Ashwa Paddma tasted an overdue victory by maintaining a start-to-finish attempt in the upper division of the Asian Age cup, which was the main event of day. Likewise, the lower division of the cup was lifted in a similar manner by Paramount.

Jockey Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who rode Ashwa Paddma, and saddler Ishwar Singh Parmar were the most successful professionals who shared a brace each.

The outset of the season which was delayed by torrential rain playing spoilsport was overshadowed by the blazing sun just a couple of days before the third day. The club that made efforts to conduct the races safely, also received an extended support from the professionals. However, the day did not live up to the expectations of the track followers as the favourites fell like ninepins, except from Cornelia Supra.

Ashwa Paddma, who led the brigade after the jump, had an anxious time towards the end, when Feraligator put in every effort to foil his bid but failed short by a neck. Ashwa Paddma, late Puerto Cabello, who had failed to gain fame like other Mumbai counterparts who took no time to reach glory after being stationed during the last season, was well nurtured during summering at the owner's stud at Riwadi (Haryana). A less number of appearances on the track left the punters confused but the connections were quite sure about his potential as there was no sign of anxiety on their faces. Their dream took only one minute and little over nine seconds to come true. "All credit goes to Gajendra who spent three months with the horses at our stud." Ravinder Pal Singh, co-owner of the horse, told me. "There was no special training given to the beloved animals; in fact. they were kept free to toil around."

The seven-year old gelding, Feraligator, could have turned the table on Ashwa Paddama if he had not struggled for a clear passage during the crucial stages. Water Wave, who was the main threat to the eventual winner till the distance post, just managed to keep the late challenge of Captain Planet, on whom belated effort was made, at bay.

The opening race saw Paramount shed the maiden status leaving the field cold stone. The gelding has the calibre to complete an encore. The run of Rainbow Shine should be noted along with horses who finished in a close order behind the winner - Holy warrior, Spicy Move, Real Scotch and Behaving Badly. These horses can spring surprises in the following days.

Another horse who met with success in short span of racing career was First N Impression. He held off Nothing Impossible en route to victory by half-a-length. The latter, who was in the hind group till the straight, swung into action late. Gallopinggoldmine was never in hunt for gold and finished an eye-catching fourth.

Yare emerged victorious in the Lady Be Mine Plate at the mercy of Much Faster, who should make amends. The favourite Raffaello was not sighted before completing the race in the third place. Cornelia Supra picked up momentum from her last winning gallop during the last season and registered an emphatic victory in the class two Moonlight Drive Plate. She should extend her winning streak. Middle Man, who tried hard to match Supra's strides before settling himself into the runner-up slot, should come back to winning ways. The last race - Magic Moment Plate, saw Winning Chick causing an upset. Interestingly, the horses (Spade of Ace and Amazing Warrior) that finished on the board were higher in odds. The favourite Queen Amedale could not sustain.