India's wonder horse, the McDowell Signature Indian Derby hero Be Safe fended off the stiff challenge of the leading female Amazing Grace and last year's winner Alaindair in the Omkar Indian Turf Invitation Cup at Mahalakshmi Race Course on Saturday.
But they were all engaged in a futile battle for the minor placings as Quasar, first into the straight, extended his strides and simply would not be caught!
Late on a warm afternoon, a decent-sized field of seven four-year-olds and four older runners lined up in front of the grandstand. Once stalled, Quasar was the first to signal his intentions, followed by Agostini, who soon assumed command.
Be Safe, who could be seen to be cruising on tight reins towards the rear of the field, made his move at the top of the straight but was soon seen to be in trouble as he had too much to do.
Once let loose, the champion lengthened his strides and mowed down most of his opposition but failed to peg back Quasar by a neck. Amazing Grace finished third, 2-1/4 lengths in arrears, with Alaindair fourth, a further 1-3/4 lengths behind. The time recorded by Mr. Jaydev Modi's victorious gelding was a peppy 2:28.73.
Trained to perfection by Mallesh Narredu, Be Safe was ridden by his son, Yash. Like the last two winners of this race, he was bred in Haryana and became the second winner of this event to emerge from the Hazara Stud, after Tintinnabulation in 2013.
Earlier, the Maj. P.K. Mehra Memorial Super Mile saw Zachary underlining the brilliance of Be Safe by annexing this rich prize. Earlier in the current season, Be Safe had simply toyed with Zachary in the ABV Nucleus Indian 2000 Guineas.
Agitation by disgruntled punters delayed the start of the Deltin Casinos Stayers’ Cup which concluded the day's sport. In near darkness, favoured Tiger Tops and Authentic were fighting it out when last year's winner Astapi came with a wet sail to repeat.
