Bengaluru’s race tracks were buzzing on Sunday morning, September 21st, as a lineup of promising horses showcased their exceptional talent during morning exercises. Among the standout performers were Kiss Of Grey, Mazal Tov, Indian Brocade, D Fronx, and Unforgettable Star, each demonstrating impressive form and readiness for upcoming events.
On the Inner Track: Speed and Synchronization
The inner sand track saw several horses putting in solid efforts. In the 600m sprints, Silicon Star clocked a smooth 40 seconds, moving effortlessly. Feel Of Hope and Michiko matched his pace, also finishing in 40 seconds, showcasing good synchronization. Moving up to the 1000m distance, Joyful Spirit and Count Basie completed their run in 1-8.5, with a final 600m split of 40.5 seconds, both moving strongly. Shamrock, ridden by Suraj, impressed with a swift 1-8 over 1000m, hitting 39 seconds for the final 600m, looking particularly well-conditioned. Knotty Affair and Baltimore also moved freely, clocking 1-7 for 1000m and 40.5 for the last 600m.
Dynamic Performances on the Outer Track
The outer sand track witnessed some truly dynamic workouts. Over 600m, Monteverdi demonstrated an easy stride, clocking 44.5 seconds, while Auspicious Queen moved ‘on the bit’ at 46 seconds. A Star Is Born also worked commendably, finishing in 43.5 seconds.
The 1000m trials were particularly impressive. Mazal Tov, with S. Sachin, showed remarkable form, finishing in 1-11.5 with a brisk 40.5 seconds for the final 600m. Touch Of Grey, under Suraj, started three lengths behind Imperial Star but powered ahead to finish four lengths in front, completing the 1000m in 1-11 (600m in 44). Royal Whisper was noted to be in fine trim, clocking 1-16 for 1000m (600m in 44), and Stravinsky moved freely at 1-16 (600m in 45).
For the longer distances, Hidden Dreams moved impressively over 1200m in 1-30.5, with a 1000m split of 1-14.5 and a final 600m in 42.5. Whirlwind also had an easy workout over the same distance, finishing in 1-30 (1000m in 1-15, 600m in 46).
The 1400m exercises featured some of the day’s top highlights. Kiss Of Grey, handled by Suraj, showed fluid movement, clocking an excellent 1-45.5 for 1400m, with splits of 1-27.5 (1200m), 1-11.5 (1000m), and 42.5 (600m). Verrazzano moved freely at 1-46 (1200m in 1-29.5, 1000m in 1-14, 600m in 45.5). Indian Brocade, also with Suraj, delivered a truly superb display, finishing the 1400m in a rapid 1-40, with impressive sectional times of 1-24 (1200m), 1-9.5 (1000m), and 41.5 (600m). Unforgettable Star, partnered with Suraj, and Star Honour, with Darshan, finished level over 1400m in 1-45 (1200m in 1-28.5, 1000m in 1-13, 600m in 43), with Unforgettable Star starting three lengths behind. Finally, D Fronx, guided by B. Paswan, was in fine trim, completing 1400m in 1-41.5 (1200m in 1-27, 1000m in 1-12.5, 600m in 44).