Ignore S Suleiman's loss, says trainer Altaf - By Shailendra Awasthi | TOI
Posted on - 18 Dec 2019
Ignore S Suleiman’s loss, says trainer Altaf
- By Shailendra Awasthi | TOI
Mumbai
Despite his shocking defeat in the Maharaja Of Morvi Trophy over two weeks ago which was the lead up for the Guineas, Sultan Suleiman is likely to carry the favourite’s tag in the Villoo Poonawalla Indian 2000 Guineas on Sunday.
The trainer of one of the highly regarded three-year old colts in the country today, Altaf Hussain, says that the last run defeat of his ward in the hands of filly Juliette should be ignored. “It was a late effort which caused his downfall,” Hussain told TOI on Wednesday. “The vets checked him after the race, and he was perfectly sound. So, I would say people should not read too much into the loss,” felt Altaf.
“He is feeling good and he is doing everything that a trainer expects from his ward ahead of such a prestigious race (2000 Guineas),” informed Altaf. “He is brilliant in the morning workouts. We will send him for a spurt on Thursday. Insha’Allah, he will come back home with flying colours,” added the man who has two Indian Derby successes to his credit — Desert Warrior (1990) and Starfire Girl (1991).
He missed the Indian Derby hat-trick when his filly La Bonne Vie lost by a whisker to Astonish in 1992. Legendary Scottish rider Willie Carson lost in the closing stride of the race atop the 20/1shot to great Astonish, ridden brilliantly by Aslam Kader. It was one of the best finishes ever seen in the Indian Derby history.
“I put Suleiman among the best I have trained. I feel he is right up there with Desert Warrior, Starfire Girl, Fair Always and Her Excellency,” informed Altaf.
“Suleiman is easy to train. He has no issues even at the gates. He is so relaxed that he is a dream horse to train. He does exactly what is asked of him,’’ added Altaf, who started training in 1985.
Altaf also has to his credit the success in the Indian Turf Invitation Cup through Desert Warrior. He has also won two Indian 1000 Guineas and one Indian Oaks apart from the Pune Derby and few high worth million races including the Gr 1 Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million.
Sultan Suleiman will have his task cut out when he steps into the Mahalaxmi racecourse on Sunday. “I consider Pune Derby winner Trouvaille, Kildare and Knight Templar as major threats,” opined Altaf.
