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Anil Mukhi
As part of its corporate image-building exercise, the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, now the HSBC group, has been sponsoring horse racing in the country for a number of years. What was known for years as simply "The Metropolitan" run at Calcutta became the Hongkong Bank Cup and this year was run as the HSBC Cup. In Mumbai, the Hongkong Bank Salver was first raced for in 1991. The change in nomenclature of the sponsor appears to have caught the RWITC. by surprise, for the prospectus issued just four months ago for this Sunday's programme still referred to it as the "Hongkong Bank Salver", whereas it has since been correctly renamed as the "HSBC Salver".
The race has always been a 1400m handicap for horses in Class 1. As such, the very best classic horses have rarely run in it, as they would be either out-handicapped or past their prime. Typically, an improving four-year-old or a sparingly-raced older horse wins. In fact, the last three winners -- Flaming Star, Atomic Prince and Sangtrash all figurein the list of entries for this year's renewal, but with another year over their backs, seem unlikely to trouble the judge this time.
Formula One, Heaven Can Wait, Khaalis, Esterelli, Sacred Mission and Girl From Ipanema appear to be the principal contenders. Of these, Heaven Can Wait appeals most. The daughter of champion stallion Razeen was distinctly unlucky last time when she was the victim of some rough tactics. Her rider attempted to force his way through in a close finish to the Adler Trophy, a move which only narrowly failed. She is better off at the weights vis-a-vis Formula One and Khaalis, who sandwiched her effort that day. Esterelli and Girl From Ipanema could make it a 1-2-3 for the weaker sex.
Supporting action includes the Radha Sigtia Trophy for Class II horses over the classic distance of 2400 m. Generally in a small field over a long trip, tactics and the pace of the race determine the outcome. From among the 11 entries, Ovid and White Metal stand out. Both have been consistentthroughout the season, with the last-named unbeaten in his three appearances. Although the weights clearly favour Ovid, White Metal could have had something up his sleeve last time out, and is the pick to keep his slate clean.
It's hard to find something to bank on in the Class III sprint and the race is best left alone. For die-hard punters, Spin A Yarn is the runner with some scope for improvement - he was a flying third last time. The same is the case with the Class IV event. If the temperamental Wolf River takes a start, and it's a BIG "if" as she has twice been withdrawn this season, she should bring some solace to her owner who has been footing the bills for her upkeep with scant return.
In the Balchand Stakes for maiden three-year-olds, there is a huge gulf between the form of Secret Treasure and his opponents. Should the Steinbeck colt take part, he will be hard to beat even though jumping from 1200 m. to the metric mile. Improvement may reasonably be expected from La Tour d'Argent, fourth ondebut behind a couple of hot-shots, and Mount Rose, who occupied the identical slot in her career curtain-raiser. Northern Angel was not seen to best advantage on her rather quiet introduction to the turf wars six weeks earlier.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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