Bangalore |  Mysore |  Mumbai |  Pune |  Hyderabad |  Kolkata |  Delhi  
Indian Classics |  Profiles  |  Fixtures |  Video |  Archives |  Public Pulse |  In & Around |  Specials |  International |  Home  
Loading....
in   
 
Review    Send comment   Send E-mail   Print the page

Evaldo records spectacular win in South India Derby

  January 28 , 2022
   

Prasanna Kumar literally pulled the rabbit out of the hat! Evaldo who was widely reckoned as unsuitable for the gruelling Derby trip given the fact that his sire Gusto is dubbed as only a sire of sprinters was targeted for the bigger plum of the South India Derby with meticulous planning which has given the ambitious trainer the deserved success.

Evaldo, the relatively inexperienced runner in the Gr 1 Coromandel Gromor South India Derby Stakes spectacularly won the event by a widening margin of four lengths in the hands of jockey of the moment Akshay Kumar at the Madras Race Course on Friday.

To the credit of the trainer, right from the first crop of Gusto, he has reposed his faith in them. He has had tremendous success with the progeny of Gusto. The victory of Evaldo should surely bring the stallion into the limelight and also ensure bigger support from racehorse owners. The success of Evaldo should also boost the Bishan Stud a great deal, besides giving great encouragement for breeder Gurpreet Jull.

Evaldo once again proved the fact that the pedigree of performance is more important than mere pedigree. Evaldo`s climb has been meteoric with success in the debut event followed by a narrow defeat in the hands of Kingston in the Bangalore 2000 Guineas. Confidently entered for the fray in the South India Derby where favourite Kingston was the only classic winner in the fray, Evaldo had many who were enthusiastic about his success. Pesi Shroff trained Presidential who had finished a notable third to A Star Is Born in the Indian 2000 Guineas was also strongly fancied to have a say at the finish.
  
  

Mysore challenger Trust Bond showed the way as the starter dispatched the field for the mile and half trip followed by Botero, Presidential, Kensington, Bugsy, Imperial Blue, Southern Dynasty and Evaldo bringing up the rear. The order remained more or less the same except for Kensington moving up into a prominent position along the rails passing the seven-furlong marker and then falling back, with jockey S John being unsure of which position to hold. Akshay Kumar on Evaldo was unhurried in his approach, watching the action from the back, and waiting for the precise moment to make his move.

Inside the final three furlongs, Trevor Patel on Botero made his move as he swept past the pace-setter with Presidential hot on his heels, while John on Kensington held up for a while as the horse did not pick up speed instantly. In the meanwhile, Evaldo made smooth progress on the wide outside with a clear passage. The progeny of Gusto produced a blistering turn of foot to go sailing clear and was hailed a winner a long way from home. Evaldo won pulling up by a margin of four lengths in a smart time of two minutes 31.99 seconds. Presidential took the second position while Kensington who had several lengths to make up on the runner-up was neck shy. Botero stayed on to be fourth ahead of Southern Dynasty.

Positivity, confidence, and persistence are key elements in Prasanna`s success in achieving bigger laurels which was also reflected in the manner Evaldo`s racing was charted. Prasanna said that he had immense confidence in the ability of Evaldo to pull off the Derby success especially after his effort behind Kensington at Bangalore. Asked whether Evaldo would also be headed for the Indian Derby to be held on February 6, Prasanna said that he would skip the Indian Derby and target his ward for the Indian Turf Invitation Cup to be held in March at the very same venue. Prasanna has already won the Indian Derby a few years back with the all-conquering War Hammer.

Evaldo is owned by the enthusiastic Manoj Kumar and Mrs Gaja Manoj. The sport is enriched when success comes in the way of enthusiastic and passionate owners of horses and not repetitively won by the same set of owners or trainers. Jockey Akshay Kumar who has made the Hyderabad jockey`s championship his own, has made rapid strides in the last few years, with classic success too coming his way. Success as they say is determined by one`s own confidence and fortitude which is reflected in the way Akshay Kumar has gone about his job in earnest.

Sulaiman Attaollahi trained Bellator maintained his upward curve with a hard-fought win over Victory Parade in the Gr 3 M A M Ramaswamy Memorial Trophy, a terms race for four-year-olds and over. Last year`s winner Cavallo Veloce was in the fray, running after a longish absence from the track. After his success at Kolkata during the monsoon season, Cavallo Veloce was subsequently withdrawn from the fray possibly due to a setback which is why his performance was below expectations. Akshay Kumar on Victory Parade had the Hyderabad challenger dictate the pace and very nearly pulled it off but for the aggressive finish induced by Trevor Patel on Bangalore challenger Bellator. Prolific performer Cavallo Veloce was third.

The South India Oaks which was held on Thursday was won by rank outsider Secret of Life from the stables of trainer Sulaiman Attaollahi. The Oaks has a history of maiden horses winning the race and it proved yet again with Secret of Life. The daughter of Western Aristocrat out of Pune Derby-winning Phenomenale was stoutly bred to stay. Jockey Akshay Kumar confidently took Secret of Life to the front. The filly enjoyed an uncontested lead which stood her in good stead. Secret of Life had a winning lead by the final furlong. Alicia who was a short-priced favourite was reckoned to have it easy but she faltered failing to produce the spark that was expected of her but she managed to keep the second position from Princess Gloria. It was clear that the dual classic winner found the mile and half trip beyond her compass for the second time in a row. Incidentally, Princess Gloria had beaten Secret of Life when the two had clashed at Bangalore over nine furlongs by a whisker.

 
 
  Post your comments   E-mail   Print
Total Comments : 0       Be first to add comments to this article !!
Top
   
'


Live Results - Delhi, March 28 2024
 
Disclaimer: The views expressed in Reviews and Analysis depict the personal perspective of the authors only. The website does not subscribe to or endorse any of the same and is not responsible for adverse consequences. Every effort is made to provide accurate information, we are not responsible for any discrepancies that are beyond our control.
© 2008 Racing Pulse. All Rights Reserved. A Racingpulse Holdings Venture