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CAMERON WINS THE QUTAB SHAHI MILLION

By Madhukar Bhagawan | 23 Jan 2017 | HYDERABAD


Trainer LVR Deshmukh (deputizing for trainer SS Attaollahi) leading Cameron (P Trevor Up), winner of The Qutab Shahi Million

S.S.Attaollahi trained Cameron (Admiralofthefleet-Camarioca / Kunigal Stud) that had won the St.Leger on the adjoining Monsoon track three months ago returned to Hyderabad to lift the prestigious Qutab Shahi Million on Monday. The 5 years old mare that was in rousing form looking to complete a hat-trick was the overwhelming favourite among the five runners for the mile trip.

 After initial huffs and shuffling the field settled down with Rio Rojo getting to lead followed by Time For Fun, Galiat, Cameron and Machiavellianism, the field spread out over five lengths. Turning for home the leader faded out and Galiat surged ahead to grab the lead. Cameron began to gain ground from the outside approaching the last furlong and with Suraj Narredu riding out sped past to score a convincing victory. Galiat held on in second from Machiavellianism. For the record Time For Fun finished fourth.

The 4 years old Naazaan (Whasthescript-Quiet Lane) from trainer Lazman Singh’s stables did well to score an encore in the R.C.T.C.Cup. Crown Royal set off in front and Naazaan settled to run second followed by the rest of them. As the race progressed Crown Royal stepped up the pace and broke away to establish a big lead. Naazaan unmindful of the long lead the leader had taken stayed on in second. On entering the straight Crown Royal began to pack up and Naazaan got to the front. Western Wind rallied strongly and came charging towards Naazaan and after an intense tussle the latter held on by a neck at the finish. Greek Star finished third and Valerian Steel fourth many lengths behind.

Jockey Suraj Narredu was the most successful pro of the day piloting a treble. Jumeira Express and Astra were the other two winners of Suraj. The experience of Suraj enabled L.D’Silva trained Jumeira Express (Gaswar-Jumeirah Park) open its account in the division II of the Republic Plate. The race favourite Money Time showed good speed as the gates opened and got to the lead. Jumeira Express also moved in towards the inside from an outward draw and got behind the leader. The two youngsters got to fight for honours right through the last 400 metres and Jumeira Express forged ahead in the concluding stages to pull it off by a length. Brookwood was finishing on to rake the third spot ahead of Celtic Queen.

L.V.R.Deshmukh’s Astra (Phoenix Tower-Additive / Manjri Stud) made a comeback in the higher division of the Prince Pradeep Cup. After a good start from the innermost draw Astra settled back to fourth position when Dandelion, Fair And Square and Catherine rushed ahead. Inside the last 400 metres Astra got stronger under Suraj’s persistence and beat Fair And Square by three parts of a length. Egyptian Wind and Rock Heights finished third and fourth respectively.

D’Silva saddled his double through long-shot Camborne (Equitable –Ferrari) in the lower division. The favourite Aakash Vani shot to the front and cut a decent pace. Dandy Girl and Time Is Luck raced in close attendance followed by Camborne and the rest. Inside the last 300 metres Camborne was set alight from the outside and the 6 years old gelding that had not seen the winning post for over seventeen months covered ground and surged past Aakash Vani with 100 metres left from home. Sprint Legend finished third and Dublin fourth. Masti was a non-starter in the race.

Debutant Vallee Sceptre (Lord Admiral-Crown Sceptre) scored a rousing win in the lower division of the Republic Plate. The grey filly was a touch lethargic at start and found herself with the rear bunch initially. On entering the straight True Hymn was in front with News O’Star ranging from the outside and Asteria looking to make its move between the duo. Improving gradually all the way Vallee Sceptre came up widest of all on the straight and with a resolute gallop took charge and drew clear. Asteria  and True Hymn finished second and third respectively in a close finish. Rajneeti filled the frame.

Anupam Sharma trained Dhool Ka Phool (Royal Gladiator-Mount Rose) that had finished a suggestive second in its previous outing produced a rousing gallop to win the Chowmahalla Cup. Time To Climb went on a start to finish bid and was still in command passing the distance marker. Man Of The Series was up with a challenge followed by the favourite Cloud Dancer. As the race was getting to a boil Dhool Ka Phool devoured ground from behind and came charging to deny Time To Climb a win on the post. Man Of The Series was third a length away followed by Cloud Dancer.

Trainer Anupam Sharma and jockey Mukesh Kumar had combined earlier to win the opening event of the day, the Best Of Fun Plate with 15-1 shot Sher Afgan. Own Battle was in front all the way and was looking good inside the last 200 metres when Sher Afgan slipped in through the rails and forged ahead to pull it off by a little over a length. Golden Image and Surprise Party finished third and fourth respectively.

K.Satheesh trained Magical Skill (Ontario-Lenwade) that was winless from 13 starts finally came good to win the King’s Crown Plate. Yes Baby went on a start to finish bid and was still in command coming into the last 200 metres. Magical Skill racing in mid-field till the bend was pulled out on the outside to make a bid and the grey colt came tearing down to overhaul the front runners and register its maiden win by a good margin. Racing Ruler beat Yes Baby for the second place close home. Shivalik Arrow finished fourth.