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COUNT OF SAVOY WINS HERITAGE CUP

By Mahendra Mallya | 27 Feb 2022 | HYDERABAD


Trainer S K Sunderji leading Count of Savoy (R Ajinkya up), winner of The Heritage Cup

Count of Savoy (Roderic O’connor – Lombardia) trained by Sunderji, signed off his winter campaign with a resounding victory, his third for the season in five starts at Hyderabad. He had also finished a close second in the Golconda 2000 Guineas (Gr2) thus capping a successful season and earning a well-deserved rest.

Jockey Ajinkya settled Count of Savoy up in the front bunch in the fourth spot and had Nightmare on his inside while following the leading pair Peaky Blinders and Beauty Flame closely. These four took all the slots in the frame, not letting the others get past them.

Peaky Blinders and Beauty Flame fought neck and neck until Count of Savoy decided to unleash his final run. Count of Savoy was a tad erratic, but jockey Ajinkya was quick to get him into the flow and then shot past the fighting duo to seal the race in the final furlong. Nightmare put in a late dash to snatch the runner-up slot from Peaky Blinders, while Beauty Flame ended a close fourth.

Ravindra Singh trained Beauty Blaze (Top Class – Lady in the Sky) looked the fittest of the lot as she trounced the opposition to score an impressive victory on debut. Settling in third behind front running Lights On and Malibu produced a good burst midway down the straight to simply draw away in the final furlong. She shifted gears swiftly when jockey Nikhil asked her to get going and although she ran a wee bit green, she soon found her rhythm and tore away from Malibu to win by close to seven lengths. Kancha improved positions to finish an improving third.

The Akhanda (Declaration of War – Parade Queen) was another one to achieve maiden success. The 5/2 favourite had to fight off a determined bid of Lady Di. These two were racing together most of the way as Jack Daniel guided the field into the homestretch. While Virangna and Everglades could not pick up, The Akhanda quickened well and soon collared the front runners. Lady Di also accelerated smoothly and arrived with a big challenge. The Akhanda fought hard to stay ahead even as Lady Di came up alongside. Jockey Ashhad Asbar was relentless as was The Akhanda and they managed to stave off Lady Di to carve out a closely fought maiden victory. Lady Di fell short by half a length but ran a good race too. Carnival Lady was the fastest of the rest as she improved considerably in the straight to finish in the money. Survivor too progressed in the straight to take the fourth spot.

Star Babe (Top Class – Bold Babe) from Sequeira’s yard, scored her second win of the season and third overall in a clinical fashion. She was up with the front running Royal Pal and looked ready to strike at the business end. Jockey Rohit got her to accelerate smoothly once they were well into the straight and then dashed ahead to build a handy lead. Favourite NRI Sun didn’t start well and was tailing the field for most of the journey. He gained considerable ground in the straight and finished on with a powerful burst. But that was not going to be enough to get even close to Star Babe who was in full flight. Star Babe won by a margin of two lengths eventually with NRI Sun finishing next best. Long Time leader Royal Pal did well to finish in the money.

Long-shot Costello (Total Gallery – Summer Express) grabbed his last chance for the season to achieve his maiden success before switching off to rest. Costello mustered very well once in the straight and easily moved up from third to challenge leader Malaala. Favourite Flying Scotsman got caught between runners and could not get going when he ideally would have liked to. The precious seconds he lost cost him dearly and he finished in the rut.

Costello meanwhile finished on well and built a handy lead over Malaala. Pacific Command produced a fast finishing run, but had too much ground to cover in the final 150 meters or so, but Costello, with jockey Naresh astride, kicked on well to ward off Pacific Command and win by half a length. Pacific Command too was too far back until the turn, thereby losing a good opportunity to score. Soul Empress improved positions to finish in the money.

On-money favourite Nolan (Surfrider – Dancing Jessie) from Sunderji’s yard had it easy in the last race of the day. Sitting up in fourth about two lengths behind leader Silk until into the straight, jockey Ajinkya improved steadily to challenge Silk approaching the distance post. Nolan was swift in changing gears and he shot past Silk effortlessly and looked the winner the moment he was in charge. He cruised to a four-length victory, following up on his maiden win earlier this month. Salisbury rallied from the last position and slipped through the rails to finish a commendable second. Top In Class too came from the back to take third place. Laurus was never in the hunt as was wayward in the first half of the races and then racing wide turning for home took away his chances of making it count after his fine debut victory.

For the professionals, trainer SK Sunderji and jockey R Ajinkya combined to score a double.