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Racing : Horse
Artistic Tribute comes into Derby reckoning
By Arien
Artistic Tribute (R.B. Shinde), the winner of the Andhra Sub-Area Cup, being led in by (from left) Mr. E. Anoop Kumar Reddy, Mr. B.S. Reddy, trainer Prasad Raju, Mr. P.S. Reddy and Mr. V.J. Bobby Madison. - Photo: K. Ramesh Babu
HYDERABAD, JAN. 2. Artistic Tribute has become a household name at Malakpet. Taking on six rivals in the Andhra Sub-Area Cup, a terms event over 2200m, he demolished the others to score his seventh consecutive victory. The stiffer the assignment, the better he gets. Going up the scales, Artistic Tribute's awesome strength always produces the extra punch and the pretensions of Top Quark and Honey Well were set aside.
He races well spaced out with clever placing between terms and handicap races. Prasad Raju has done a superb job of maintaining this grey son of Young Senor/Coaltown in peak condition. At last we have one solid contender who can take on the outsiders for the local Derby at the end of January, by the strength of his performances.
Trainer Rafaat Hussain specialises in bringing the best out of first-time runners. The best part is that Amazing Bronze made his debut this winter, going straight into a mile event. You can imagine the careful preparation that went into this 4-year-old's work-outs. Imran Chisty stormed home easily to lift the Rock of Gibraltar Cup. Pal of Mine should sharpen up further for his next assignment. Imran Chisty was on another winner earlier in the maidens race for youngsters. With Roland Garros and Justice for All withdrawn for their unruly behaviour, Shamsuddin-trained Sarfaroosh pounded home with Chisty astride from first timers Cheslind and Way of Life, both requiring this race to get rid of their extra pounds. They are on the right path.
The much-needed drop to Cat. II was enough for Shamsuddin to record his double with Yours Mine N Ours. The great flourish that Ravinder Singh showed in his finish on Rustom though would not carry any kudos. What was the reason for him to slide behind the winner when there was no space, waiting till he saw the race was comfortably in the winner's pocket and then make his run in an attempt to show something that should have come much earlier.
Running into form in his last two races, Balance of Power went one step ahead as K. Kariappa rode a perfectly timed race on the 5-year-old to pip the fancied Sunraycer who came back to this category and would unfortunately be sent up in rating for finishing second. Crystal Reef requires a bit of luck for his consistency.
The daughter of Elusive Pimpernel, Positive Pink, showed her true qualities with a superb performance over 2200m. Relishing every bit of the trip she has imbibed her father's qualities and will be on a winning streak over these trips. For Corposant the fitting of blinkers had no real effect as it was far from expected by her trainer.
The quick getaways by Soviet Dream, Blue Thistle and Noble Empress who led from the start won their respective events. Mark My Words and Anoushka will be close to winning next. On Saturday, the piping hot favourite Oh My could never be extended by Ravinder Singh as the pressure in the straight made this 4-year-old roll on to the rails and with Jamboo having the right of the way Oh My could never get the desired opening. This was a great end of the year present for trainer Vatsalya as Jamboo won easily.
Well entrenched at the top of the jockey's table, R.B. Shinde, who rode Jamboo, got another winner with the in-form filly Grace In Motion a last-time winner. Not the least bothered after her last-time victory, Grace In Motion justified her support with another fine performance over a mile. She may get another race in Cat. III. Watch the likes of Flying Bee and Keep Secret who displayed their wares with strong runs.
Visiting Western India rider C. Rajendra had a fine afternoon booting home three winners, starting the day on the Dashmesh-bred colt Dauntless who has picked up condition after his initial escapade. Showing determination, Dauntless moved ahead of leader Awe Inspiring who should leave the maiden ranks next time. This is the first crop of Inner City, the sire of Dauntless. Rajendra's next two victories were won from the front. Regal Rose was under pressure from Top Wave but the strong left- handed finish by Rajendra kept the daughter of Sizzling Melody ahead. There was nothing to be surprised about the sudden turnaround in the form of Top Wave. Last time his rider had reported that his stirrup iron had been broken and hence could not do justice. The 6-year-old can win in this group. The other victory for Rajendra was comfortably gained on Sher-E-Babbar who hacked the field. This 3-year-old can score again. Turtuk, not in the best of moods, was withdrawn before the start.
The Ramaswamy-owned maiden Sweet As Candy has shown great improvement after her previous run. This was displayed when she got away slow from the gates, made up all that ground and produced fighting qualities to gain the upperhand at the end. She did curve inwards under pressure sending her across Intercity but that happened before the latter got into his stride. The subsequent objection by Shinde did not carry weight with the Stewards. Intercity, who came in second, made a fine impression on his debut. He showed that he would profit over a trip. Like their last meeting when Flight Fantasy got the measure of Tololing, the 1200m sprint saw the tables being turned as the latter made her presence felt with Ravinder Singh sending her to the front and remaining so till the finish. Primera, after the start, got squeezed out and fell back to last. Align is getting ready for the kill anytime now, the order of the day being pillar to post tactics.
Another that adopted this method was the surprise package, Swindler, who was allowed to take a sizeable lead while the others sat and watched. This win can be questioned as the gelding ran only last week and was nowhere. Others like Small Town Girl, Gold Chunk and Marvel Shire got going when it was too late.
Runaway methods for I Am Special failed as Ganesh had to buckle under the sustained spurt from Bonzsingh who took a gap between runners to punch ahead easily and enter the Cat. II group horses.
The only factor that counted for Anvita's win with no form to guide punters was the fact that she has steadily come down in ratings, and with Manasseh's 5-kg allowance, the deal was struck. Csardas, unfortunately, will have to ponder over his chances in Cat. III after being beaten into second place.
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