20 December,2010 09:07 AM IST | | Prakash Gosavi
The second Classic of the Mumbai season culminated in a nail-biting finish as the 10-to-1 Star Future (Suraj Narredu up) menacingly closed in on the 9-4 favourite Ocean And Beyond (Richard Hughes up). But to the relief of the backers of the popular choice, Englishman Richard Hughes managed to spare a dwindling half length to Suraj Narredu, and win the Casino Royale Indian 2000 Guineas (Gr 1) astride Ocean And Beyond trained by SK Sunderji.
Hughes completed a 2000 Guineas back-to-back double having won last year astride Jacqueline.
When asked if he knew that Star Future was coming at him, he replied, "Of course, I did," adding: "but he (Star Future) is a talented horse, and I had said last week that it was a hard choice for me to pick (between the two), but I had people who gave feedback, and I think I was lucky to make the correct choice."
Hughes admitted he had apprehensions. He felt the mile trip could be a bit sharp for Ocean And Beyond. "But I knew his long strides would compensate for quickness, and he proved it today," he said.
Prem Tharani, who represented Wadhawan Livestock Pvt Ltd, found himself in an envious position as owner as both Ocean And Beyond and Star Future were his possessions.
"For a moment I thought Star Future would catch up with Ocean And Beyond, but I was confident Richard Hughes would win the day. He was simply superb," said Tharani.
Winner Ocean And Beyond (Kingsalsa-Sayuri) who won prize money of Rs 36,18,000, besides a glittering trophy valued at Rs 75,000, was trained by S K Sunderji and was bred at Shyam Ruia's Equus stud farm, while runner up, by Diffident out of Sure Future, was bred at the Poonawalla farms and trained by C D Katrak.
Trainer SK Sunderji, for whom it was the first ever 2000 Guineas success, gave full credit to Richard Hughes. "If Richard is riding my horse, I will always fancy his chances in any race including the Derby," said Sunderji.
However, trainer of the runner up Cooji Katrak, who shares a record of the highest number of wins (five) in this race along with Rashid Byramji, felt Hughes made the wrong choice.
"He did not win because of a correct choice," Katrak told MiD DAY.u00a0 "He won inspite of making the wrong choice thanks to his extra-ordinary riding skill. Had he chosen Star Future, he would have won by two-and-a-half lengths instead of half a length," he added.
