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SALAZAAR WINS THE CHAMUNDI MILLION

By Mirror Image | 27 Dec 2017 | MYSORE


Trainer Irfan Ghatala leading Salazaar (Suraj Narredu Up), winner of The Chamundi Million

Irfan Ghatala trained Salazaar (Burden of Proof-Saddle Star / Kunigal Stud) trounced the opposition in the Chamundi Million, a terms race for horses 4 years old at Mysore. Salazaar, the South India Derby winner had won the Golconda St. Leger at Hyderabad recently and was installed as the favourite for the 2000 metres trip. For the U.R.B.B. Silks it was more than a ‘Million’ as Azzurro sporting the ‘White, black V’ colours rallied to take the runner-up berth.

Booker Jones set the ball rolling right from the start followed by Phelps, Sagrada, Salazaar and the rest. Azzurro was a touch slow at start and was gradually improving towards the rear. As they came into the home stretch Booker Jones held forte for a short while but was no match when Suraj Narredu brought Salazaar to a gallop. The chestnut colt breezed past effortlessly and headed towards the winning post even as Azzurro covered ground from the rear to beat Booker Jones for the second place. Sagrada completed the frame.

Manjri Stud bred Garrison (Phoenix Tower-Gobelin) made a winning start to his career in the Avalanche Star Plate. Garrison was settled nicely behind the speedy Beat The Odds right from the start by Trevor and when asked to quicken on entering the straight the gelding was seen stretching out like a seasoned campaigner and won easily. Orenda was finishing on to be second ahead of Beat The Odds and should be the one for the ‘note book’ when saddled next. Black Horse completed the frame.

  Tremendous (Sedgefield-Delectable Baby / Jai Govind Stud), owned and trained by C.V.G.K. Kishore that had missed out a fortnight ago came good to lift the division I of the Dr. M.N. Doreswamy Memorial Cup. Amazing Safari went on a start to finish bid and was looking good entering the straight. Tremendous, racing in about fourth or fifth till the top of the straight started to bridge the gap and with jockey Arshad Alam riding vigorously managed to collar the front runner in the dying stages of the race. Zidaan was a faraway third followed by Abderous.

M. Bobby trained Bestow (Mr Mellon-Regal Fantasy / Ruia Stud) who was seen finishing on in recent runs put up a winning gallop in the lower division. Nikka led from the start and brought them into view on the straight. Bestow racing with the bunch began to raise a gallop and despite tending to lean in a bit, had enough legs to surge past the leader. Amaris and Venus Star charged in late to finish second and third respectively, pushing back Nikka into fourth place.

V. Loknath trained Ultimate Warrior (Serious Spender- Arizza / Kunigal Stud) scored an encore in the division I of the Planters Plate. Apprentice R.N. Darshan did well to get the gelding to chase Cantabria from the start and mid way up the straight took over the running and drew clear. Cantabria stayed on in second followed by Princeazeem and Clouds. Psychic Warrior and Fire Rainbow were non-starters in the race. It was a keen duel between Perfecto and Astrild right through the final furlong in the lower division and the latter with some hard riding by Y.S. Srinath scraped through by a short-head. As Good As It Gets went on a start to finish bid and led till approaching the distance post. Astrild (Arazan-Sea Queen / Poona Stud) and Perfecto picked up speed at the same juncture and surged to the front. With both of them matching strides for the rest of the journey, Rajendra Singh trained filly held out at the wire. Intrepid Warrior finished third and As Good As It Gets fell back to fourth.

P.C.Tejaswi trained Amazing Beauty (Sussex-Hundred Flowers / Pratap Stud) won the division II of the Mangalagangotri Plate. The 4 years old filly disputed the lead with Roi Junior till the last 300 metres and surging ahead thereafter drew clear. Honey Wen Money, Coffee Time and Vroom Vroom filled the frame in that order. Italian Stallion was a non-starter in the race.

C. Girinath trained Oceana (Glory Of Dancer-Untold Story / Manjri Stud) came good to win the division I. Racing a handy third behind Ayahuasca and Flaming Spear, Oceana picked up momentum inside the last 200 metres and sped past. The strongly supported Durer came charging down towards the finish but Oceana was safely home by a short neck. Flaming Spear finished third and raised an unsuccessful objection against the winner for coming in and bumping in the final 100 metres. Heidrun was fractious in the gates and was withdrawn on veterinary grounds.