RAWAL PILOTS MANIFOLD TO DERBY RICHES
The 36th edition of the Kingfisher Ultra Derby Bangalore on Sunday proved a thrilling one as Neeraj Rawal drove the Pesi Shroff-trained Manifold to get the better of course favourite Castlebridge, who had attempted pillar to post tactics from the favorably drawn stall number 3, almost on the final stride.
Trevor Patel, astride Castlebridge, looked comfortable entering home stretch. However, the colt found the derby trip beyond his compass and started showing distress signal inside the final half furlong before surrendering the lead to the eventual winner at the finish line.
“It was a hard ride. I saw Castlebridge kicking clear turning for home and my filly was still trying hard to get closer. But once I shifted her from the fence to the outside and moved into contention in straight she responded brilliantly and I was sure that I am going to make it” said the elated Neeraj. “Manifold is improving with every run. It is a pleasure to train her” said trainer Pesi Shroff who was able to emulate the earlier feat of winning both the classics, Fillies and the Derby, after several years since his Set Alight won the Fillies and then the Derby. The winner cut an impressive time of 2-03.2 seconds for the 2000 metres trip, a fraction of a second less than the course record set by Set Alight in 2008.
There was not much changes to the order when the field passed the half way mark and approached the final turn. Entering home stretch, Castlebridge brought the field in view with Kangra rallying along the fence followed by the fading Turf Star, Manifold, Olympia Fields and the rest in hopeless pursuit of the front runners. Castlebridge was still in command passing the final furlong mark with Manifold gradually bridging the gap from outside and the duo engaged in a stirring duel over the final half furlong with both riders giving their best. However, Neeraj was able to get that extra effort from Manifold to spoil the party of Castlebridge close home.