That the Vandrevala Foundation Indian Turf Invitation Cup would be a potboiler, was known a month earlier. Two top four-year- olds, a colt and a filly had brought the Indian Derby alive with a scintillating finish. The rematch was expected to be a fiercely fought battle again, as the Indian Derby verdict was too narrow for either camp to be overly confident. The four-week interval was well worth the wait as what unfolded on the turf was a befitting climax and this one was a true clash of the titans.
As the gates flung open, Becket faltered at the start losing about three lengths and tailed the field. Native Knight was the one to hit the front and jockey De Sousa tried to pull a fast one by darting to a runaway lead. Jacqueline was up with the pace this time but not perturbed by the Knight’s tactics. The rest were spread, running in pairs or threesomes, with Becket well off the pace at the tail end. Native Knight’s bluff was called as they entered the homestretch to settle the issue. Arabian Prince couldn’t withstand the storm and Jacqueline went ahead, still moving on the bit. Becket, who was biding his time until now, started opening up and began his charge.
Just when he was getting into his rhythm, Arabian Prince shifted slightly and Suraj had to check his mount. However, this did not hamper the dark bay colt, who then came up with a sustained run and at 200 metres was just one behind Jacqueline, with a length and something to cover. Richard Hughes by then was going all out and had taken out his whip as well. Jacqueline was trying hard to escape to victory. Becket produced a stupendous finishing effort to wear down Jacqueline practically on the last stride. Jacqueline had her nose ahead of Becket until 2,399 metres! Becket got to the winning post just in time and Suraj Narredu was an instant hero. For young Suraj, this certainly was the biggest moment and the most fashionable victory to date.
Suraj was at his brilliant best when the race came to a boil and from the patriotic point of view, it was good to see an Indian boy put it across the great Richard Hughes albeit on the final stride! The Grand Stand was on fire and this time the RWITC didn’t mind it.
23 авг 2024
