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MYRTLEWOOD DAZZLES TO BLOW OPPOSITION AWAY

By Mahendra Mallya | 13 Dec 2015 | MUMBAI


Mr & Mrs Mehernosh H. Deboo leading Myrtlewood (PS Chouhan Up), winner of The Eat India Company Indian 1000 Guineas (Gr.1)

Pesi Shroff trained Myrtlewood (Multidimensional – Adamile, Usha Stud) stood out in her performance and made it an open and shut case in what was largely touted as an ‘open’ race. Ridden by seasoned jockey PS Chouhan, Myrtlewood made a dramatic forward surge approaching the final furlong mark and without having to go full throttle, relied on the built-up momentum to glide towards the winning post in the most fluent manner. It was not all smooth sailing though for Myrtlewood and that is what puts her performance right up there!

Amazing Charm hit the front as they settled down with Star Formation and Solange close behind. Jeanine and Avant Garde were also up with the front bunch, with the rest huddled close together, Myrtlewood biding her time with only a couple of fillies among the 14 behind her.

Amazing Charm lost her grip soon on straightening up. Star Formation made an aggressive move to surge into the lead past the 400 and she was accelerating well. Solange was struggling to quicken although she was ridden all out. Myrtlewood, still in about 10th position in the straight, got the passage on shifting lanes and then burst into a dazzling gallop to swoop around her opponents and cruised past a scampering pack to go clear in the final furlong. Her turn of foot was blazing to say the least, but if one noticed closely, she had a lot in reserve as well. It was obvious that she had peaked, at just the right moment.

Star Formation was a gallant runner-up. She put in all her might and beat the rest on her first feel of the Mahalaxmi track. She may have rued playing all her aces a wee bit too early, but then, had it not been for the splendid finishing effort that Myrtlewood produced, Star Formation’s strategy may have looked spot on. Jeanine ran a brave race and showed her mettle bagging the third place, while Solange ended a gritty fourth to bag the judge’s frame honors.

Myrtlewood accomplished the mission for the first Indian classic – the Eat India Company Indian 1000 Guineas (Gr1) showing tremendous improvement and has shown her true potential. It needs special talent to dish out a thumping win the manner in which Myrtlewood did and her owners Mr & Mrs Mehernosh Deboo were immensely pleased with her brilliance.

There is no doubt that Myrtlewood would relish the longer trips. A crack at the 2000 Guineas may not be out of context for her connections to ponder over before she turns out favourite for the Indian Oaks in January. For those with a longer foresight, Myrtlewood would be among the first from the current crop to be considered a strong contender for the Indian Derby 2016. Let’s wait and watch the outcome of the Indian 2000 Guineas next Sunday.