The Top Winners Bred

Velvet Rope, Versaki rate among the best

Velvet Rope who won the Gr 1 McDowell Indian Derby a few years ago is undoubtedly the outstanding progeny to have come from Sohna stud Farm. The progeny of Turtle Island out of Trufa steadily claimed the ladder of the success and beat two of India's greatest thoroughbreds of recent times namely Holding Court and Mystical, by brining out his best performance on the day it mattered. While Holding Court raced unsuccessfully at USA and Mystical went on to become the first horse from India back to back races at the Dubai Racing Carnival, Velvet Rope had no such luck as a setback prevented him from achieving more.

Alvarita, who won the Gr 1 Fillies Trial Stakes at Bangalore, is another talented filly to emerge from Sohna Stud Farm. Despite the odd problem that she faced, Alvarita went on to win the fillies classic but niggling problems did not help her cause as she ran short on most occasions.

Versaki is undoubtedly the best thee year old that is currently racing in India. After winning the coveted Gr 1 Poonawalla Breeders Multi-Million, Versaki is expected to win many more laurels.

Jacqueline is another filly who has done tremendously well. The daughter of King Charmalegne won the Gr 1 Fillies Trial Stakes and missed the richest Kingfisher Bangalore Derby by a whisker. The talented filly has fine temperament and her progress during the winter season will give a clue as to her prospects in the Indian classics.

Sprint Star was another who sprang a surprise winning the Gr 1 Colts Trail Stakes. He is undoubtedly talented and should be hitting the headlines often enough.

Among the older horses, Great Investment was a strong performer, having won the Eclipse Stakes of India twice as also the Governor's Trophy at Bangalore.