Perceived Value wins Derby in a pulsating finish

HYDERABAD

WHETHER ALLOCATED would get the 2000m trip or not was answered when he went down to Perceived Value in a pulsating finish in the Deccan Derby which was sponsored this year by TheHinduGroup of Publications, Chennai. Earlier during the Bangalore Summer Season Allocated won the Colts Trial Stakes and finished fifth in the summer Derby. He repeated that form while winning the Colts Trial at Malakpet in a runaway manner.

Allocated looked well enough and relaxed but was edged out in looks by Perceived Value, a filly who would be considered a top model in a contest for equines. She and Machrihanish were sent down from Western India to add flavour. Dr. Ramaswamy who had two local trained fillies in the race went a step ahead by adding Perceived Value, who is trained by Dallas Todywalla. This Gourgandine filly ran a close third to Star Shine at Pune, the race being the right lead up for this event.

A large and colourful crowd assembled at the course which included former India captain Md. Azharuddin and his wife Sangeeta Bijlani. Many lucky dip prizes were on offer for those who bought the entrance tickets. TheHindu Deccan Derby carried a total prize money of Rs. 23,70,000/-. As the six horse field was flagged off, Native Quest was ordered out in front while the 4 to 10 on favourite Allocated settled down behind to be tailed by Perceived Value and Argolis. Nothing changed by way of position till the turn when Shroff made the first move to be followed by Prakash on Perceived Value. These two horses eventually got into a warm embrace leaving the rest behind. Allocated about two off the fence had to be extended to his limits to head Perceived Value who stuck to the rails. This is where the stamina factor surfaced for the Mallya owned gelding as B. Prakash showed his prowess as an upcoming star. Keeping fine contact with reins, Prakash was brilliant when he upstaged his senior to rejuvenate his filly who responded superbly to take the lead in the final 50 m with an exuberant Prakash pumping his right fist pulling out 1/2 length ahead.

This young rider was given a rousing reception on his return and this applause continued when the presentations were made in front of the Members Stand on the race track by Mr. S. Rangarajan, Managing Director of TheHindu Group of Publications.

At the start of the day's racing, the results of the first three events gave a bad omen for the runners of Ramaswamy/Muthiah stable as they were beaten into second place in all these races. In the opener Dr.Ramaswamy's filly Skimble failed to raise to the occasion, beaten by Aux Armes, a Faiyaz Shaikh trained grey who has been steadily improving. Krishnan who rode this son of Sizzling Melody interfered with Heezlethal who was on the rails. The subsequent objection by Gallagher was overruled since the winner had the beating of the latter. Aux Armes bred at the Manju Meadows Stud comes from the same line as the great Astonish.

The next two cup races went to the Rangarajan/D'Silva/Appu combination with Reine Beau and Mega Top. Both finishes were in total contrast. Trying for a hat-trick, Golden Turn seemed to have reached her limits in this Cat I race, fading away into the last spot. Reine Beau was in control of the proceedings to look a comfortable winner, till Splendid King who took time to weave out of a tight spot, flew into the picture but lost by a margin of an eye lash. Mega Top who was withdrawn last time after rearing in the stalls and declared unfit to race made ample amends. Clipping away smartly he ran out a six length winner to emphasise that he awaits another victory soon. There was hindrance between the third and fourth placed runners. Cadre suddenly veered out to cross and barge into the path of Fabulous Gem. Ravinder Singh got the placings reversed in the Stewards room without much delay.

With a few months of racing left before retiring, Artania who has dropped in weights to come down to Cat III company made full use of this opportunity to lift the Kitty Bank Cup for Imdad Jah. Another downward journey for Rebounding Love did not have the same impact but her catchy fourth should be indicative of a positive result next time.

The stiffer Cat II runners made all the difference for Pal of Mine to suffer defeat after two wins. Carrying 2 1/2 kgs overweight on HeLooksLikeGrundy, Mark Gallagher made up for this disadvantage with a polished display in the saddle to give the Brar family victory in this cup event. Cool Riddinn made every one sit up with a sudden surge to try for the number one spot. He is now ready to strike.

Having won last time by six lengths, Adjure Syndic seems to be improving with each run. This time in the hands of M.Narredu, the grey just increased his lead down the straight to gallop ahead by over a distance. The next three - Covington, NewYork NewYork and Cute Girl came from the rear to scramble and take the other places. They would be fighting between themselves again if they come together in some future race. Top Quark was an easy winner of the opening race on Saturday against two other rivals who could not match strides with this 3 year old giving Ravinder Singh the first of three winners to entrench him safely at the top of the jockey's table.

Both Meo Voto and Celestina who were at the end of the field came through and battled their way with the former holding on from Celestina who was faster of the two at the finish. Meo Voto under pressure curved in and tightened a few runners on the rails.

Having had a double on Derby day trainer Leo D'Silva is marching ahead, taking over the lead from Netto by the sheer numbers in his stable. His first winner today was La Crosse who quickened so well that others were left flat footed to coast home easily. The grey Ordinance put in a great effort from the rear to take third place. If he remains in Cat IV he can win but if his ratings go up he will be back with stiffer horses.

With backers chasing Auric Royal, Tippler and Be The Chief on the books, they rather overlooked another prospect - Cool Edge who had run second last time. Taking advantage of a forward position this filly held back the strong chase by favourite Auric Royal who went down by a neck. Tippler having gone up in weights may have felt the weight on her back as a deterrent. Watch Vicci who covered extra ground to come floating through for the third spot.

By winning with narrow margins and placing close up, Moonlight Prince has escaped stiff penalties. Once again in the hands of Ravinder Singh, this 5 year old held his own to record his second win of the season from the bandaged Crystal Reef. Some how Cheers N'Cheers is the unlucky lady, missing out the winner's circle everytime. Though back to lower company Fremont was unable to strike this time but follow him in his next race.

Nothing much to go by way of previous form, the victory of Rum N' Racing could be questionable for a decisive win within 14 days. From midfield this 6 year old Tecorno mare made short work of her rivals. There is the possibility that her tongue strap which was removed may have inspired her to this extent. Zubinaire and Bold Archer gave indications of a brighter tomorrow but the flying fifth by Golden Galloper was impressive and this mare must be followed from now onwards.

Palo Alto showing steady progress recently and fitted with a tongue strap was able to give his owner a fitting present by his first victory this season. Kept up with the leaders Palo Alto under Raja Rao lifted the Chaitanya Ratham Plate from Dance And Music who is missing out for sheer timing.

On her last outing Dance Melody was interfered twice in the straight where she had to go berthless. It was celebration time for the Satheesh camp as this Cristofori filly won from the word go that would take her rating into top company but should persist in Cat. II terms races if she qualifies. Yours Mine N Ours under top weight flew up in a flash but needed slightly extra ground. She may be troublesome with lighter weight in the upper class and another filly who should go for terms races.

ARIEN

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