Perfect Attraction settles her score
By True Blue

Mumbai
Mar 07, 2007

Imtiaz Sait trained mare Perfect Attraction (Excalibur's Lake-Priceless Art) finally got her moorings right in the Astronomic Trophy on Wednesday and with that she managed to avenge her last outing defeat at the hands of All The Rage. The latter in fact appeared to be in sight of an encore before Malcolm Kharadi switched lanes on Perfect Attraction. Perfect Attraction literally flew in response when alerted to her task and closed in on All The Rage just metres away from the winning line. Wall Street planted in the gates while Morpheus was visibly nonchalant as far as making any serious effort to stake his claim to the race goes. Wild Vegas ended third with Zephyrella once again rallying late to enter the judges' frame.

Elmwood (Glory of Dancer-Baloustar) from Bezan Chenoy's yard was pitted against a rather mediocre set of Class IV horses and he didn't let go of this opportunity. Amberley tried to steal a march over her rivals but her plans never went too far as Elmwood was ridden forcefully by apprentice D. K. Ashish. Amberley ended second ahead of Notable Runner and Schubert. The last named got going when the race was almost over and should be given a chance in a longer trip.

The Rocklie Trophy, the curtain raiser, was reframed after the earlier version of this event was declared void due to lack of sufficient runners. The authorities confessed that they acceded to the request of some trainers and agreed to keep this race alive. C. D. Katrak saddled and Malesh Narredu driven Giocometti, with a debut win under his belt, was considered a virtual certainty but he failed to live up to those expectations. Malesh chose to adopt start-to-finish tactics but ran short of fuel with over a furlong left for home. Giocometti threw in his towel far too easily when challenged by trainer Vinayak's Ivanka (Alnasr Alwasheek-Battle Star), who was ridden confidently by P. Kamlesh. Interestingly Kamlesh partnered Giocometti in his earlier victory.

Giocometti's setback proved temporary for Katrak as he immediately went on to file a back-to-back double with Torque and Cosmopolitan. Torque (Don't Forget Me-Beautiful Ballad) was to account for Major Roberts easily after the latter had shot his bolt opposite the stands. West Coast Eagle moved in to take the second berth. Both Major Roberts and Cosmos ended up with bloody nostrils and it would hypothetical to draw any conclusions on their performances and in turn of the winner. Torque, curiously, ran without blinkers though she is supposed have sporting it in her previous essays. The Stipes are conducting an enquiry and the outcome would be eagerly awaited by all even if for academic reasons.

Cosmopolitan, after a disappointing career till recently, has for once started to perform like his full-brother Democraticus. The son of Royal Kingdom out of Mea Culpa made every post of the seven-furlong journey a winning one to give Malesh an armchair ride once more. Silent Presence laboured hard to come second ahead of Gatravat and Noble Replica. The last named ran after a three-month gap and the signs of rustiness were obvious in his run.

Hormuz Antia trained King's Desire (Major Impact-Walk on Turf) came with a powerful run when urged by Harish and easily collared Stunning Star who was always in chase of Victor. Game of Power ran an unimpressive third and had to thank the exhausted Victor for making way for him. The Stewards found Harish guilty of careless and dangerous riding for the fourth time this season as he went on to Suleman Pasha while bringing his horse out from the inner rails. He has been rendered out of action till the end of the season now.

Faisal Abbas trainee Tapis defied the handicapper but for an encore in the concluding race. However, the two events (first 0 to 19 and here 12 to 30) won by Tapis appeared actually tailor-made for him. K. P. G. Appu ridden Tapis, when he got going, proved too good for early leaders Osprey and Arabian Hero. Teaser got the second berth in a close finish.

The aged Peronda (Dark Nile-City Queen) found his new habitat in trainer Damodaran Pillai's barns so nourishing that he earned more than his corn bill in his very first outing. Neeraj Rawal, who got a chance ride as C. Ruzaan failed to fulfill his engagement, did proper justice to Peronda and fought resolutely with Sara Jahan, Magical Music and Courageous.