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CASTLEBRIDGE ON ITS OWN IN THE MYSORE 2000 GUINEAS

By Mirror Image | 04 Oct 2017 | MYSORE


Mr Ronak J Kimmane & trainer Bharath Singh leading Castlebridge (Suraj Narredu Up), winner of The Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club Mysore 2000 Guineas (Gr.3)

Kunigal Stud bred Castlebridge (Burden of Proof- Castle Queen) trained by Bharath Singh kept its tryst in the second Classic of the season, the Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club Mysore 2000 Guineas (Gr.3) on Wednesday. Castlebridge was sent off as money back favourite among the six runners for the conventional mile trip and the son of Burden of Proof cut a fast timing that was fractionally above the course record in spite of the saddle on its back shifting forward. It was another important curve in jockey Suraj Narredu’s career graph, winning his 50th Classic title.

Castlebridge shot to the front as the gates opened and drew away from the rest in a fast gallop. Nearing the half way stage Suraj was shocked to fell his saddle shifting forward and was quick to slow down the pace. The bay colt continued to dictate terms on entering the straight even after the unfortunate happening and trounced the opposition. Turf Star beat the rest of them followed by Megadthenes and Ascendent. Mauritania was withdrawn on veterinary grounds.

Suraj was at the receiving end in the Justice P.Medappa Memorial Trophy, unable to drive home the favourite Krieger over the sprint trip. Imtiaz Khan trained Side Winder (Total Gallery-Desert Sunrise / Bishan Stud) was off to a flurry as the gates opened and Krieger settled in second. Inside the last 300 metres Side Winder continued to kick on even as Suraj took the stick out on Krieger and stayed on well by a length at the finish. Clever Trick was a faraway third followed by Phelps. The start of the race was delayed after Topspot was fractious in the gates and bolted riderless. Taqdeer Ka Badshah was also withdrawn after playing up in the gates.

It was a memorable day for trainer Imtiaz Khan, saddling three winners. Masada and Mischief Flyer were the other two victors from the stable. Masada (Top Class-Lady Escort / Mukteshwar Stud) won the Alekona Trophy but Suraj had to work hard to earn that. Masada was the smartest out of the gates and then fought for its head with Imitation Game in the initial stages before settling in second. As they started to take the final turn Masada made a quick move and grabbed the lead. Flirting Eyes started to chase and Srinath was at his ‘hardest’ in trying to get the filly past the leader. Masada and Suraj Narredu went past the winning post a length ahead of Flirting Eyes with Back Of Beyond chasing the duo closely and finishing third. Imitation Game fell back to take the fourth spot.

Mischief Flyer (Total Gallery-Wahy / Badal Stud) that ran unplaced in the first three starts showed tremendous improvement to open its account in the division I of the Meerut Plate. Jumping out smartly from an outward draw Mischief Flyer settled quickly in third behind Cashmere and High Hawk. Inside the last 400 metres jockey T.S. Jodha started to work hard on Mischief Flyer and the gelding galloped well to grab the lead and staved off the challenge of the favourite Calico King who came diminishing the lead towards the finish but found the top weight to be a stopper .  Happy Hours and Air Of Distinction finished third and fourth respectively.

S.M. Johnson trained Benedetta (Rebuttal-Empress Jessie / Hazara Stud) ridden by Y.S.Srinath won the Margrove Estate Trophy and survived an objection by the runner-up. Racing a handy third behind Spinning Chakram and Kir Royale, Benedetta surged ahead with 300 metres from home. Be Bold moved to second and was up with a strong challenge. With Benedetta drifting out of the straight course, Be Bold also moved out. Benedetta spared three parts of a length to Be Bold at the finish and the rider of the latter took an objection against Srinath for taking his ground. The Stewards after viewing the replay overruled the claim. Excelonce did well to place third ahead of Kir Royale. Arak was a non-starter in the race.

Sharath Kumar trained Perfectgoldenera ( Total Gallery-Blazing Rhythm / Badal Stud) scored a maiden win in the lower division of the Meerut Plate. The 4 year old gelding was strongly supported despite being allotted the widest draw. Perfectgoldenera was a bit lethargic as the gates opened but was brushed up soon to be with the front bunch. Passing the 300 metres board on the straight Grey Hound took charge from the relentless Universal Law. The grey was joined by Perfectgoldenera from the outside and after a keen duel right through the final furlong, surged ahead to spare a neck at the finish. Emancipation finished third in front of As Good As It Gets.

Jockey S.John rode trainer C. Girinath’s Malkia ( Glory Of Dancer-Rubyanne / Nanoli Stud) to a comfortable win in the Hogenakal Plate. John was quick to bring the 7 years old mare from an outward draw towards the inner path and settle well in third. Entering the straight Malkia surged ahead and travelled easily even as Flash Time made a futile bid. Felix Legion and Sans Frontieres finished third and fourth respectively.