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GULLFOSS STARTS ON VICTORIOUS NOTE

By Mahendra Mallya | 12 Feb 2015 | MUMBAI


Mr. Vivek S. Jain leading Gullfoss (S Zervan Up), winner of The AFS Talyarkhan Trophy

Zadmal Singh trained Gillfoss (Chevalier – Girl From Ascot, Ruia Stud) made a successful start to his career claiming the AFS Talyarkhan Trophy on debut. Looking the best tuned horse in the paddock, Gullfoss understandably got the maximum support in the betting ring and went out a 13/10 against to be the firm favourite. He justified it too, by showing a clean pair of heels at the business end to win handsomely.

The lead changed hands a couple of times as Horse Power shot out well off the gates and then Ame came along with a speedy start to get past and lead them all the way into the straight. The Big Revival, also in the betting, simply could not find his touch and labored right from the start. If his backers hoped for any revival, it never came this time, implying he was not ready yet. And it would certainly be a big revival if he makes it next time out either.

In the homestretch, it was Gullfoss all the way. Partnered by jockey S Zervan in place of Trevor, Gullfoss easily got past Ame soon on turning for home. He then gathered momentum and even the speeding filly Shinning Melody, who was covering ground briskly, didn’t look threatening at any stage. Gullfoss was galloping at a good clip and looked the winner long way from home. He finished on with plenty of gas in reserve and was eased up in the final 100 meters. Shining Melody did well to finish a notable second, while Stand and Dance deserved the place money for a reasonably good effort.

Hoshiyaar (Holy Roman Emperor – Akaliya, Sohna Stud) was another one who scored his maiden win in style. He was coming in with a couple of good runs under his belt and looked the part in the paddock clearly in much better condition, benefitting from the two previous outing this season.  Hoshiyaar too received solid support in the ring and he too did not let down his large following.

Sindbaad was in tear-away hurry as he broke away soon on settling down to amass a massive lead. That did not cause any anxiety to the others including Hoshiyaar, who seemed confident to call the bluff at the business end. Sure enough, Sindbaad, after a prolonged reign on the lead, started shortening his strides midway in the straight. Hoshiyaar, by then, had improved positions to be one behind the leader. He started galloping resolutely in the final furlong and sped away past Sindbaad with a flourish. Oxbridge made steady progress but could not find enough to match the winner. He settled for the runner-up slot yet again for a frustrating sixth time in eleven outings, still searching for his maiden win. Toofan rallied on to deny the fast finishing Authority the third place. The latter was the one to improve the most in the straight and promises to do well in his next start.

Ravello (Ace – Charedi’s Peak, Villoo’s Greenfield Stud) sailed smoothly into the lead at the start and then fought hard to stay ahead at the wire. He looked in command coming into the homestretch with a little over a length to spare to Mine Forever in second. Cezanne was next with the rest of the bunch huddled closely.

Ravello, with Sandesh in the driver’s seat, galloped on spiritedly even as Mine Forever started to inch closer and offer a game challenge. Next he had to also contend with Cezanne who was spurred up in the final 100 but Ravello held his own and put in dogged resistance to stay ahead and bring about another sweet victory, but not without losing some sweat over it. Mine Forever fell short but Cezanne’s run was promising and bears watching when she races next particularly if it’s over a furlong more.

Bay of Secrets (Glory of Dancer – Blue Vision, Capricorn Stud) was another one who notched up her personal best result, winning over the mile after two sprinting assignments. She got going from the start and led them all the way. Pearl Secret flattered to deceive when she came with what seemed a spirited challenge around the distance post. That petered out though, and she fell further back to concede the place money as well.  Bay of Secrets put in a clinical show as she led readily and on entering the straight, she quickened well to stretch out nicely and post her maiden win with a good measure of comfort. Debutante Phenomenal Memory had a good educative run and seems to be the one who would relish the longer trips. He was seen warming up towards the finishing stages and picked himself up to end one behind the winner, just managing to peg back The Way I am and Peal Secret.

If there was a coup that was successfully pulled off, then Ashrafie’s was among the flawless ones. The connections had a quite gamble and would still be counting the gold coins on their returns. At 15 to 1, this one was a fantastic landing. The connections and their coterie were seen celebrating in the Club house bar late in the night, making merry and emitting genuine ecstasy, offering drinks on the house to anyone crossing their path, rather table. I was nearly a beneficiary of that largess. Had I not needed to drive back, I would be raising a toast to Ashrafie as well. Being in the right place at the right time, does help wet the throat at times, provided you ensure you don’t have to drive post the gulping binge.

Their merry making was understandable. Ashrafie (Mull of Kintyre – Terrazas, Capricorn Stud) zipped out of the gates, an ideal start for a sprint. She powered on after the turn and caused no doubt or anxiety galloping resolutely under the guidance of jockey Ashhad Asbar. He was focused in urging Ashrafie on and the Sanjay Kolse filly responded ably to run away from her opponents and land the spoils. Grand March kicked on to take the runner up spot and he could be getting ready to better his performance soon in the future. Oriental Masti too caught the eye while finishing on well and earning the place stakes. Cold Play the favourite disappointed a large following and her dismal showing was inexplicable. She just could not find her feet and made no impact at any point. She looked good though in the paddock and this may just have been an off day for Cold Play.

The day did not start on a good note for the followers of favourites as on-money Samurai went down tamely to rank outsider Gracious (Chevalier – Lii Najma, Ruia Stud). Samurai started off well and was up in the front bunch and well positioned right up to the final turn. Gracious by then had dashed into the lead and had piled on a huge lead coming into the straight. With two furlongs to go, Gracious still enjoyed a four-five lengths advantage. The good thing was Gracious did not let go that advantage and worked hard to keep the momentum going, leaving the rest to make the effort to chase him down. Samurai was caught unawares and the long leeway he allowed Gracious was his undoing. He covered the gap but the gap seemed far too much and with the winning post approaching rapidly, Gracious cruised home comfortably. Romantic Racer put in his bit and did well to pip Samurai for the second spot. Samurai ended third, but this run will bring him on and he needs to be given another chance.

Chlobud was the horse that garnered most of the betting and she not only failed to oblige her strong number of backers  she didn’t even give them anything to shout about either. Diamond Zip tore away on settling down and led them into the straight. Laurus Tikati (Placerville – Singita, Poona Stud) progressed with every stride, Yash Narredu egging him on and she got past the leader effortlessly. Yash had the Nina Lalwani ward going at a good clip and he bounded forward going clear past the distance post. Blackbean tried to make a strong bid and did shape up well briefly, however, with Laurus Tikati showing no sign of weakening Blackbean had to settle for the second spot. Ms Senorita kicked on to hold Amazon Cat by a whisker. Amazon Cat looked good in his finish and could be trusted to improve further and find a place up in the frame if he gets a similar set of opponents.  

For the professionals, jockeys A Sandesh and S Zervan scored a double each.