spoils. Star Empire was the surprise runner-up.

State-of-the-art video screen at Calcutta racecourse

Punters at the racecourse were elated to find a large screen showing the local races and inter-venue Bangalore races, similar to those found at state-of-the-art football and cricket stadiums. It was a valuable contribution from RCTC to install such a screen as it will help all visitors to get a good look at the runners right from the starting gates till the winning post. Racegoers don’t need to run about looking for a TV any longer. It will be especially helpful on the big days such as New Year’s Day and Derby Day.

RCTC largesse for Claudius

In a benevolent gesture by the Stewards of RCTC, hockey legend and Padma Shri awardee Leslie Walter Claudius was gifted a cheque of Rs 3 lakh on Saturday. The winner of three Olympic Gold medals, 86-year-old Claudius has been suffering with a liver ailment for some time now. He is currently convalescing at home and the money will no doubt help the struggling sportsman of yesteryear meet his expenses for regular medical treatment and check-ups. The cheque was received by his son Brendon.