Quasar Suraj Narredu up The Golconda Derby Stakes 2015

Mallesh Narredu trained Quasar (Seeking The Dia-Belle Jour / Hazara Stud), the property of Mr Jaydev M. Mody rep. J. M. Livestock Pvt Ltd and M/s Tanmay A. Agashe & Madhav G. Patankar clinched the Deccan Bookmakers Golconda Derby Stakes –Gr 1, but was made to sweat it out by Dare To Dream, the highest rated among the ten runners for the gruelling 2400 metres trip. Jockey Suraj Narredu had to put all he had to ensure a length’s success in the end. The 550 metres long home stretch at Malakpet helped Quasar achieve the task as he was put to test by Dare To Dream. It was a rare achievement by Quasar, winning his sixth successive start and the fourth Classic on the trot, after the Pune Derby, the Calcutta 2000 Guineas and the Calcutta Derby.

The son of Seeking The Dia bred at the Hazara Stud was the piping hot favourite for the Blue Ribband of the Hyderabad Winter season, sent off at a cramped odds of 10-3 ‘on’. As the ten runners approached the final turn Veloz slipped in to the lead from the inside with Nerves Of Steel ranging alongside and Dare To Dream quickly into position from the outside. Quasar was also pulled out to make its bid from the wide outside. Into the last 400 metres Nreves of Steel was headed from the outside by Dare To Dream who went clear by close to two lengths. Quasar started to make a strong bid but Dare To Dream was hell bent to stay in front with jockey Dashrath Singh giving his best. Suraj Narredu on Quasar found the local challenger Dare To Dream relentless and began to ride out hard. Quasar finally managed to forge ahead of Dare To Dream in the closing stages and extend by a length. Quasar did manage to live up to his top billing but it was Dare To Dream who won the hearts of the masses. Nerves of Steel took the third spot in front of Right Dimension.

“I am very happy about Quasar’s performance despite the fact that he was tested”, said trainer Mallesh Narredu commenting on its success. “He has criss-crossed across the country in the last three months and picked up four Classics and that’s a great feat. If he takes the travel well, the Indian Derby should be his next “, added Mallesh.