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John, Scarface, Janardhan Pull off Solid Coup

By Mahendra Mallya | 02 Dec 2010 | MUMBAI


Trainer Janardhan leading Scarface (S John Up), winner of The Vallabhdas H Adwalia Trophy Div-II

Only the “Jani” was missing from the popular Bachhan hit Hindi song ’John, Jani, Janardhan’ from the movie Naseeb. Jockey John and trainer Janardhan combined to pull off a terrific coup with Scarface (Gaswar - Jumeirah Park). Not in the Bookmakers’ quote at ante-post, those with an alert ear to the ground thumped Scarface and the gelding was the first favourite by race time! Scarface is the full brother to Tomsk, winner of eight career wins including the North India Derby last year. Scarface shifted base from Bangalore after missing out on the initiation season due to his bad gate manners. However, the ones in the know, laughed their way to the bank as Scarface won displaying sensational turn of foot, romping home humbling the opposition with a measure of comfort. It was a closely huddled bunch that turned for home with Ocean Power and Midnight Club heading the field. Scintillating Star and Marigold came next. Fascination was moving up to and Scarface, at this stage, was surrounded by horses.

John weaved his way between horses checking Scarface more than once in the process. Ocean Power was able to tackle all the other pretentious challengers until the final 100. Scarface saw a clear stretch ahead of him just approaching the distance post. He still had some distance to cover to get to the leaders. He picked up momentum briskly and charged forward with blistering speed, collared Ocean Power in front of the stands and sailed past to record an impressive victory on debut. Scarface certainly looks a top-notch gelding and he is yet to produce his best.

The way he devoured ground and under the circumstances that he won, this victory was exceptional display of his talent. I would back him the next time out as well. Janardhan had earlier dropped a bombshell when his filly Halo Of Fame (Brave Act - Aylesbury) won the upper division of The Enrico Plate. Grant Park looked good early in the straight and was keeping up her nearest rivals Corgito Ergo Sum and Star Craft at bay. Nearing the distance post, neither were making any impact on Grant Park. At this point, Halo Of Fame had improved position to be ready for a final track.

She moved with purpose and was clearly outpacing Grant Park with every stride. She sailed past Grant Park in the final fifty to cap the race with a strong finish. Trainer Pesi Shroff saddled a short-priced treble with Macchupicchu, Martinique and Tender Romance. Macchupicchu (Emerald Cat - Anaroma) was the shortest priced of them all, in fact he was the perfect ’money-back’ favourite. Stablemate Star Alliance only infused some interest in the race by going down fighting. Fire Vault wrested the lead from Star Alliance and galloped freely in front. Star Alliance never let the leader to get more than four lengths ahead. Undeterred by the early urgency shown in the front, De Souza was committed to keep Macchupicchu comfortable all the way into the straight.

Star Alliance called Fire Vault’s bluff and surged ahead soon after the turn. Macchupicchu was on a tight rein right on their tail. As Star Alliance moved forward, Macchupicchu stuck alongside with De Souza still waiting to unleash the favourite. Into the final furlong, Malcolm started to ask for an all-out effort from Star Alliance and was precariously managing to stay ahead. Macchupicchu looked menacing alright, but when asked to quicken, he took a stride too many to surge ahead. The way he had travelled until the final furlong mark, he looked on song. However, his finish seemed to lack the panache expected of him.

He won and that’s what mattered, but I for one feel his finish was found wanting. Star Alliance on the other hand, was an eye-catching second. Martinique (Placerville - Moving Image) was a lot more forthright in her maiden triumph. Martinique jumped out well and took the initiative right from the word go. Soon Greatness, the next-in-demand, brushed up to be well in touch with the favourite. Into the straight, the duo stretched far ahead of the rest.

There seemed a fight on hand when Greatness got to a length of Martinique, but De Souza kept up a sustained effort and easily warded off her main rival. Tender Romance (Alhaarth - Tender Moment) scored without much anxiety although Starrer put in a late gallop to reduce the margin. Sitting fourth behind Titleist, Gloria and River Memories, Tender Romance eased his way to the front soon on straightening up. Jockey C Alford then sped away from the rest and looked in no danger. In the final moments, Starrer came with a sustained run to finish on the haunches of the winner.

Vibgyor ended a decent third and merits consideration in his next outing. Prominent owner Mr Vijay Shirke also had a successful day leading in three winners. He started his roll in the day’s first race itself, when Lyrical Symphony landed home carrying loads of public money on her. Both jockey Prakash and Lyrical Symphony had failed to justify themselves a fortnight ago. However, they delivered in style making up amply this time. Lyrical Symphony (Placerville - Lyrical Fantasy) completely outclasses her rivals and looked a winner even as they turned for home. Brilliant Moon surrendered his longish lead when Lyrical Symphony came full of steam.

The moment Lyrical Symphony shot into the lead, it was all over. She broke away and won comfortably. Brilliant Moon survived a vigorous challenge for the runner-up berth and ended just ahead of Equality. Star Symphony (Placerville - Symphony of Fire) was the prime choice for the Div I of The Vallabhdas H. Adwalia Trophy. She came clean finally but had his moments of apprehension. There was also some tense traffic congestion at a crucial juncture and post race the stewards had a good look before ruling the race fair and allowing the judge’s placing to remain unchanged. Crowned Princess led for the most part and the field behind was a closely knitted one. In the straight, Star Symphony gained momentum to take charge early. The challenge from behind was mounting with Emerald Valley and Visionaire making their move at the same time.

Both tried to take the gap between Star Symphony and Crowned Princess. Emerald Valley managed to squeeze through but Visionaire had to back off. In the process, Crowned Princess got hampered. Star Symphony, oblivious to the commotion behind, went on to compile his second success victory after his last Pune triumph. Freany could have taken advantage of the melee but just didn’t quicken at the right time. There were two major upsets on the day with Pure Elation and Premier Collection came to the fore in the 7th and the last races. Pure Elation (Royal Kingdom - Piccolina) settled behind a tightly packed bunch and made the decisive forward move at a precise juncture passing the 400. Rajasthan Royals tore through the front-runners and accelerated well.

The pair stretched away from the front-running Scenic Silver and Highland Vision. They fought out the final furlong and Pure Elation just managed to keep his neck ahead. Premier Connection (Alnasr Alwasheek - Premier Collection) looked a picture in the paddock. However, the betting was cornered by Solar Angel and Ariane. Aston Martin led the field and Solar Angel was up with the pace in third, just behind Flying Tackle. Aston Martin had a handy lead coming into the straight, and was kicking on. Solar Angel set about reducing the lead but was just not able to quicken the way she did last time. Premier Connection started to gather momentum and in a sudden surge simply bounded forward to zip past Aston Martin.

Ariane ran on to beat Aston Martin for the second spot. River Tern (Mr Mellon - Running Beauty) registered her first victory and accounted for hot favourite Siooux Chief in the process. Siooux Chief faltered at the start but quickly moved up to be in touch with the front-runners. Nuncio led the field homeward and had Bemisaal for company. Into the straight, Bemisaal had barely headed Nuncio when Siooux Chief came alongside and passed the pair.

River Turn, who was on the rails quickly moved to switch to the outside to launch her attack. Siooux Chief was still enjoying a two-length lead coming into the final furlong when River Tern made a swift forward move to surge past Siooux Chief in style. For the professionals, trainer Pesi Shroff saddled a fine treble and veteran trainer Janardhan scored a good double. Jockeys B Prakash and SA De Souza booted home a brace each.