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ETOSHA WINS AMATHOS TROPHY

By Ikram Khan | 18 Mar 2022 | BANGALORE


Trainer Neil Darashah leading Etosha (S Zervan Up), winner of The Amathos Trophy

The well-backed Etosha from Neil Darashah's yard powerfully piloted by leading pro Zervan provided Neil a reason to smile. The talented colt was rated highly by his trainer and the smart performer produced a heartwarming effort at the all-important end to edge out Peyo in the Amathos Trophy. Last start winner Tactical Command finished a creditable third while Southern Dynasty from Ganapathy's yard, who was expected to be involved in the finish failed to display his true potential and only managed to complete the frame. The winner make no mistake has tremendous scope for improvement and his progress in summer is certain to evoke keen interest. 

The Sulaiman Attaollahi schooled Remontoir was backed to the exclusion of his seven rivals in the Hornadu Plate run over a distance of seven furlongs. The strongly backed public choice piloted by leading pro Akshay Kumar stole a march approaching the distance post and looked set to pull of a successful coup before Scribbling Hopper from trainer Prasanna Kumar's yard piloted by Dhanu Singh Deora produced a sprakling gallop in the final furlong to snuff out the challenge of the top fancy and romp home a deserving winner. Scribbling Hopper too was fancied quietly and sweetly by the right connections and on this day he spoilt Sulaiman's party, who is looking to add to his tally to edge out Arjun Manglorkar in the Champion Trainer's race. All credit to Prasanna who confidently asked his owner friend Manoj Kumar owner of the winner, who had returned on that day from Sri Lanka to make it to the course and lead in his winner. Manoj made it and so too Scribbling Hopper to the delight of Prasanna.

Earlier, the favourite Super Gladiator from trainer Azhar Ali's yard proved too good for his eight rivals in the opening event, the lower division of the Brahmani Plate run over a distance of seven furlongs. The favourite piloted in copybook style by Ashhad Asbar looked a picture of fitness at the parade ring and Asbar didn't really need to move pack punch, the winner cruising home in effortless style, Super Gladiator on the strength of this success is certain to score again if his connections choose to race him at the start of the summer season. Altamonte from Inayathullah's yard gained the runner-up berth ahead of Happy Dancing. 

Benediction from M R Singh's yard surprised most producing a winning gallop in the hands of Umesh to win the Kumudavathi Plate in pulse-pounding finish from the second in demand at the betting ring, Aceros piloted by top gun Trevor Patel. The favourite The Response from Sharath Kumar's yard performed like a dud and all he did was  take a lot of good money down the drain. Last start winner Ultimate Striker finished third ahead of Thunderstruck who appears to have improved. 

The Satish Narredu schooled See My Heels justified her top billing in the Chitravathi Plate run over a sprint. The winner tracked Sensational Grey all the way upto the final curve before seizing the initiative and comfortably pegging back the challenge of Memoriter and Copper Sunrise. 

Augusto from trainer Irfan Ghatala's yard was medium of a big gamble in the concluding event, the upper division of the Brahmani Plate and despite failing to gain a favourable position early on in the seven furlong event, Augusto in the hands of Ahsan Qureshi produced an astounding gallop in the final 100 metres to overhual the leader Force Assault close home. Lifeisamiracle shifted out at a crucial juncture and with that lost all her chances and had to rest content with the third spot.