Super Storm shocks the Indian Derby field - By Tom Krish
Posted on - 04 Feb 2013
Super Storm shocks the Indian Derby field
By Tom Krish
It was a result that was hard to fathom. Satish Narredu, once an accomplished rider and now a well respected trainer, saw his Super Storm fail to justify favoritism in the 2400-metre Bangalore Derby on January 26. Convinced that the best horse had run second, trainer Satish made the decision to send Super Storm to Mumbai to run in the three-crore Indian Derby. It was a daunting task. The four year-old Super Storm would have to run in two 2400-metre contests at the highest level in eight days. What about the trip from Bangalore to Mumbai? It is a spirit-sapping journey and there was considerable relief when Super Storm arrived at Mahalakshmi late Monday without incident.
The laconic Satish Narredu exuded an air of quiet confidence. News came that Jockey Jimmy Fortune was coming to Mumbai over the Derby weekend to ride for Shapoor Mistry. A quick perusal of the 17-horse Derby field revealed that Shapoor Mistry did not have a runner. Satish acted with alacrity. In a matter of minutes, Satish had secured the services of Jimmy Fortune for Super Storm.
First thing Tuesday morning at bustling Mahalakshmi, jockey Fortune took Super Storm for a spin and to get acquainted. He came away with considerable anticipation. “I am happy with what I see. I have no doubt that he will stay,” Fortune exulted.
Another canter and the introduction was complete. Satish Narredu wanted just enough activity to keep his pupil on his toes. His confidence level was high and he could not help expressing a thought or two about Super Storm’s chances to his friends. It was Shivalik Hero, a runner carrying the gold-brown belt colors of Dr M A M, who was better fancied. Malesh Narredu, Satish’s brother, had done assiduous work with Shivalik Hero who was to have ColmO’Donoghue aboard.
The Derby unfolded like a movie script. Fortune showed out early with Super Storm. Angel Crown and Montezuma moved up to stage a duel. Jockey Fortune kept in touch with a covered-up trip. When the field began negotiating the turn for the run to the box, horses began three and four-wide charges. A rail-hugging journey had helped Fortune keep Super Storm fresh and ready for the final assault. Machiavellianism struck the front and was being hailed the winner. A moment or two passed and one could see Fortune’s silks loom large. Even as Fortune and Super Storm were edging ahead with the wire in sight, Wind Stream and Martin Dwyer came up with a rattle. Richard Hughes, after a ground-saving trip, was cutting the lead down with every stride. Machiavellianism could not sustain and it was later revealed that the son of Jazil had bled. Super Storm, challenged but not threatened, won by a length and a quarter. Jockey Fortune stopped riding in the waning yards.
The time was two minutes and 31.83 second. A short head separated Wind Stream and Hemisphere. It was a race run at a brisk pace. As much as Super Storm chased the speed, the effort did not take too much out of him.It was a smart Fortune steer.
“I had a good trip. My horse traveled well. He had enough to give. Super Storm is a good horse,” Fortune said.
Fortune will partner Super Storm in the Invitation Cup at Kolkata next month. Jockey Fortune, 40, rode for John Gosden for a long time. Not long ago, he won the Group I English St Leger at Doncaster with Lucano. I saw Fortune win the Pretty Polly with Do Re Mi at the Curragh.
On Thursday, I spoke to Jimmy Fortune. “I am not doing much in England. When I got the invitation to come here, I took the first plane,’ he joked.
I spoke to Satish Narredu.” I rode the winner, Amazing Bay, in my Derby debut. Super Storm has given me a win in my Derby debut as a trainer. I cannot tell you how special this feeling is,” he said.
We talked about the ‘reasoning process’ behind Super Storm’s Bangalore-Mumbai plan. “Super Storm had an easy race in the Bangalore Derby and it was a slow-run race. I believed that two 2400-metre races were well within his capabilities. He trained like a dream. I gave him light work. I asked jockey Fortune to leave, get forward position and stay inside. Things worked out well. We raced third. At the 800-point, there was a spot of trouble causing a moment’s anxiety. Fortune showed his class. As a matter of fact, with 1400 to run and with the trip we were getting, I felt very confident that Super Storm and Jimmy Fortune would deliver,” Satish Narredu explained.
Super Storm returned to the barn about 8 PM. There was a standing ovation. Camphor was lit and a coconut broken and a prayer said. Super Storm was walked to his stall and the 2013 Derby champion settled down in a matter of minutes. Guests and friends who had gathered were given cookies and tea.
The Narredu family then went to the Mahalakshmi temple for a Pooja and to thank the Almighty for the blessings. There was a ceremonial dinner at a suburban restaurant where the manager recognized the winning team with a beautiful chocolate cake.
Trainer Satish Narredu took an extra minute to point out the work done by Hayat, the jamedar in the Malesh Narredu establishment where Super Storm is stabled. “Hayat was upbeat and his positive attitude helped the atmosphere. He deserves a great deal of credit,” Satish stated.
