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VIJAY VIRAAJ LIFTS THE STEWARDS CUP IN A THRILLER

By Madhukar Bhagawan | 27 Aug 2017 | HYDERABAD


Trainer L V R Deshmukh leading Vijay Viraaj (Praveen Gaddam Kumar Up), winner of The Stewards Cup

In a pulsating finish that brought the entire grand stand to the edge of their seat when L.V.R.Deshmukh trained Vijay Viraaj (Jermy-Linette / Capricon Stud) literarily snatched the race from Ashwa Raftar on the post in the Stewards Cup at Hyderabad. Kolors headed the field from the start and brought them into the straight. Ashwa Raftar grabbed the lead approaching the 300 metres and stepped up the pace to establish a good lead. Vijay Viraaj, the only one rated above 100 in the field braced the rear bunch till the top of the straight and slipped in through the shortest way. Vijay Viraaj inched closer as the winning post neared and surprised Ashwa Raftar with a final heave at the wire. That’s My Darling and Alameda filled the frame in that order.

Trainer Laxman Singh’s Aroganda Princess (Whatsthescript-Reforest) went on a start to finish bid to lift the P.M. Bokdawala Memorial Cup. The smartest out of the gates, Aragonda Princess rushed to the front to lead them. Inside the last 200 metres Royal Dynamite and Like Wise were up with a challenge but Aragonda Princess kicked on to the post despite veering out of the straight course towards the closing stages.

Laxman Singh had earlier sent out debutante After Eight (Mull Of Kintyre-Yarastar) to register a fine win in the race for maiden 3 year olds, the division I of the Chaitanya Chakram Cup.  The youngster was sent off as an on-money favourite for the 1100 metres dash in which the use of whips was barred. The start was a bit sluggish for After Eight but the bay colt was quick to move up from around the field to be well up with the front runners. On entering the straight After Eight surged ahead of Cannon Dear and stretched out easily. The fight was for the minor places with Sharp Eye edging out Fabulous Art for the second place. Glorious Grey finished fourth.

Jockey Akshay Kumar and apprentice Sk. Rafique had a profitable day riding out a treble each. Ahshay started the day with Marina Del Rey in the opener and added Moon Walker and Nelly to his list. L.D’Silva trained Marina Del Rey (Mull Of Kintyre-Algorithms / Sohna Stud) opened her account in the division II of the Chaitanya Chakram Cup. The filly was on the haunches of the leader Heaven Can Wait before approaching the final bend and Asshay was on the job as they turned for home. Marina Del Rey shot ahead and stretched clear. Good Strike and Free Eagle passed the post in a close finish for the minor places. Rose Petal ended up fourth.

Moon Walker (Noverre-Special Quest) from trainer K. Satheesh’s stables had run a suggestive third in the last run and the 5 years old having benefitted by that lung opener beat the field in the Democracy Plate. Racing a close third even as the race favourite Princess Ballerina called the shots, Moon Walker ranged up from the outside and sped past, approaching the last 200 metres. Bouncer in the same colours as that of the winner rallied on in second followed by Roi’s Cruise and Princess Ballerina.

Nelly (Opportunist-Galloping Fantasy) made it to the winner’s circle in the division I of the Khammam Plate. The 5 year old from trainer Arjun Anne’s yard ran close behind Great Glory till the last 400 metres and surged ahead to grab the lead. Golden Joy came up strongly in the final furlong but Akshay rode out relentlessly to stay ahead by three parts of a length.  Princess and Sefarina finished third and fourth respectively in a photo finish.

Apprentice Rafique Sk showed his talent on Raja Hindustani, Pamella and Devine Heights. N.Ravinder Singh trained Raja Hindustani (Chevalier-Radical Velocity) won the Elusive Hero Cup beating Prime Time in a photo finish. Prime Time started to dispute the lead with Composure right from the top of the straight and drew clear approaching the last 200 metres. Raja Hindustani that ran in about third last till turning for home improved position gradually from the clear path on the inside and with a strong finish nailed Prime Time in the shadow of the winning post. Supurinto and Shakesphere finished third and fourth respectively, in a close finish.

Sk Kassam trained Pamella (Princely Heir-Allocate) who had run poorly just a week ago showed plenty of speed to make every post a winning one in the division II of the Khammam Plate. Cashel was in hot chase in the last 200 metres and lost the runner-up bert to the late finishing Dawning Hope.

K.S.V.Prasad Raju trained Devine Heights (Roi Maudit-Ceebros) scored a surprise win in the division 3 of the Khammam Plate. The filly came out smartly from the gates and started to track the leader Yes Baby. On entering the straight apprentice Rafique started to goad Divine Heights to grab the lead and kicked on to score an easy victory. Old Fathful, Racing Ikon and Yes Baby filled the frame in that order.