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Stayers Cup has its own thrill and spills

By Sharan Kumar | 05 Mar 2005 | BANGALORE


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The Poonawalla Stud Farms Stayer`s Cup (Gr.1) race has held its own fascination though the race does not attract a big field if only because the present Indian breeding is oriented towards producing sprinter-milers. Despite the fact that the race lacks in glamour as compared to the other Grade I races programmed over the Invitation Cup weekend, the Stayers Cup has produced thrills and spills and has its own special appeal. The race which is a real test of stamina as also the ability to retain some speed even while gasping at the finish has seen some outstanding performers like Ardilles who have won the event back to back. The horses which are likely to make a strong presence in the race are Adolfito, Star of Windsor, Brown Sugar, Obligado & Annapolis from Hyderabad. Mumbai’s challenge will be spearheaded by last year’s Invitation Cup winner Simply Supreme. Simply Supreme is yet to win a race after the heady success of last year in the Invitation Cup. However, since the terms of the race are quite favorable, he can be a force to reckon with. Jaggy Dhariwal trained Adolfito is an outstanding stayer and has performed brilliantly right through his career, the win in the Gr 1 President of India Gold Cup being his stellar achievement. In the previous year he lost the Golconda St.Leger, by a whisker to the celebrated Zurbaran. Adolfito is in good nick as evidenced by his carrying a back-breaking load of 64 kgs remarkably in the Stayers Trial Stakes at Bangalore where the lack of a race run went against him. The son of Tejano is stoutly bred to stay and the longer the better it is for him. It will take some doing for the others in the fray to outstay him as he is bound to enjoy the underfoot conditions at Chennai which allows for greater scope for front-running horses like him given the dryness of the track. Baffert from Bangalore has maintained his form and fitness and if he reproduces the sparkle that he showed at his home centre, he deserves a following. Brown Sugar is a game performer but unfortunately his career had been interrupted by a tendon injury sustained while winning the Deccan Derby two years ago. He has recovered remarkably and won a race over a mile and a quarter, edging out Obligado in a close finish. His legs have stood up to training well and if they continue to do so, he is a strong contender. Obligado has been a consistent performer though his best has been reserved for the Mysore track. He has the ability to stay the grueling trip of 3000 metres but it may cut his effectiveness. As such, despite his ability, he may find it tough to last out against some proven stayers. Star of Windsor was the fastest finishing horse in the Stayers Trial Stakes at Bangalore. The son of Steinbeck should relish the trip and make his mark. Hyderabad’s Annapolis has been consistent without carrying any hype about her but she should make things hot for the favourites.