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SPRING GROVE WINS WELCOME TROPHY

By Mahendra Mallya | 27 Nov 2020 | MUMBAI


Trainer M K Jadhav leading Spring Grove (N S Parmar Up), winner of The Welcome Trophy

The long wait for racing action in Pune finally ended with the horses making a grand reappearance on the race track. It was a weird feeling though as the stands were empty, the noise absent, no hustle and bustle and it certainly was not ‘business as usual’ as the bookmakers' ring wore a deserted look. Nevertheless, for the owners especially, this was an occasion to celebrate to see their wards doing what they enjoy most – racing on the turf!

Altaf Hussain trained Sultan Suleiman (Arazan – Saffron Dancer, Poonwalla Stud) clinched the Class II Abeeta Plate in a fighting finish, thus getting back to winning ways. 

Barack hit the front with Mystic Bay and Sultan Suleiman right on his tail. Kildare was at the rear of the front bunch all through but progressed well in the straight. Barack ran out of gas soon on turning for home and Mystic Bay took charge early. Sultan Suleiman, ridden by Akshay Kumar, started to inch closer but was not finding it easy as Mystic Bay was giving it his all to stay ahead. It was in the last couple of strides that Sultan Suleiman produced that bit of extra bit to surge past Mystic Bay and score a much needed victory. Mystic Bay fought well and emerged a gallant second. Kildare, although never seemed in the hunt, finished on fastest finishing a commendable third. 

Deepesh Narredu saddled Giant Star (Excellent Art – Sweeping Star, Poonawalla Stud) showed signs that he is gearing up for further glories with an effortless victory in a decent set. Giant Star ambled leisurely behind Fleur De Lys, Sunrise Ruby and Mount Moriah. Just before the turn Western Front dislodged the rider, but fortunately none were affected. Jockey Yash Narredu had to skirt around horses in the straight and he tackled the fighting duo of Sunrise Ruby and Mount Moriah with ease to sail past and post a comfortable victory. Sunrise Ruby held on for the second spot slightly a length ahead of Mount Moriah.   

Malesh Narredu trained Leopard Rock (Kingda Ka – Besame Mucho, Nanoli Stud) scored an authoritative victory thrashing the opposition by over four lengths. Sitting right up on the tail of early leader Pepper until the turn, Leopard Rock shot ahead soon on straightening up. Jockey Yash Narredu opened up throttle and Leopard Rock leapt away, stretching out fluently to snuff out any possible challenge. Costa Rica did well to make a late rally to pip Powerful Lady for the runner-up berth. For a rookie on her first attempt, Costa Rica had a good outing and should go one better sooner than later. 

Spring Grove (Canford Cliff – Winged Diva, Nanoli Stud) was fortunate to pull off a sensational victory by the proverbial whisker. The MK Jadhav trainee shot past the runners to hit the front soon on settling down. Enigma on the other hand had a wall of horses in front and was way behind as the field of twelve were taking the turn. To Spring Grove’s credit, the filly galloped on gamely and never dropped her guard kicking away at a good clip. Fuhrer, Rays of Sun and Aegon were a tad green and shifted out, there by hampering Enigma approaching the distance post. Spring Grove benefitted on the handy lead even as Enigma picked up blazing speed to come at her firing on all cylinders. The winning post came to the rescue of the winner and Enigma can count herself unlucky not to have hit the mark. Fuhrer and Aegon picked up the minor slots. 

Belenus (Arazan – Lovely Kiss, Poonawalla stud) from the Todywalla stables galloped on start to finish to score a thrilling win. She led them into the straight and kicked away nicely but there was threat brewing behind as Monk started to close in. Benelus showed enough resolve to ward off the challenger and score her second career win. Monk ended a good second and will live to fight another day. Dreams ran on to finish in the money. 

In the lower division Ms Boss (Varenar – Eubee, Equus Stud) got the measure of the rest under the able guidance of jockey Sandesh. The Sanjay Kolse ward took off well from the gates but settled behind Mount Olympus until into the straight. Once into the homestretch, Sandesh pushed ahead and accelerated nicely to race away from Mount Olympus to notch up a comfortable victory by over three lengths. Beemer rallied from behind but could not get past Mount Olympus and had to be content with the third spot. 

Himmat Singh trained Sandalphon (Serious Spender – Sans Pareil, Kunigal Stud) finally opened his account on his 19th start. He was not far from action as Araban Storm led them into the straight. Ame made a lively bid to take charge but Sandalphon slipped in through the rails with a sustained gallop and thwarted the bid made by Ame with a margin at that. Ame missed a chance as he looked good until beaten. Arabian Storm kept the third place well ahead of Caesar.

Whispering Queen (Chinese Whisper – Desert Queen, Tohna Stud) from Ivor Fernandes’ stables, caught the others unawares and added to her solitary win warding off Thea’s Pet and Red Fire. Apprentice jockey AS Peter settled the mare well and made his move only after the turn. Bohemian guided the field in and faded out. Whispering Queen came on the outside and fought a couple of strides with Thea’s Pet before surging ahead to post a win in the opening race of the season. Thea’s Pet ran on to take the second spot while Red Fire came from behind to finish in the money. 

For the professionals, jockeys A Sandesh and Yash Narredu scored a double each.