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Expensive Phenomenale fails to make a winning debut

By North-End | 13 Feb 2008 | MUMBAI


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Stellar Affair (Alnasr Alwasheek – Star Fortune) won the first race without any fuss, Jockey Ruzaan going hands and heels for the most part. Jumping out smartly unlike Jazzego (Srinath), Stellar Affair hit the front early and had a comfortable break, then capitalised on the lead by accelerating well to draw away from Amodomio to register a facile victory. Jezzego, who was lethargic at the start warmed up late to finish alongside Amodomio for the third. Stellar Affair, who had a late start to his career looks a good type and this victory raises the expectations as the rider did not even need to go for the whip which he finally did resort to, only in the last 150 metres although needlessly. Prince Lochiva (Chinoy) disappointed a huge following and worse, did not even offer any resistance. Sitting second all through, Prince Lochinva led briefly into the straight but surrendered tamely as long shot Gatravat (Merchant) came alongside. Gatravat simply passed him by and stretched away increasing the margin with every stride. Gold Biscuit (TS Jodha) finished on third while Imperium was surprisingly last. Cameo (Major Impact - Lovely fantasy) and Chimerique made this one a match race as the duo battled for supremacy right from start to the winning post. The rest including the expensive filly Phenomenale (Ruzaan) made no impact on the front running pair at any stage of the race. In the straight, both Rajendra and DeSouza were going stride for stride with neither giving a quarter and towards the distance post Cameo held a slender advantage. At the post Cameo did well to have his neck ahead and Chimerique lost after putting up a gallant fight. Chimerique should earn her bracket before long. Phenomenale needed the run and will make the news in the future. She looked good in the paddock and needs to be given time. However, the hype around her price and her morning track work certainly weighed a lot in the bookmaker’s miserly quote in the ring. The filly, who was backed at best at 6/10 improved towards the end to run third. Spirituall (Black Cash - Rahy's serenade) ran a powerful race to zip past the front bunch and post an impressive win. Malesh Narredu rode just hands and heels and did not have to use the whip at all. Notable Runner led them all into the straight, but soon surrendered to Catalunya (Chinoy). Honeyday was ridden out all through to be in the picture, while Spirituall came from the fifth to simply breeze past them all on the wide outside. The dark bay impressive looking gelding, who is blind by one eye, came up with telling strides and cruised past the front runners, implying that an extended trip would also be well within her abilities. Raghuvansh (Royal Kingdom - Sarmatara) was the day's most impressive winner and the shortest priced one in the betting ring for the whole season yet. The money back hot favourite won like a champion and beat his rivals out of sight. Sitting second on a tight rein behind Calypso Queen, Fargeat had the proverbial 'arm chair ride to victory'. Past the 400 metres Raghuvansh shot ahead and galloped to a breezy 8 ½ L victory. Knight Of Windsor (TS Jodha) earned a hard fought runner up berth from Rising Hero. Raghuvansh looks good for an encore. Rockefeller, Kingdom Of Love and Balance De power garnered most of the betting, but the connections of Fantastic Fury laughed their way to the banks. A lucrative coup was pulled off well and some smart money did come on the Hosidar Daji trained mare. Carrying the light bottom weight, Fantastic Fury grabbed the luxury of setting her own leisurely pace and won from end to end. Rockefeller, who was at the tail end for the most part, brushed up nearing the turn, but by then jockey PS Chouhan had sped further away at it was going to be a tough ask to cover the distance and get to the leader. Fantastic Fury returned a comfortable winner and Rockefeller had little choice but to finish second best. Balance De Power encountered a check early in the straight and fell back, but recovered only just to fill the frame. Romantic Scene (Neeraj), who had chased the winner for the most part also, did well to retain the third spot. Almarina and Rock Salt were the joint favourites in the 7th race. Amarina was unfortunate to have inexplicably leapt awkwardly in her stride, thereby suddenly falling back and losing all her chances. Star Girl (Shailesh) ran a good race leading from the start and maintaining her lead till the distance post where Really Romantic (Alam) pounced upon her to win the sprint with a measure of comfort. Rock Salt, who was looking prominent mid way up the straight, failed to quicken and ended a dismal 6th. Oyster gem (Kishore) put in a good effort on the rails to come into place money. Almarina's run is best forgotten. Sangoma attracted more attention due to the fact that McCullagh was to be seen in action after a long time. Expecting the jockey to make it a winning comeback, Sangoma was strongly supported in the ring. However, Sangoma, who was racing in the front bunch all the way was hanging out in the straight and never quickened. Thundering Hero (TS Jodha) went past the favourite and held on. Sangoma came on towards to finish but it was too little too late. Brezhnev beared the brunt of the late finish of Sangoma and was pegged back for the second spot. Sangoma needs to be given another chance. Nara covered a lot of ground to fill the frame. Pesi Shroff was the lone professional to score a double.