Kangra quells all comers to emerge triumphant

Heading into a big race, momentum assumes greater  significance. So does, rest and recovery. It proved right on a glorious Sunday as local filly Kangra scored a strategically superlative victory in the Catalyst Properties Bangalore Derby even as overwhelming favourite Prevalent Force fell prey to fatigue.

Having organised her schedule thoughtfully over the last two and half months, trainer S S Attaollahi roared in delight as his trusted jockey P Trevor guided Kangra past the finish line first, staving off a strong late challenge from Star Carnation (A Imran Khan astride) at the Bangalore Turf Club.

Hyderabad-based Mahateji (Fergus Sweeney up), who came into the blue riband event on the back of some impressive victories back home, ran out of gas towards the end to sign off third while Dr Logan, ridden by Suraj Narredu, was fourth with Prevalent Force (Y S Srinath up) finishing a shocking eighth.

Trainer Darius Byramji seemingly chose to use Psychic Warrior as the pace-maker for Prevalent Force in the 2400-metre long event. Jockey Irvan Singh duly followed commands as he thundered Psychic Warrior out of the gates in blistering fashion. As Psychic Warrior crossed the start-finish line for the first time, it appeared like this could be a fast race as the four-year geld galloped at high speed.

None fell for the bait though as the leading contenders chose to conserve their energy, allowing  Psychic Warrior a free and unchallenged run ahead. There wasn't much change in the positions until the 1400-metre marker.

As the horses entered the final 1200 metres, all eyes were transfixed on the bunch as to who will make the first move. Trevor decided to step on the accelerator at that stage and as the horses raced around the final bend, Trevor had Kangra in pole position.

Prevalent Force, which ran the Indian Derby exactly a week ago in Mumbai where he finished fourth, couldn't find the gas to change gears. Srinath pushed him hard but he just couldn't keep up with the tempo.

Kangra then roared into the final straight with a decent lead and increased it further with   blistering acceleration. With about 200 metres, she was way ahead of the rest with Mahateji in second and Star Carnation in third.

Having giving it her all, Kangra unsurprisingly started to tire with the finish in sight. Star Carnation, producing a late explosion, usurped Mahateji and looked like pulling off a coup. She touched pace with Kangra with about 50 metres to go as everyone watched with bated breath. But Kangra, despite the slowdown, had done enough to beat Star Carnation by a length, clocking 2:32.12 and take home a cool Rs 95,33,701.

"Kudos to Trevor who ran a superb race," a delighted Attaollahi, who secured his fourth Derby spoils (all in Bengaluru), told DH. "Trevor has ridden her and ridden against her. He knows her very well. He just timed the entire race to perfection and Kangra just responded to his commands beautifully."

"This win wouldn't have been possible without all the support staff and jockey Ryan Marshall. He's the one who takes her out daily. He told me earlier this week Kangra had all the skills to land the jackpot. Lastly, I wanted Kangra to win because owners Marthand (Singh Mahindra) and his wife Rina were due for a big one. They've done a lot for racing and a derby win here has been pending. That's ticked off now!"