(www.racingpulse.in)
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The Hazara Stud Farm bred Vijay Damini provided the up and coming stud farm with its first classic success, winning the Gr 2 Golconda 1000 Guineas, with a start to finish mission, comfortably staving off the challenge of Bangalore based String Along. The Vittal Deshmukh trained Vijay Damini was expected to find the mile long trip little beyond her compass but the progeny of Elusive City lasted out the mile long trip to win over String Along who proved ineffective over this trip despite having all chances to overhaul the front runner. Vijay Damini is owned by Mr. D Pratap Chander Reddy and M/s Vijay Racing & Farms Private Limited rep by Mr Vijay Kumar Gupta and Mr Susheel Kumar Gupta.
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Vijay Damini (P S Chouhan up), winner of the Golconda 1000 Guineas 2010 (Gr.2), being led in by trianer L V R Deshmukh & Mr.Vijay Kumar Gupta
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String Along who had won the Mysore 1000 Guineas was the favourite as the daughter of Alnasr Alwasheek had recorded a smashing win in her last outing at Bangalore. String Along had just about lasted out to win the Guineas at Mysore and the mile long trip was expected to test her stamina to the hilt. Since even Vijay Damini too belonged to this category as she is reckoned to be a good sprinter, String Along went to the post as a firm favourite because of her accomplishments.
Jockey Pradeep Chouhan, who is enjoying a great run at the local circuit, took Vijay Damini on a start to finish mission and cleverly dictated a slow pace which proved to be decisive in the end. Vijay Damini was followed by String Along, Elzaam and Carousel with the other runners spaced out behind. Carla who had let down as a favourite at Mysore but showed out in a mock race in Bangalore, was in striking position but she gradually fell back to finish a dismal last.
Vijay Damini held sway even after straightening and benefitting from the slow pace, she kicked on merrily in front. String Along flattered to deceive as she could not gather momentum and ended up a tame second. Elzaam stayed put to finish third ahead of Carousel. The fact that the first four finishers raced in close proximity and finished in the frame while those from behind failed to make any impression, tells its own tale. The trainer had said before the race that he plans to switch Vijay Damini back to sprints after this race but it remains to be seen whether there will be any change after this win over a mile.
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