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KARIEGA, TROUVAILLE REIGN SUPREME

By Mahendra Mallya | 17 Mar 2019 | MUMBAI


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Vishal Gaikwad trained Kariega (Kingda Ka – Smoke Ring, Nanoli Stud) had it easy and looked far superior of the six fillies while winning the Forbes Breeders’ Juvenile Fillies’ Championship (Gr3). Jockey P Trevor settled the filly in third behind leader Turaco and Éclair until into the straight. Free Gold, Thailand and Mishka’s Pride were following close behind. Neither Turaco nor Éclair offered any resistance as Kariega slipped past them along the inner rails. Mishka’s Pride rallied well while Free Gold shifted outward and an unsure PS Chouhan atop Thailand drifted out alongside Free Gold making his task even more difficult. Kariega was picked up as the winner half way down the straight as she galloped fluently all through the homestretch to eventually win by a good margin of four lengths. Mishka’s Pride showed a little bit of spark at the distance post, but could only manage to hold off Thailand to finish runner-up. 

The Shapoorji Pallonji Breeders’ Juvenile Colts’ Championship (Gr3) produced a similar trend with Sunderji trained Trouvaille (Surfrider – Highly Fashionable, Ruia Stud) too dominating his rivals and winning it with ease, spring just over four lengths at the wire. Jockey A Sandesh settled Trouvaille alongside Gallantry as Silver King and Beemer occupied the top two positions until the turn. 

Trouvaille quickened soon on entering the straight and picked up speed with every stride and soon drew away from the rest. This one too was a no-contest as none of the contenders could match Trouvaille at any stage. Southern Ruler was the best of the beaten lot and improved well to finish a faraway second. Gallantry had the chance but failed to get going and finished a tame third. 

Sandwiched between the two Juvenile championships was the J Rustomji Soparivala Trophy and Daddy’s Pride (Oath – Cannon Jet, Pratap Stud) unleashed a scorching finishing run to notch up his maiden win on his second outing. The finish to this race was crispy and exciting in the final furlong. Until then Warrior Clan looked good as he had a handy lead and was galloping at a good clip. However, Golden Guest started to pick up momentum past the distance post and was catching up fast. Daddy’s Pride warmed up nicely to gather speed and made quick progress to join the fight. Golden Guest had barely managed to put his neck in front, accounting for Warrior Clan when the Subhag Singh trainee, Daddy’s Pride arrived with a last ditch effort to successfully peg back Golden Guest and carve out a last stride victory with jockey PS Chouhan riding out skilfully to spoil the part for both, Golden Guest as well as Warrior Clan. Eddie the Eagle also ran a good fourth. Turmeric Tower disappointed. 

Flying Visit (China Visit – Ooh Aah Camera, Usha Stud) added a third career win and did so with authority while claiming the JP Vazifdar Trophy. The Imtiaz Siat trainee has been pleasingly consistent and he showed out once again. He settled well and early in the fourth position as Minstrel Heights darted to the front with Star Councillor and Auroden close behind. Flying Visit made steady progress past the 800m and was in striking position on turning for home. He cruised past Minstrel Heights to take charge and worked up good speed to build up an early advantage in the homestretch. Jockey A Sandesh had Flying Visit going at a steady clip and he was well clear coming into the final furlong. Flying Visit had the luxury of being eased up approaching the winning post and cruise past the wire comfortably ahead of the fast finishing Lorraine. Arc Shine worked hard to earn the place stakes. 

Notting Hill (Tariq – Pure Elation, Equus Stud) benefitted not only by going all guns blazing approaching the distance post but also from jockey Neeraj Rawal’s indecision about the passage to take at a crucial moment; and that helped Notting Hill thrive and build a handy cushion to hold on all the way past the post. 

Classicus led them into the straight with Articulate close behind. Notting Hill was moving up on the outside, while Augustus Caesar was right behind Articulate. Neeraj could have swung on the inside of Articulate, but in trying to go the other way, he got caught for room, had to check his mount and skirt around horses. That curbed his rhythm and the way Augustus Caesar finished on as fast as he did, he may have missed a good chance to score. Notting Hill galloped resolutely and capitalized on the unexpected opportunity to go all out and win the Racing World Trophy. Sullivan tried his best, but failed to make an impact. Augustus Caesar, once he got the clear run, arrived full of steam and finished a close second, breathing down the neck of Notting Hill. Sullivan ended third, a length away.

Noshir Cama’s Transform (Mull of Kintyre – Change Tack, Sohna Stud) won the opening race of he day in a dramatic fashion managing to win by the skin of his teeth. The 15 to 1 shot Silver Cap was galloping merrily in front and looked in good control until the last few strides. Transform was going all out and hard ridden by jockey PS Chouhan. Yet it looked a big ask for them to topple the free rolling Silver Cap. However, Transform inched closer in the final fifty and Chouhan’s determined riding and a stroke of good fortune ensured that Transform got the nod right and snatch victory on the very last stride. Silver Cap did everything right, but was unlucky to go down so narrowly. Wabi Sabi was in the hunt in the straight, but could not muster well enough and ended in the money. 

Veteran trainer SS Shah led-in Xoxo (Diffident – Cozumel, Yeravada Stud) in the last race of the day. Xoxo burst on to the scene in the business half of the straight where Faberge was in charge and giving it his all to stay in contention. Cracklin’ Rosie, Brothersofthewind, Golden Horde were all fighting it out when Xoxo flew past them and stormed into the lead. Wemaketherules and Golden Eclipse made a late bid, but none could catch up and Xoxo with jockey NS Parmar in the saddle, galloped away to win by just under two lengths from Cracklin’ Rosie, Wemaketherules and Golden Eclipse finishing on together.