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All said and done, Well Connected has proved that she is a gutsy fighter who has a great turn of foot. As David Allan said, she is all heart. Her progression into a classic performer after a handicap race win over a sprint in the early part of the summer season has been remarkable. Her undoubted talent helped her overcome lack of racing experience. Malakpet has been a happy hunting ground for trainer Padmanabhan who already has five success in this premier event and is bidding to swell his tally. Padmanabhan who is the third trainer in Indian racing history to saddle 100 classics is also on the verge of completing success in 200 graded races. A remarkable feat indeed!
Since it was raining heavily during the last week in Bangalore Well Connected has travelled to Hyderabad early and was given an extended workout where she showed that she is in pink of condition. Sandesh who is fresh from back to back classic success on James McKeown trained Adjudicate and Trafalgar will be guiding the fortunes of the daughter of Arazan.
Arjun Mangalorkar would not have been wrong if he had counted another Derby in his kitty when Impavid broke into a useful lead in the final furlong in the Bangalore Derby as Well Connected appeared to have lost the battle as she had plenty of ground to cover. The fact that Impavid could not produce that bit extra to covert the lead into victory and the fact that Well Connected could conjure a sensational finish put paid to the trainer’s hopes. Impavid was expected to score an emphatic victory in the Deccan Colts Championships but the victory was not impressive.
Impavid who has ridden in check this time contrary to the front-running style he did in the Kingfisher Derby no doubt did everything right including storming into an unassailable lead in the final furlong in the Colts Championship Stakes. What was of concern was the fact that stablemate Royal Crystal was gaining ground on his stablemate. Had Neeraj Rawal been alert to the task and believed that he had a good chance of toppling the favourite, things could have been scary for the favourite. What is of concern is the fact that Impavid seems to be choking under pressure. It remains to be seen how he acquits himself on this occasion. His last gallop wasn’t impressive though Impavid is not known to be a great workhorse.
Royal Crystal who is owned by Dr Suresh Chintamneni who is a locally based owner has tasted big success when he raced his wards at the USA. He has a great deal of expectation on Royal Crystal. The son of Western Aristocrat should have no issue over the extended trip as he has twice gone over this trip. Jockey Suraj Narredu has sought for this ride and he would be guiding the fortunes of Royal Crystal.
Among the local contenders, Vittal Deshmukh trained Consigliori has been performing brilliantly and has recorded two impressive wins during the season. However, he is being thrown at the deep end and it must be seen how he will fare against the horses which have excelled in a tougher environment.
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