It was, surprisingly
Dynasty who called the shots literally from the start while the fancied
runners, including Haunting Memories, were in close attendance. Dynasty
brought the field in to the straight but jockey Colm O'Donoghue was quick
to get the favourite into top gear. After a brief duel in the straight,
Haunting Memories shrugged off Dynasty's challenge and drew away to a
two-length victory. Oyster Cove came with his customary late run to occupy
the third slot ahead of Evatina and Atmosphere who were involved in a
close finish for fourth place.
Aperitivo, on the
other hand, was a facile winner of the Grade 1 Olympia Technology Park
Stayers' Cup over 3,000 metres. It was the local challenger Star
Phoenix who shot into the lead early in the race but the five-year-old
suddenly drifted out passing the 2,000m marker, leaving Amazing One
and Scintilating Skill, the second favourite, to dispute the lead.
Skintilating Skill managed to hit the front from the mile marker but
once Aperitivo improved places, the final result was evident.
Aperitivo tookover the
running at the top of the straight and won unchallenged to bring much
cheer to the large crowd that thronged RCTC's historic grounds. Hyderabad
Challenger Gentleman's Deal ran on to take the runner up berth with
Scintillating Skill just managing to keep third spot from Crown Court.
