Mega Top extends winning sequence

HYDERABAD

IT RAINED a couple of races before the A.P. Chief Minister's Cup on Sunday. But that made no difference to the result. For the writing was clear on the wall. Mega Top was the master of ceremonies again, hardly hassled, to lift this trophy from his two rivals. This was the fifth time that Mega Top had won the race by a distance. Can this be some sort of a record. Has there been any another equine with such a record in India? It would be interesting to delve in such statistics.

Artwork had the recurring view for the second time of finishing behind Cannon Baby the third runner in the small field. Trainer K. R. K. Raju if all goes smoothly, plans to run the grey in The Hindu Deccan Derby. With nothing to really push him at this centre, connections of Mega Top have decided to send this money spinner, the son of Topanoora, to Pune for a event at the end of October.

Visiting rider Y. S. Srinath rode a treble, two of them for trainer Rafaath Hussain in the first two events. After a close second to Rebounding Love in open company when the riding of Ganesh left much to be desired, Echo Star was back in his own age group in a maidens race. This son of Ilheus bred at the Dashmesh Stud was head and shoulders above the rest, with delicate ease he posted his first victory of his career. With his fluent action Echo Star is destined to go places in the future. Flying Bee is steadily improving with each run and could strike soon.

Impressive in his last race which he won over 1600m, Massive Attack added another mile race to his bag lifting the Tenacity Cup. This time the Rafaat tutored 3 year old did what was asked of him but somehow the accomplishment lacked punch. He may at this stage need a short break to restore himself. Spark was able to stay out the trip, shifting into runner up spot. The grey filly seems to relish the mile excursion.

Setting out on his own in the Prince of Berar Memorial Cup, Y. S. Srinath on the Deshmukh trained Tololing kept up her superb form to complete a hat-trick. Incidentally Mega Top was another to achieve this. Tololing has been skilfully placed in terms races in all her starts this season but eventually will have to go in for handicaps when she does not qualify for terms races. The large framed Okati Okati Okati strayed from a straight path as Reuben had difficulty in controlling her. She however rallied back to the rails and was seen to be finishing a close fourth.

The young and old won the two divisions of the Srisailam Plate. Artistic Tribute the 3 year old grey from the stable of K. S. V. Prasad Raju has the makings of a sound middle distance handicapper. Taking up from Ballad Dancer rounding the final turn, R. B. Shinde riding with his usual skill handled the opposition with a degree of comfort. A strong bid was made by Heavenly Blossom who came within a length, but the effort fizzled out. Bonne Fei with only his second outing, marched into the picture for the third position. She has indicated that her time has come for backers to take home some cash.

The older runner and top weight Ascot Leader proved that he is made of tough hide, carrying 60 kgs on his back, Imran Chisty excelled for sheer understanding and timing. He had the Imdad Jah owned 5 year old superbly balanced and that was the secret to his success as Ascot Leader in impeccable fashion steered ahead. Things were not so easy for the top weight as Oriza receiving 7- 1/2 kgs flashed on the scene but Imran Chisty and his brave horse battled to close the issue by a neck.

Knowing that a slight chance of slipping Fremont back to Cat III was all that was wanted, KSV Prasad Raju got the opportunity and the 6 year old received all the support from punters. RB Shinde sent the 6 year old on a free wheeling trip for the others to chase.

By winning this event the combination registered a pair for the day. Go On Go On is missing out in many of his runs. He is sure to strike with a bit of luck and right company that he could handle.

Law Minister was unfortunate to be amongst the back markers after the get-away. He had to journey round the field covering extra ground, eventually finishing fourth. With a more favourable position he can win next time. Although grounds were there for an objection when unfancied Royal Fantasy steered past Sugar Bank with ease, but the pressure made him roll in towards the latter, for Pawar to object but one could see that the incident would be thrown out and it was. For M.Pyaru it was his second win of the season. Royal Fantasy can win another encounter in her present mood.

On money Paramountcy started Saturday afternoon with a bang. A close second to Strathmore going down by a short head, Laxman Singh made sure of this victory giving the ride to the reliable RB Shinde. Factual ran a strenuous race when chasing Paramountcy but the latter who is one-paced steadily kept the pressure to win the 2000m. Factual is now ready to strike in longer events.

Like Mega Top and Tololing the D'Silva trained Anaheim a 3 year old filly, daughter of Young Senor/Gentle Spy completed a hat- trick when she carried away the K. M. Khan Memorial Gold Cup, a terms race over 1400m. In the same race Suvin a winner of two was also attempting for three in a row but Ganesh on Anaheim rode with supreme confidence to pick up the pace just 75 m from the wining post, edging ahead in style. Seranova who came third was fighting for her head in the early part while Clear Mandate ran a poor race being the best on terms. This race may have come too soon as he raced only last week.

It's one step at a time if you go by the steady progress shown by Pearl Wonder. First time third, in the next she came second and the final was on target. That's the moment carried by the Ramaswamy owned grey filly. With retained jockey K. Suresh out of action, the ride on Pearl Wonder went to K. Cariappa who made no fuss for an unlaboured victory. She should come out strongly in open company now that she is in winning form. Festival Match is not in his right trip. Watch him in longer events.

Last time when Sher-E-Babbar won for his owner Mr. Doulatram, Olympic Gold was expected to give a double on the same day but unfortunately bowed to Jamboo. That unfinished business was completed today. With three in the fight at one stage, Olympic Gold one of the three managed to squeeze out a narrow win under the composed handling of Ganesh, pushing back leader Turf Prince and Stylish Boy.

With the drop in weights Sir Tranquil in the wilderness, came flashing on the scene to fill the last berth on board. He is at the right mark for punters to have a gamble.

Feeling the new surroundings, Bonny Scot down to Cat III measured himself with ideal company to snatch a close race and lift the Regency Cup. Keeping clear off the fence, Bonny Scot was catching up with the front horses with every stride as Pawar timed his challenge to come within whispering distance to close the issue narrowly . Stablemate Royal Gift nosed out Chanks for the second place. The former can further add to the tally of K. R. K Raju when exploited next.

There was great relief and cheers all round when the ever trying filly Best of Class won her first race of her career. Owned by the one time Secretary of the Hyderabad Race Club and now Director of the Racing Academy, Mr. N. N. Reddy, Best of Class came good under the handling of M. Reuben. Many jockeys have tried to cajole the Tiajuana 4 year old into a winning gallop but all have failed. Apparently she has taken a liking to Reuben's handling coming through smoothly to lift a mile event. Trouvaille lost a distance at the start.

One should always give a racehorse all the opportunities to tackle various distances to know his/her capabilities. D. Netto gave that option to his 3 year old filly Vectra a maiden in Cat IV. Racing from sprint upwards, Vectra flexed her muscles today in a mile race that suited her ideally. She performed exceptionally well to prove her staying capabilities with a fine run to lift the prize money. Statesman who came third can be the upsetting factor next time at top weight in Cat IV.

ARIEN

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