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San Siro Survives Objection

By Pearcey | 23 Jan 2008 | MYSORE


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Ranjeet trained San Siro was an easy winner of an eventful Rajkumari Leelavathi Devi Memorial Cup, the main event in Wednesday's card at Mysore. It all started with Bold Promise and Eona being installed as joint favourites by the bookmakers. Both had a fair following till it was announced that Bold Promise had been withdrawn on veterinary grounds. There was a rush towards the bookmakers ring, as everybody wanted to back Eona. In the meantime Blazing Sun dropped his rider and ran riderless before being withdrawn, leaving only seven to face the starter. Ultimately Eona closed as a half money favourite and was taken to the front by De Souza, who was making his debut at the Mysore Race Club. Eona was running clear of the field when Krishnan on San Siro made a forward surge from the rear. There was a brief duel in the last furlong and the two horses made contact with each other. Thereafter, San Siro strode away from the favourite and won easier than the official verdict. De Souza raised the expected objection, but it was quite evident that the skirmish did not warrant any change in the judge's placing. The objection was rightly overruled. Dancers Wave finished a faraway third. Brazilian De Souza had four fancied rides in the day’s card. He won on two of them, and had to be content with the runner-up berth on the others. He started the day’s proceedings by taking Bellezza on a start to finish mission, and finally easing her up to win by many lengths from a late finishing Mahseer and Princess Chand. The favourite Urban Legend finished last of twelve runners. His second victory was astride Pujar trained Mount Royale. This was a fabulous effort on a horse, who had no initial speed and was last into the straight. De Souza kept him on an even keel and produced an amazing gallop in the straight to nail Demanding, who had taken over the running at that stage. Early leader Dare You Say plodded on to hold third place from a fast finishing Artistic Way. His last ride for the day was on Battle Honour. This eight year old was seen sporting heavy bandages and was taking on a younger and fitter World Peace. The contest was unequal, as Appu drove World Peace to a popular victory over Battle Honour. Pure Gold was a close third ahead of a heavily whipped Worth A Gold. Appu was associated with another easy victory on Pradeep trained On Call. This recent migrant from western India was looking a picture in the paddock, and with fairly good form to back his claims was supported accordingly. Appu was a mute spectator, as On Call lengthened her strides and retired as an easy winner. In her present form, she can defy the handicapper and win another couple of races. The day saw the apprentice boys coming to the rescue of the Mysore Race Club. In a bid to sabotage racing, there was a call from the Jockey's Association to all its members to refuse riding at Mysore. The association felt that the supervision was getting very tight, and the offenders were unable to escape the vigilant eyes of the Mysore authorities. Not to be perturbed, the stewards of the MRC went ahead with the days card which saw more than 70% horses being ridden by apprentice boys. It was a proud moment for these youngsters when they won three of the eight races during the afternoon. Vinod Shinde was outstanding amongst them, booting home two winners. He rode Miami Gold and Sandokan to overdue victories. Both of them were handled confidently, and won with a measure of comfort. Apprentice Gowli on Buddy persevered with his mount, and proved to all present that racing is a sport of uncertainties. He lost many lengths at the start, and was a detached last as they entered the straight. This young boy did not give up, put his head down and continued to push Buddy with hand and heels. To his delight, he was able to pick the front runners one by one and emerge victorious by a short head. Appu and De Souza rode popular doubles in the day’s card. Apprentice Vinod Shinde combined effectively with trainer Tejaswi and they were successful in landing a brace of winners.