Ruffina remains favourite for glory in 1000 Guineas - By Vivek Jain I TOI
Posted on - 15 Dec 2017
Ruffina remains favourite for glory in 1000 Guineas
By Vivek Jain | TOI
INDIAN racing has been under an unusually prolonged cloud, and the weekend racing at Mahalaxmi should finally bring some cheer to the cash strapped RWITC.
After the GST bolt and the closure of racing at Bangalore, and difficulties at virtually every racing Club, it is time for the Turf authorities to think out of the box and salvage the sport. With rain adding to the woes of our club that forced the postponement of the Indian 1000 Guineas , both the 1000 and 2000 will be run on successive days. Because of this, fillies miss the chance to make a rare bid for both the classics. The last filly to achieve this double was Jacqueline, after whom, coincidentally this year’s 2000 has been named by the sponsors.
The Fillies’ Classics which seemed to be Ruffina’s for the asking, has now become a potboiler with southern challenger, Lady In Lace, looming as a live threat. Shapoor Mistry, one hears paid a king’s ransom to acquire a half share in the triple Classic winning Lady, a smart move as she has tremendous breeding value already. The filly looked in peak condition when I saw her at Malesh Narreddu’s stable a week ago and has spurted very well. But the unbeaten in five starts, Ruffina remains top pick for the race worth a shade over Rs 47 lakh, way below the record for this race at over 60 lakhs.
She has a blinding turn of foot and will be ridden by David Allan, who is in red hot form. Over a mile, the scales tilt in favour of the Excellent Art filly. When I met her trainer Dallas at the morning track, he sportingly had no regrets at losing the chance for the 1000-2000 double, saying she has first to win the 1000!
The Bangalore Derby victress, Manifold must run a big race, but seems short of her best form and it is unfortunate that Forest Fairy has had a minor setback, but for which she would have been there in the shake up.
(Edited)
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