Daniel Martin Grant, who landed in India from Ireland only last week, made his debut at Mahalaxmi Race Course, as he booted home both his mounts. The Five feet three, 29 year old, showed a good sense of timing astride Katrak-schooled Very Bonafide in the third race of the day. Sitting in the front bunch at a handy third, Grant alerted Very Bonafide a furlong from home. The favourite Sudarshan Chakram was also traveling in top gear and the two matched strides from here on till the finish. Grant was forceful and his finishing effort did assist Very Bonafide in clinching the issue from the fighting Sudarshan Chakram. Premier Diva and Refuse to Bend completed the frame.
In the very next race, Grant was in the thick of action again as he was riding the piping hot favourite Peninsula. Settling backwards in a close group, Peninsula pounced on the leaders and caused no alarm to her supporters. Citi Tamer was herself tamed this time but she lost to better filly. This run augurs well for Peninsula and a good preparation for the forthcoming Classics. Grant, thus, returned with double honours on his Debut at the Mumbai races.
The day started with Algo Mas (Riyaz Shaikh), the public choice from trainer Rehanullah’s yard, proving his might. Going start to finish, the only challenge came from Shower of Roses. Chardin finished on well switching to the rails from the outside just to avoid any interference from the ever so slightly erratic favourite. Both Showers of Roses and Chardin are for the notebooks.
Emerging Power (KPG Appu) was installed the favourite, but they don't say that the Bookies are smart for nothing! The odds drifted to almost double the opening quote and again the Bookmakers' astuteness was to the fore. Emerging Power, after leading the pack till about 300 metres from the post, shortened his strides and faded out of the picture. Surmount (SP Ranjane) pulled off a lucrative victory for his connections – the first of two races that the trainer/jockey combine pulled off on the day. Pacing alongside, Emerging Power Surmount hit the front early in the straight and surged ahead enough to snuff out any opposition. Discover came with a late bid but not soon enough. Attia In Sunlight ran a decent third.
Timeless Memories (AM Tograllu) thinned the wallets of her backers for the second time running. At least in Pune she fought before going down to Ming but here she put up a very ordinary performance, to put it mildly. For starters, she ran in the rear bunch unlike during her two previous victories. Here she raced in the mid-bunch and could not make any impression whatsoever. Schubert (SP Ranjane) took charge early in the straight getting past Call To Arms. A confident Ranjane steered Schubert clear of the field and didn't have much need of the whip to do so. Englehart came with a late bid to run a noteworthy second, ahead of Smarty Pant.
The sixth race saw a close, fighting finish. Councilofthegods and Fiery Fox cornered most of the betting while Star Always was backed quite well late towards the starting time. Fiery Fox was fighting for the lead from rank outsider Covenant till they turn. At the 400 metres mark, Covenant showed no signs of giving up and was extending Fiery Fox who came under pressure. Soon Counselofthegods came to post a stiff challenge and went stride for stride with Covenant. Sailesh Shinde rode a brilliant race to prevail by ¾ lenghts against the mighty M Narredu. Star Always saved the place money and looks ready for a better showing before long.
Fiery Fox was found to have returned with an abrasion on his left hind immediately after the race. Premier Perception fell on the way to the gates and was withdrawn as she was declared unfit to race after the fall.
Earl Of Warwick was the even money favourite. He won like one! Chasing Hisham all the way, Earl Of Warwick sailed ahead soon in the straight and raced away to a decisive lead long way from home. Try your Luck improved to finish a tame second while Kempinski ended third.
