SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE BY THE STAR IN THE DECCAN DERBY, GR.1

Star Superior winning the Deccan Derby, Gr.1

As expected the Rajesh Narredu-trained Star Superior made it a pillar to post effort in the Deccan Derby, Gr.1 though he was stretched in the final run in to the post. He has now won five of his eight starts, having been beaten by Sir Cecil in the Bangalore summer Classics and by his part owner mate Corfe Castle in the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi Million. He has picked up two Group races while just warming up for the task that lies ahead of him when he will have to face his tough adversary in the Indian Classics. It sounds so cliché to say it looks set to be a ‘clash of the titans’ but that what it seems to be building up to, with both playing out their warm ups to perfection miles apart from each other.

Jockey Suraj Narredu astride Star Superior

Star Superior (Excellent Art-Ramjet) led the field into the race with My Opinion sitting second, Corfe Castle in third and Evon Von Brando in fourth. They raced in that order till they turned for home, when all behind Star Superior were being asked while the leader was still in cruise control. Corfe Castle made attempts to get along side My Opinion but jockey Akshay Kumar would have none of that and kept pushing to get closer to Star Superior. Close to home Star Superior in the centre drifted out under pressure with Corfe Castle trying to make headway on the rails and My Opinion on his outside. My Opinion seemed to get alarmingly close to the leader, but once jockey Suraj Narredu had him straightened out it was all over with Star Superior reaching the line 3½ lengths ahead of My Opinion. My Opinion was caught on the wrong side of the drift my Star Superior, going out alarmingly towards the stands side. He finished 4¾ ahead of Corfe Castle in third. Timing of the race was 2:04.59 secs.

Star Superior’s immediate plans for the future is not know but there is a possibility that Star Superior may make the trip to Pune for the Derby.