ROYAL CRYSTAL GETS HIS NECK IN FRONT TO WIN THE GOLCONDA DERBY STAKES, GR.1

Royal Crystal (Western Aristocrat- Sparkling Crystal) won his debut 13 months ago and then slowly faded from importance with somewhat inconsistent performances running on and off the board with regularity. In the numbers game, the Arjun Mangalorkar-trained colt has now scored at the top of the game winning the Golconda Derby Stakes, Gr.1, which happens to be his 13^th career start. Seventh in the Indian 2000 Guineas last time out, he was sent off to Hyderabad for a crack at the big race and it proved to be a strategic move that has paid rich dividends. His effort has earned him a cool 5 million Indian rupees and a crack at the biggest race of all, the Indian Derby, with experience of success at the Derby distance.

Consigliori took the early lead with stable mate Ruletheworld on his out, they were followed by Royal Crystal and Paso Robles running three deep. They were followed by Artistryy, Call Of The Blue, Royal Treat and Vijays Singham the back marker. They ran in that order with Royal Treat deciding to run very wide for no apparent reason. Royal Crystal began to inch his way closer to the leader Consigliori overtaking Ruletheworld with that move. Paso Robles sat in fifth with Vijay’s Singham inching forward. Consigliori had all off the bridle as they turned for home with Royal Crystal pushed but looking dangerous on his flanks. David Allan astride Consigliori looked a winner, but the persistence of jockey S John on Royal Crystal was not unnoticed. They broke away from the rest of the field and Royal Crystal responded well to the powerful urgings of his rider to get his neck in front at the line. Timing of the race was 2:31.54s. In third was favorite Paso Robles, 2½ lengths away with a neck separating her from Vijays Singham.

With two wins from 13 starts the property of Dr Suresh Chintamaneni will have to recover fast from this tough race in order to be ready to take on the strong and competitive field of the Indian Derby.