Woman On Top hits it rich

By Our Crrespondent

Bengaluru

June 9: The most certain thing about racing is its uncertainty and this was proved in ample measure as the moody Woman On Top, trained by Loknath Gowda, won the Sunday’s feature, the Chief Minister’s Cup, in a sensational finish.

It has been proved once again that the most certain thing in racing is its uncertainty as Woman On Top, who had finished four lengths behind Lady One in fifth in the Sprinters Cup, won by Oasis Star, at Hyderabad reversed that order beating the Lady by two lengths. Lady One, considered as a certainty on the basis of her Sprinters Cup performance where she ran second and also her subsequent blazing display in a mock race a couple of weeks ago, faded from a forward position in the home stretch as Woman On Top, ridden in check by Suraj gained momentum from out side to foil the start to finish bid of Aurelian on the post after waging a stirring duel over the final half furlong in the sprint race. Vijay Raaj was a good third ahead of late finishing Hesperus followed by Lady One.

A while earlier, jockey Suraj Narredu — who has been riding with great enthusiasm — timed his run perfectly on the public choice Mother’s Pride to edge out the well bet Lycia Falcon after a short tussle in straight, in the mile race for horses in the 60 to 90 category.

Trainer S. Ganapathy’s fantastic quest for winning races was noticed as he saddled a fine treble. His Regal Ransom was brought in with a brilliant timing by Srinath to surge ahead of Simple close home. The favourite Hall Mark made her move a wee bit late and has to be content with the third slot ahead of first timer Siberean Princess.

Later in the day, Srinath had an easy ride aboard the 4-1 chance, Fantastic Quest, as he sped past the front running favourite Arktouros a furlong to go and cantered home covering the 1400 metres trip in an excellent time of 1-25.40 secs. Had Srinath had not eased his mount, the son of Au Revoir (by Mr. Melon), Fantastic Quest, could have broken the 50 year old record of 1-24 secs held by Scone Tone since 1958. The Contender — who ran fourth — may strike soon.

After losing on joint favourite Originality, B. Prakash put his best efforts in driving home Blushing Beam to a comfortable win over hard pressed Glorious Princess. The favourite Adamaris faltered in the final run and finished way behind in fourth.

The dazzling turn-of-foot displayed by Tomsk (S. John up), after gaining places in straight, saw the colt going clear of front running Originality close home. Proof Of Treasure rocketed to the front from a striking position mid way up the stretch and won ‘going away’ from Event Horizon.

Apprentice rider B. Mukesh earned his career first win as Gift A Diamond literally carried him to a seven lengths victory over moody Double Elite.

Appu had an arm chair ride as Southerner carried the public purse to a safe two lengths victory in the last race. Asiaticus was ridden in patches before taking the third place behind hard ridden Tina’s Triumph.