WAR HAMMER MAINTAINS HIS UNBEATEN RECORD

The progeny of Air Support sent shivers through the ranks of the contenders of the Indian 2000 Guineas but then, they heaved a collective sigh of relief when the Prasanna Kumar-trained War Hammer (Air Support-Soviet Lake) decided to remain at his home base, winning the Bangalore 2000 Guineas, Gr.2. In doing so he has maintained his unbeaten record of six wins, all of which have been run on his home turf, Bangalore. He has not ventured outside his territory so far, but the champion colt will now be looking to compete on the centre stage.

He has won four Terms races which include two Group 3 races; a Group 2 race and a Group I race. Two of his four victories have been over the mile and the rest over 7f. Such was his reputation that the field for this prestigious race had only four contenders and his three opponents tried hard to ruin his party. However, they will have to work a lot harder as he has no intention of letting that happen.

Northern Alliance took the early lead from On The Trot, that fought hard to be kept in check, and they were followed by Southern Ruler and the favourite War Hammer right behind.  On The Trot came up alongside the leader and by the time the heads turned for home Southern Ruler edged himself between the front runners, with War Hammer getting closer, yet to make his move. Suraj Narredu took War Hammer four wide in the home run and with a couple of reminders that acted as a wake-up call, got the colt moving with ease as he raced past his opponents to win in1:39.45s. Northern Alliance followed by 1¾lengths, Southern Ruler ¾lengths away and bringing up the rear was On The trot. The winner seems to be content with switching off and getting serious only when he is pushed for effort. And when that happens he wants to do just enough to keep his reputation going.  

It is thrilling to own a horse like War Hammer and his owners Dr C A Prashanth, Mr Gautam Basapa, Mr B S Manjunath & Mr P Apana Subaiya are naturally delighted with his performance and earnings of Rs 61,04,204. He is the best that his dam Soviet Lake has produced to date with a two-year-old, Baroness now in training.

Three jockeys have partnered him in his victories, Y S Srinath, P Trevor and now Suraj Narredu indicating that while he needs expert guidance he is a horse that knows his job. Mahalaxmi is waiting with great anticipation and keen interest to see him perform on its turf too.