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The day started ominously for Pesi as his top candidate for the day IL Divo was completely out-classed in the third race of the day. IL Divo, who travelled well coming into the straight, found the challenge from Bezan’s Ares (Celtic Swing – Glowing Sands) too hot to handle and succumbed without a semblance of a fight. Ares, who was stalking IL Divo until well into the straight, and when he put his best foot forward, he stormed past IL Divo at the distance post. IL Divo, although beaten squarely, did put in a good show in bridging the gap in the closing stages and begs for another chance. I, for one, will not write him off, not yet.
Pesi struck in the very next race with Attila (China Visit- Al Dente). Settling closer to the rear bunch on start, Attila improved gradually to be amongst the front group entering the straight. Yankee Lane and Scenic Silver were in front when Attila wasting no time came along side. When Blumarine warmed up, Neeraj Rawal had sent Attila into the lead and was a handy 3 lengths in front at the distance post. Attila had enough to carry on galloping and all Blumarine could do was to reduce the margin of victory.
Strelitzia (Razeen – Hablitzia) scored a hard fought victory sparing a short head to Chanakya at the post. The pair went hell for leather in the final furlong. Jockey CD Hayes did well to accelerate ahead when the filly showed that she was keen to go. That got her into a rhythm and she soon sailed past the front-runners – Appalina, Eagle Mountain and Shodaan. Chanakya gained ground with a game gallop, caught up with Strelitzia, and looked like he would get past the favorite. Hayes had a lot of work to do but he managed to get the best out the filly. Strelitzia too showed great fighting qualities came from the brink and stubbornly held her nose in front at the wire. Chanakya can consider himself a trifle unfortunate, but this was racing at its best without doubt.
Violetta (China Visit – Perpetual) was at longer odds. Illuminate refused to go into the gates and was withdrawn. El Tabarro was heavily supported in the betting ring. Black Falcon hit the front and El Tabarro was never too far from the action. Violetta was what seemed too far away for a sprint. Into the Straight, Black Falcon had the upper hand for a while before El Tabarro came swooping down on him. At the distance post, El Tabarro surged ahead and shaped like a winner. Violetta then came up with a powerful run to spoil the party for El Tabarro providing a back-to-back double for jockey CD Hayes. Violetta flew towards the end and looks a good type.
For trainer Siraj Sunderji, the beginning was spot on. He was taking on hot favourite Viva La Diva in the ‘Bachha’ race for 2 year-olds. Viva La Diva hit the front soon on start and led the field homeward. Into the straight, Viva La Diva had two challengers hounding her, Serenity and Ocean Wish. The race was reduced to a three-horse contest with none of the others matching up to the trio. Viva La Diva tried hard to keep her lead but it was evident that she was fighting a losing battle. Serenity was getting too close for her comfort. In the final dash Ocean Wish put in a dazzling run to get the verdict meters from the post.
Royal Gesture (Brave Hunter – Maiden of Iron) made every post a winning one and easily thwarted the challenge of Rose of Texas. Hitting the front soon on start, Royal Gesture got only stronger in the straight. Rose of Texas seemed the only worthwhile threat and despite being in close proximity of the winner, Rose of Texas made little impression on Royal Gesture.
Sunderji’s Oyster Blue (Tirol – Marathon Maid) was backed heavily in the ring. Hitting the front from the word go, Oyster Blue shook off her rivals once into the straight and won by an impressive margin. The First Lady haplessly watched the winner disappear from her vicinity. Notability covered some ground to finish second and Dangerous Belle too did well to end in the frame. For jockey DK Ashish this was a first double he scored this season.
Nirad Karanjawalla trained Aristocratical (Flitch – Athinai) won the first race of the afternoon in style. Settling in the rear of the front bunch, Aristocratical made a significant forward move at the turn. She was a bit erratic and drifting in and out in the straight but was convincing in her manner of victory. Oreintal Magic finished on as runner-up.
