PASO ROBLES WINS THE GOLCONDA OAKS, GR.2 BY 5 LENGTHS

Jockey Suraj Narredu’s relationship with the filly, Paso Robles (Arazan Mawaheb) has worked extremely well, producing four wins in a row, the last two being Classics. Over the mile trip she got home in the 1000 Guineas by just a length but in her recent outing she extended well over the mile and a half to win by 5 lengths leaving two of her Guineas opponents with no excuses for their miserable performances.

It is sad to see weak fields in the Classics, as they represent the best horses at the centre. With the reduced number of horses in training it is an inevitable dilemma that racing faces. In this field of five the Golconda 1000 Guineas winner went out the favourite and she justified it by winning stylishly. Flamboyant Lady took the lead from Artistryy and looked as if she was looking for cover on her left but could not find it. Within seconds she veered to the stands side and looked more like a rodeo horse as she very diligently dislodged her rider. And there ended her tryst with glory.

The rest of the four runners continued with Artistryy in the lead followed by Paso Robles, Cape Kidnappers and the Mumbai challenger Nekhbet. The order remained the same with Artistryy also behaving erratic running well off the fence. As they turned for home the L D Silva-trained Paso Robles had little to do to get past the long time leader Artistryy with both Cape Kidnappers and Nekhbet in futile chase. With a glance over his shoulder as he approached the line jockey Suraj Narredu had Paso Robles five lengths clear of the field as she won the Golconda Oaks, Gr.2. Artistryy, Nekhbet and Cape Kidnappers followed in that order.

The property of Mr M Rama Krishna Reddy & Mr Meka Yugandhar looks to have very little opposition in the plum race of the season, the Derby and with only a remote chance that any outstation challenger may arrive to spoil her party, Paso Robles will hope to score a Classic hat trick if all goes well.