Coral Gables who had dropped form in the last summer season when finishing second best in the Gr.3 BTC Anniversary Cup, bounced back, with a thrilling win over Caprese in the Bangalore City Gold Cup, the only terms race for three-year olds and upwards on Sunday. Coral Gables who appeared to have ended all hopes of a comeback when he 'bled' in his first start of the season, turned out in good condition and trainer Leo D’Silva deserved praise for getting the Young Senor gelding to perform to his optimum. After being outpaced in the early part of the race, Coral Gables picked up momentum on the wide outside and nosed out the front running Caprese in the final stride to win in an excellent timing of 1 minute 12.6 seconds which is the second fastest time recorded at this centre after Bratz.

Bratz who carried public expectations, faltered, fading out of the scene when the race was on the boil and finished way down the field. She reportedly 'bled' which perhaps may hasten her retirement to the stud. Though there were just six runners in the fray, all of them were accomplished performers and as such, the field looked very competitive notwithstanding the fact Bratz was quoted at a very short price. Caprese who runs best when allowed to run freely in front, took control of the proceedings from the word 'go', with Bratz close in attendance and the rest spread out in close order.

Coral Gables was in the rear of the field. Caprese kicked on gamely after turning for home while Bratz felt the pressure and dropped back alarmingly. The others could not pick up speed instantly and Caprese seemed to be well on course to pulling off victory. But once Coral Gables was switched to the outside, the big-hearted son of Young Senor came with telling strides and got his nose in front in what was the final stride of the race. Jockey Gallagher did his best to keep the initiative on Caprese but the front-running effort, in what was a fast clip, cost the race by a whisker.

Opera Queen, who had surprised Caprese in her last essay, ran on to be third while Spectacular Quest, despite the Sprinters Cup in his pocket, is nowhere near his best. The well-bred Secret Fury was fortunate to find himself in the lower division of the Manitou Cup, a five and half furlong race for three-year old maidens. The opposition was toothless barring soul mate Candle Light who had the requisite qualifications but not the desired support in the saddle. Secret Fury did not impress in the paddock parade as he looked gross and far from ready despite which, he was backed down from an opening ante-post quote of 4/1 to on money by race time despite M Mark in the stable.

Secret Fury was off to a sluggish start as Candle Light went into what appeared to be a decisive lead. The favourite was struggling to find his feet and the front-runner appeared to be well clear. However, jockey Ryan Marshal spoiled the day for himself by his lackluster efforts and eased up the horse close home even as the favorite was fast gaining ground, causing him to lose the race. The Stewards, who ordered an enquiry into the race, found Ryan Marshall guilty of not permitting his horse to run on merits and withdrew his license till March 31, 2007. While the decision of the Stewards in acting tough needs to be commended, a similar approach in dealing with all professionals, irrespective of their connections, would earn them a healthy respect.

The upper division of the race went the way of well-supported Billy Blackjack who won the race from end to end. Favourite My Fantasy reportedly bled and ran dismally. Sunny’s Instinct managed to save her runner up berth from a late-finishing Akira. Jockey S Ramesh who caused interference to My Fantasy at the start, was suspended for four race days. The jockeys who are enjoying a high rating currently are all over rated if their riding in the Maj.Newton Davis Memorial Cup (Div.I) is an indication.

While jockey Malesh Narredu at least had to contend with a horse who tends to bolt in favouirite Appreciate, the others had no such problems and all went hell for leather as if the race was for only half the trip! Alford on Alinski, Suraj Narredu on Red Cloud, Velu on Mint Royal and B Prakash on Smart N Excellent went for each other as if their lives depended on out beating the other before the bend so much so that all of them were without gas at the crucial end.

Smart N Excellent who travelled the widest of the lot, nevertheless, had the measure of others in the straight but Beyond therapy who was toiling at the wrong end of the field, came up with raking strides to go past the tiring horses and beat Smart N Excellent on the post. Born Free who was running detached last, was full of running at the finish and was a close third. But nothing much can be read into these efforts because the front-runners were a finished lot in the homestretch. All Dancing had it easy in the lower division, winning at the expense of Orpendale who served notice of an early win.

The well-backed Lyocel who was entrusted to Malesh Narredu, made no show like his earlier rides My Fantasy and Appreciate. Ganapathy trained Storm Regent recorded his second straight win, staving off the challenge of Confluence with a measure of comfort from Confluence. Orpheus who was backed strongly to win was never in contention and the public trust was thus misplaced. However, Gallagher who was on Orpheus and Caprese, had a consolation win when Charlie Brown made amends for his last failure, with an emphatic victory.

Trainer Manohar had a chance to lead in a winner after waiting for an eternity when Spirited Commander was guided to a comfortable win over Tropical Ridge at nourishing odds. Favourite Havana was with the bunch till the bend but packed up without a trace when he needed to quicken. In the day’s other action, Miss Flaunt outlasted the rest to win the 2000 metres race with an end-to-end mission. Appollo Storm picked up momentum late to be second while market fancy Azraff ran without hope to be a poor third.