Razalin completes hat-trick

PUNE

THE WELL perked up Razalin's clash in the stepped up class against top sprinters was the talk of the racegoers last Sunday. No doubt this daughter of Razeen bred at Usha Stud was at a tidy weight and was poised to complete a hat-trick. Her main rival Prince Nicholas was racing with an elephantine weight. Yet he was capable of getting the better of her. Razalin hit the front, and remained in command to claim the Parkash 50 years Indo-Russian Collaboration Trophy by 2-1/2 lengths. C. Rajendra used the stick to ward off Secret Blessings' challenge in the last 100 metres and maintained the winning lead of his mount. Prince Nicholas did not seem to be his usual self and ran no better than a damp squib.

The well bred Persepolis' mock race and subsequent work outs hinted at her success in the opening race. Gallagher's body language on the daughter of Placerville did not cause anguish to her followers who had backed her in a big way at cramped odds. She treated her rivals with disdain while winning the race by a distance.

Starsinhereyes' dash after passing the bend clearly indicated that she was in no danger of being caught by her rivals. Speculative's challenge looked futile as the winner was spotted a long way from home. Legendary Lover's belated effort towards the end proved that more galloping room would help. He should be noted over 1800 or 2000m. in future.

The third favourite Infamous (M. Narredu up) had no difficulty in winning from her nine rivals. If one were to go by the form book one would have supported Cotopaxi. But Cotopaxi had run an energy sapping race just a week earlier and that put out his chances. The gelding was also seen very light in the paddock.

Pramod Belose's start-to-finish attempt on the public choice Santi Spiritus, did not allow Sergeant Slipper to come anywhere near her despite the latter's good form. The connections of Courtesan had a different plan to land a coup with Ikram Khan in the saddle. But this Tiajuana filly found the sprint race to her disliking. She should be noted over 1100 or 1200m trip in future. Balahak came with rapid strides to take the fourth place. With this experience, this gelding is bound to profit.

Dras proved that his upset win last time out was no flash in the pan. He scored an encore at lucrative odds in the fifth race. The dry coated Native Hunter, who has a good bloodline should prove his mettle over longer trips.

Classy Missy was showing some promise of winning a race and it was only a matter of time as to when she would leave the maiden ranks. This time in a moderate company she made her presence felt and won rather comfortably. Pot Magic was nervous on way to the starting gate. She should give better account of herself with some more exposure.

Ivor Fernandes' ward Tonnerre shot to the front at the top of the bend to retire a comfortable winner.

The followers of Source of Light must thank only their stars, for apprentice Daniel Bast had kept Ric Rac to the last position till coming into the straight. Had he raced her within close range of the leaders, there would have been a different tale to tell. Winning Girl let down her large followers due to the rough passage at the bend.

On Saturday despite, the top weight and longer trip, Amber Brown's success was never in doubt, which this gelding demonstrated by outclassing his rivals in the first race. C. Ruzzan established a long lead on Jonty Rhodes and this stood him in good stead as he decimated his rivals by a distance. Capitulate's second with 64 kgs. was no less valiant effort. He should be noted over 3200 m trip. Those who had seen Rappallo's performance in his last outing with Bajrang Singh in the saddle, would never have thought Knighted will win the Cremona Plate. Knighted, who dictated terms throughout, defied the penalty of 5 kgs. and scored again. Rappallo's chances of winning this race on the basis of his last run (his bit had slipped out of his mouth near 600 m) looked rosy.

But this time despite M. Narredu's powerful urgings and belting Rappallo could not achieve the desired goal and placed second. Knoxville, a last outing winner, found the opposition too strong and ended a tame third.

A cut above the rest, Simply Noble easily hacked his rivals by a distance. In his present form, he should be backed till beaten. Starafar, who was a medium of gamble, had bit the dust in her last attempt. She displayed vast improvement when she came into money. Way Beyond who has been racing consistently should not take much time to score.

Gay Ministrel's fluke win at longer odds brought a big crash in the jackpot pool. Ocean Breeze's start to finish second after a long lay off was a commendable performance. With this race gallop she is certain to bring the bacon home.

Racing at the tail end of the field, near the 600m. marker, Zee Green in the hands of R. Rupesh raised a fluent gallop on the outer strip of the race track to clinch the issue. Reprobate who was looking slightly heavy in the paddock parade, surged forward after passing the bend to emerge victorious. Desert Fighter's strong challenge towards the close did not make any impression on the winner. He should be reassessed when he takes the course next time.

RAM D. ZODGE

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