Native Tactics wins a close race

HYDERABAD

WINNER OF both the Guineas races at Malakpet this season, Dr. Ramaswamy owned Starry Scene held sway in the betting for the Qutab Shahi Cup a terms event over 1600m. The other one to appeal in the six horse field was the bottom weight Native Tactics from Darius Byramji's stable. With the calculation of penalties Starry Scene was giving a whopping 12 kgs to the year older Native Tactics. This sort of give away weight advantage is a stiff task when you are up against quality runners.

The time of 1 min.42 sec indicated the slow nature of the race as KPG Appu on Starry Scene decided to take matters in hand from the start. The Mukaddamah filly was in full flight in the straight as her supporters were already licking their fingers in anticipation. C. Alford on Native Tactics was busy getting the 5 year old mare, take the shorter route. A few slaps of the reins down the neck got Native Tactics range alongside the leader, both Appu and Alford held their positions but the latter taking full advantage of the weight difference got the measure of Starry Scene in the last 50m to stretch out by 3/4 length and lift the prestigious cup for Deepak Khaitan. It would not be out of place to mention the brave effort put in by Starry Scene who knuckled under in the closing stages. Both these horses were 6-1/2 lengths ahead of third placed Cordon Rose.

The 4 year old Adjure Syndic, a Sizzling Melody/ Adjaiyba grey gelding, seems unstoppable. Winning has become a habit with him. He has never looked back after his maiden win on June 10 during the Bangalore Summer meeting. Another two victories in the monsoon season, followed by three wins this winter. In all six winners on the trot. This Vatsalya runner gained his seventh win in a row when lifting the Umraolal Gupta Memorial Cup. Bette Noir who came from behind edged out Cannon Fire for the second place.

Somewhat in the same vein a race earlier Mega Top is also proving a smasher for Mr. S. Rangarajan. His wins have also been achieved by widening margins. This Topanoora/ U Minor chestnut gelding made mincemeat of his five rivals in a Cat II terms race over 1600m. It was a joy ride for Appu who was motionless in the saddle to win by eight lenghts. Even venturing into handicap races in Cat I would not be difficult for this gelding who has a few races up his sleeves.

Due to her fractious behaviour in the gates Clarence the favourite in the opener got injured and was withdrawn from the race. A definite improvement after his last start, Artistic Tribute made a positive move under the guidance of Saleem Chisty to swing away smoothly, giving Prasad Raju a well deserved victory for his efforts. Mohican Chief was a bit unlucky when C. Alford tried the shorter route but had no option but to swing out and run into second place. His turn to win will come soon. Artistic Tribute, bred at the AB Stud, is by Young Senor/ Coaltown.

The much awaited and desperate measures of MPN Babu on his 2 year old colt Credencee was at last fulfilled. Manohar Singh astride this son of John Balliol had the race to himself after being denied the crown especially in his last two races. Since there were no exceptional horses that could have worried Babu's ward, the colt easily stretched out for a comfortable win. Victory Gallop who finished second 4-1/2 lengths behind can leave the maiden ranks in similar company. The winner was bred at the Krishna Stud.

Running only last week in an identical trip where La Mer finished unplaced, it was a sharp reminder to punters of the dangers lurking when equipments are fitted or removed from horses. It is not foolproof that horses win every time a contraption is added or done away with but the effect on La Mer had the desired result for J. Silvester. With blinkers the 6 year old was charged out of her skin, responding well to K. Ganesh who gave her full assistance, for Silvester it was gratifying that his move had paid dividends. Chasing the winner was Cedar Rapids who once again had to settle down for a place on board, a position that he has been in his last three races. Tanzanite would have to be closer to the leaders if his late efforts are to be productive. As Fascinate led from High Citadel and Royal Tradition the positions remained in tact till the finish. Ritesh gave the Imdad Jah's a boost as they were undergoing a lean patch. This mare should switch over to terms races and remain in Cat II company. The 1400m trip may be short for Cool Riddinn who closed in on the leaders. He must be supported over a mile or more.

Having given up training which he loves so much, Mir Hyder Ali Khan had the pleasure of leading in his 4 year old Stroke of Genius. The 6 1/2 to 1 winner was piloted skilfully by K. Suresh who is bidding strongly for the jockeys title, driving the son of Wassl Reef safely to the post ahead of Translucence who can be followed next time as she is coming into her own. Skimble impressed, coming from a rear spot to fight her way for the third place. The fine effort by Grace In Motion last time was nullified by her trainer who brought her back into a race far too soon. A short break would have made a difference to her performance.

Another case like La Mer cropped up in the form of Tippler, nowhere last week. Today Deshmukh decided to remove the contraption and it worked - Tippler looks to be a changed horse. Samad who had the ride found vast improvement in his performance to open the flood gates. Aux Armes will have to get used to heavy weights on his back as he has been dropped down to Cat III ratings. As Grenadiere was an unextended fourth under Jagdale you would have to take stock of this 5 year old whenever he races. The race for maiden 4 year olds and over was targeted for Twangs, whose previous run is subject to an enquiry which is open. His win today gave Manohar Singh his second victory of the afternoon. This colt may be able to repeat in open company if he maintains his present form. Temoozin who was about seven off the fence suddenly curved sharply under Selvaraj towards the rails as if to block himself from doing better, staying behind the crowded field. This gelding might spring a surprise when he is asked.

ARIEN

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Section  : Sport
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