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QUEEN OF THE STARS PREVAILS IN FEATURE

By Madhukar Bhagawan | 18 Dec 2016 | HYDERABAD


L.D’Silva trained Queen Of The Stars (Phoenix Tower-Star Queen / Manjri Stud), a 6-1 shot bounced back to win the Ch.Sathyanarayana Rao of Iktyal Memorial Cup, the main event of the small card of six races at Hyderabad on Sunday. The on-money favourite Baashagar set off to lead the pack of six over the seven furlongs trip. Blossom and Queen Of The Stars raced together about two lengths adrift followed by the rest. Turning for home Queen Of The Stars moved to be a clear second and joining the leader on the straight matched strides for a brief while and surged ahead easily inside the last 200 metres. Baashagar stayed on in second while Morning Miracle and Movie Moghual filled the frame in that order.

L.V.R.Deshmukh trained Torremolinos (Alnasr Alwasheek-Encouragement) just managed to scrape through to complete an encore in the Malakpet Cup. Exclusive Beauty on a start to finish bid btought the field into view on the straight and held forte till the last 200 metres. Torremolinos racing in about seventh till the top of the straight started to cover up places when unleashed on the wide outside. As Torremolinos forged ahead Grand Canyon also came with a big challenge and the two fought the last 100 metres with jockey Akshay Kumar being successful in getting Torremolinos to hit the winning post first, a short head in front. Exclusive Beauty saved the ‘place’ money from Khosgel.

Deshmukh and Akshay Kumar had earlier scored a popular victory on Vijay Vidyut (Hurricane Run- Ravana) in the Meghalaya Plate. Racing second last early on Vijay Vidyut progressed gradually to be a close fourth behind Buchshee, Roma Rouge and Naamdhari as they turned for home. Inside the last 300 metres Naamdhari was the first to take the initiative and go ahead. Vijay Vidyut ranged strongly from behind and travelling the better drew clear by two lengths. Proud Image finished third in front of Roma Rouge.

D.Netto schooled juvenile Vancouver (Mr.Mellon-Watch) that had found one better in its two starts was sent in as the piping hot favourite in the Grand Parade Plate. Shooting to the front as the gates opened Vancouver led the field all through the five and a half furlongs trip and won easily from Apowerx. Jumeira Express and Top Starchy finished third and fourth respectively.

Trainer Laxman Singh added another point to his tally through Vijay’s Empire (Princely Heir-Royal Tartan) in the Palampet Cup. Stable Companion Time To Climb set the pace over the 2400 metres trip and established a big lead of over a distance. Vijay’s Empire chased the runaway leader in second followed by the rest. Passing the 800 metres Time To Climb packed its bag and Vijay’s Empire readily took over the running. The favourite Coruba began to challenge inside the last 150 metres but Vijay’s Empire kicked on gamely to thwart the challenge by three parts of a length. Bullish Approach finished third.

In a close finish L.D’Silva trained Par Excellence (Saffron Walden-Louve Secrete / Doaba Stud) pulled off an upset in the Treasure Leaf Plate. Kohinoor Grace went on a start to finish bid over the 1100 metres scurry while Par Excellence had dropped back last after a good start. Into the last 400 metres Kohinoor Grace was joined by the favourite Symbol Of Pride and the two were fighting it out when Par Excellence weaved through the field and shot through to snatch the win from the favourite by a short head. Kohinoor Grace finished third another length away while Egyptian Wind ended up a close fourth.