Red Romeo (Steinbeck–Allspice) won a million hearts too, as he pulverized the opposition and romped home to clinch the Nitco Million with a breathtaking final flourish. The on-money favourite settled nicely into the third as Daffodils and Inspiring Trust (Narredu) called the shots early. Star Presentation (Fargeat) was in close attendance and Autonomy (Hayes) was towards the wrong end of the field, with only Aristocratical behind the gelding. Daffodils guided them homeward and even as Star Presentation was getting the measure of the leader, Red Romeo (Grant) pressed for home and in a trice was devouring ground and adding distance between him and the rest.
Autonomy (Hayes), another impressive debutant in the Allah Rakha Trophy, however, disappointed. Autonomy, who raced well up in front, was languishing in the rear end of the field and did not improve position and never looked in serious contention at any stage. Red Romeo sealed the issue the moment he passed Star Presentation a good 300 m from the winning post. Star Presentation showed a lot of improvement over his second to Autonomy and did well to reverse the verdict on Autonomy. Inspiring Trust (Narredu) put in a decent run as well and looks a good type.
Sugar Ray (Hayes) excelled in his first attempt. The Burden Of Proof–Sugarbird bay colt hit the front soon on start, then settled second behind Supreme Falcon (Chouhan) till they turned for home. Salve Ragina (Fargeat) and Sentinel (Rajendra) were right in touch with the front-runners and the foursome was closely huddled together as they straightened up. Sugar Ray took over from Supreme Falcon and for a moment Salve Ragina seemed to make a fight of it, but the Vijay Mallya-owned colt showed plenty of speed to stay well ahead and win impressively.
Rave On (Prashant) was the favourite in the first race. The Antia ward matched strides with Emerging Power (Narredu) in front and shot ahead as they turned for home. Emerging Power had little left in the tank and faded away. St. Moritz ran on from a long way back to get close to the winner. Latest News (Nadeem Alam) kept up his consistency to end up in place money.
The 2,400 m A. Geddis Plate saw a small field of six runners going to post. Miles And More (Fargeat) was the major fancy after odds drifted on Montalvo (Narredu). Dreaming was the only other horse in the betting, enjoying the support of a few followers. Diplomatic License hit the front on start and set a lethargic pace initially. The pace picked up on slightly when Friday Friend took over the proceedings. Montalvo – a detached last was not complaining and tagged alone unhurried. As they turned for home, Miles And More went ahead and Montalvo, who had moved up to fourth, put in his charge and easily accounted for Miles And More. Motalvo (Behrens–Virginia Flappers) finished on full of running and won comfortably.
Alvida (Ruzaan) reminded on of the famous Kishore Kumar number - Kabhi Alvida na kehena. The 6-to-4 favourite led down a large following yet again. The Vinayak ward simply fell apart in the straight and just managed to hold on by a short head to remain in the frame. As they turned, Sail Away caved in first and Alvida, who was alongside, just would not accelerate. Nanjing (Razeen–London Cries) sped ahead, and managed to ward off a late threat from Totalitarian to hold on. Shailesh Shinde was called up for excessive whipping and as this was a third time. The jockey received a suspension order for two meetings.
Walking Tall (Greensmith–Zeta Jones) won in style – start-to-finish. Chouhan got him to the front with ease and the gelding never looked back. Green Valley was very unfortunate to bear the brunt of an erratic start coming from Acceptance (Baria) who just could not control going over to Green Valley and ruining the latter’s chances right at the start. Consequently, Baria attracted the wrath of the stewards and incurred a suspension for 6 race days. However, the Nirad Karanjawalla-schooled Walking tall owned by Ms. Leena Godiwalla, Mr. Peter Deubet and Christopher John Foll posted an impressive victory stopping the clock under the minute. Green Valley could never really recover from the early jolt and this run is best forgotten. Walking tall, however, needs consideration over the scurry.
The Gods finally relented and Councilofthegods earned his bracket this season under the guidance of Kishore Kadam. Settling fifth till turn Coucilofthegods (Diffident–Kilshanning), who was between horses, found the gap at the distance post and Kishore pushed powerfully to collar The Brave Heart (Appu) and score a forceful victory. Oyster Pearl (Nirmal) ran on powerfully carrying the top eight to end a noteworthy second pipping The Brave Heart on the post for the runner up berth. Flames Of Fire had all the chances but could not sustain.
Wells Fargo was a coup well pulled off! The insider connections of the Surthi-trained mare were confident of pulling this one off and Shailesh timed his final assault to a nicety to land the spoils on the line. At the top of the straight, Sparrow Hawk moved out and there was a cavalry charge as the entire field spread across the breadth of the track and making a dash forward. Tullamore, Classic Thundering Hero (TS Jodha) and Wells Fargo were abreast approaching the distance post. The fight became fierce from here on and Thundering Hero and Wells Fargo (Batzuska–Alleljuah) tore ahead, went stride for stride and on the post Wells Fargo got the nod right. Classic (Srinath) had his chances but failed to score while Eternal Spirit (Hayes) ran an easy fourth and needs watching.
For the professionals, trainer Shroff, and jockey Shailesh Shinde scored a double each.
