Essa steals the show at KRC

Monday, April 12, 2010
By Arif Qasim
KARACHI: Except for two races, the day belonged to the followers of firm favourites, as they shouted home five winners in a curtail card of seven events.

The two exceptions were Princess Rozi in the third and For Me in the following action which was also a Cup race.

Both the horses won their respected races in a close and thrilling finish. While Princess Rozi won in a finish that saw four horses cross the line inside well inside one length. The sight of so many runners racing neck and neck in the closing stage, was most thrilling.

The next action also saw a great battle between For Me and odds on favourite pebbles, with the former gaining a close verdict in the end.

After these two shocked results ‘The News’ readers and followers of firm favourite found relief and compensation by shouting home winners after winners.

Mr Mention Not was the first to oblige them when it came back with renewed challenge to score a very close victory over Odham in the fifth race.

After Radio Active withdrew at the last minute, stable-mate bankable won the sixth race and in it decisive and thumping victory, Jockey Mohammad Essa earned the distinction of scoring the day’s only double for the stable and trainer Sher Mohammad. Earlier they had glorious time with Tiara in the opening event.

The day’s seventh race also, Bacaradi and Black Rose did ‘The News’ mighty proud by figuring in a close finish, with just the next separating the two at the winning post. Rider Rehan Ahmed blew up all the chances he had on Black Rose, when in a zig zag running lost precious ground and then went on to disturb Nitro. He was lucky to get the benefit of doubt.

In the only remaining race of the day newcomers Magic River with jockey Fahim K got the better off not very keen opposition in the second race. Aishker, who could have won the race, was there just for place, and duly finished a reluctant second.