Indian Days: came from off the pace to win the Bosphorus Cup

  PICTURE: Turkish Jockey Club  

Given and Munro lift Cup with Indian Days

Report: Turkey, Sunday

Veliefendi (Istanbul): Bosphorus Cup (Group 2) 1m4f, turf, 3yo+

JAMES GIVEN, set to run leading fancy Dandino in the St Leger, received the perfect fillip before his Classic assignment when Indian Days swooped from the rear to lead home a British 1-2-3-4 in the Bosphorus Cup.

The race, worth €180,000 to the winner, provided the trainer with the most lucrative victory of his career.

The five-year-old was ridden by Alan Munro, ending a topsy-turvy weekend on a major high after sustaining a 15-day ban in an arab race on Saturday's card.

Sent off a 11.3-1 chance on the local tote, Indian Days arrived in Istanbul on the back of his first victory for two years in a handicap at Glorious Goodwood.

Stepping up in trip to 1m4f, the son of Daylami raced at the back, well off a breakneck pace, before flashing down the outer for an emphatic three-length victory over Sri Putra, who stayed on dourly to wear down Godolphin's Buzzword for second.

Halicarnassus, who won the race in 2009 under Munro, finished fourth after holding every chance in the straight as British horses continued their dominance at the Turkish International Racing Festival.

Given was landing his first Group 2 victory since Wunders Dream took the Flying Childers in 2002, the same year he saddled Hugs Dancer to win the Ebor.

On Saturday he is hoping to fry an even bigger fish in the Leger with Dandino, who worked with Indian Days nine days before the latter's unexpected Turkish success.

"It certainly starts the week the right way," said Given.

"They did a breeze together nine days ago and Dandino was a neck in front of Indian Day. I don't know what you can make of that, but Dandino has done another piece of work since then and we are very happy with him."

Rather shamefacedly, Given admitted he might well have to contact the handicapper after Indian Days' decisive win.

"I might have to eat a bit of humble pie," he said. "I phoned him up after Goodwood when they put the horse up 7lband asked if they really thought a five-year-old would improve 7lb.

"It looks like he might have been right - he is a better horse this year," added Given.

"We've tried to win a Group race in Englandwith him and we were knocking on the door but he was always found a bit wanting so we went back to handicapping this season.

"He did finish three and a half lengths behind Conduit on one occasion - that's nice to have on cv but doesn't win you any money."

Ascot-based owner David Fish was understandably delighted. "I've had a few horses for about five years now but this one is by far the best," he said.

"He's always been a great trier and he keeps getting better. We might have a think about Hong Kongnow if he gets invited."

Mixed weekend: jockey Alan Munro

  PICTURE: Mark Cranham  

Munro, for his part, could not speak highly enough of Indian Days. "This horse is a star - he puts his head down and tries every time.

 "Turning for home I thought we had a bit to do andI was hoping they'd stop - he found the gears and stayed very well, he drew away. We've always loved him and he has justified our admiration."

Michael Jarvis, who won the Topkapi Trophy, had to settle for second with the highly fancied Sri Putra, who headed German Derby winner Buzzword on the line.

"He has run a blinder but that horse went by me as if he had just been dropped into the race," said jockey Philip Robinson.