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Southern Empire looks imposing

By Sharan Kumar | 09 Jul 2006 | BANGALORE


Southern Empire (Placerville - Stunning)

The Gr 1 Kingfisher Derby has this knack of throwing nasty surprises but notwithstanding this fact, Southern Empire who has reeled off six wins in a row, should lift the coveted trophy barring the unforeseen. Having said this, one must stress that Southern Empire is not going to have it easy as he is taking on a fairly competitive field, the other horses in the fray representing the best three-year olds in the country at present. While Southern Empire should win as per the script, if there is any upset, then the beneficiary could be stablemate Haunting Memories who too has maintained an amazing streak of wins. Trainer Ganapathy thus has everything going for him. Full brother to Indian Triple Crown winner and Gr 1 Kingfisher Bangalore Derby, Smart Chieftain, Southern Empire is blessed with all the attributes that are the hallmark of a champion. He has class, speed and capable of digging deep into reserves should the need arise. He won his first five races in common canter and the only time he was stretched to the full was in the Gr 1 Colts Trial Stakes where Running Bull gave him a scare. May be it was one of those off days for Southern Empire. This is what the majority believes and there is no reason to dispute their claim. Southern Empire has done everything right in his lead up to the Blue Riband event of the season and jockey Prakash has chosen him ahead of Haunting Memories. There is no reason to look beyond Southern Empire and the vast majority of race goers will share this optimism. Southern Empire is the highest rated horse in the fray and Haunting Memories comes next in the rankings. Full sister to Six Speed, Haunting Memories has taken after her sister, and has carved a similar path leading to the Derby. Six Speed, however, faltered in the Derby, losing by a whisker when victory was in sight. Haunting Memories may have stamina limitations but she is more strongly built than Six Speed and her amazing turn of foot is what can floor her opponents. The Derby will put to rest the speculation as to how superior Southern Empire is to his contemporaries. When Southern Empire beat Running Bull by a shade less than two lengths, breeder Zavary Poonawalla was crestfallen. He was expecting Southern Empire to romp home. Such is the expectation generated by Southern Empire. Padmanabhan has two formidable runners in the fray. The son of Alansar Alwasheek, Running Bull who was highly temperamental, has settled down after being gelded and in his first run in the season, did the unexpected - running Southern Empire close. Running Bull has the breeding to get the extended trip of mile and quarter well and has trained on superbly. If the inexperience of Suraj Narredu does not affect the performance of Running Bull, race-goers are in for a real treat. Red Eagle has been rushed into this race after his spectacular win in a Sprinters Million. Red Eagle's debut during the season was interrupted because of an injury to the hoof but he has recovered remarkably and was targeted for the Sprinters Million as he had the class and speed to overcome the sharpness of the trip. After Red Eagle's sensational win, the big made grey worked outstandingly in his final gallop and earned his place in the line up. Red Eagle has in him to extend the best and how best he fares determines his future. Imtiaz Sait trained Lombardia has been on the upgrade. The filly that won twice at Mumbai, ran creditably in the Gr 1 Fillies Trial Stakes, finishing behind Haunting Memories. She is in the fray as a final entry and considering the fact the extended trip suits her fine, Lombardia has aroused high expectations in the connections as well as those who swear by her high quality wins back home at Mumbai. Another Mumbai challenger Lahinch is rated highly but he lacks the speed to make his presence felt in this exalted set. However, his jockey Malcolm Kharadi thinks a world of him and believes that those who ignore Lahinch will be doing so at his own peril!