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| Harmonica (Gaswar-Titanium) produced a scorching finish to shock favourite Astral Flash on the post to capture the YM Choudhry Memorial Trophy in a breath-taking fashion. Astral Flash was looking good until the last stride. With a comfortable lead on straightening up, Astral Flash seemed in no danger with only a furlong more to go. Natouchka who was next looked spent and Snow Queen was struggling to stay in contention for the minor placing. Astral Flash, at that juncture, to use a common racing terminology, had no business to lose. Just when it appeared that the Shroff-trained filly would shake off her ‘maiden’ status, Harmonica got into a fine rhythm and started to bridge the gap steadily. A hundred metres from home, it became apparent that Astral Flash had a fight on her hands but one would be forgiven if one believed that there was not enough ground and time for Harmonica. However, harmonica came in leaping and firing on all cylinders. The Geoffery Nagpal filly with Allan atop, finished full of steam and power and just managed to pip the favourite on the wire. Astral Flash was simply stunned. She did not put a wrong foot and may not have lost to a better filly, but lost to a better finishing gallop on the day. Astral Flash did everything right until the final stride but failed by a whisker. Jockey David Allan’s ride, however, was not the best that we have seen him perform. In fact, I would go to say that Harmonica won despite David Allan. Had Harmonica not won the race, he would have been in serious trouble, as it did appear that he was not as forceful as a jockey of his calibre ought to be at the finish. The stipendiary stewards did well to point out the matter to the Stewards of the Club, who let him off after cautioning. Since Harmonica won the race, Allan was saved the blushes. Monopoly (Alnasr Alwasheek–Victory And Gold) came into her own and dished out an easy start-to-finish victory to pocket the Koko-Kika Trophy in style. Hitting the front soon on start, Monopoly showed good early speed to take charge and built on it all the way home. She looked a winner long way from home and encountered no resistance from any quarter. Premier Perception showed good consistency and ended a notable second. However, Alvida, though not on the judge’s frame, caught my eye. The bay gelding now with veteran Janardhan’s stables, was slowly off and tailed the field well into the straight. He covered a lot of ground in the final furlong to end on the hindquarters of Amberogio. This run, specially the final furlong shows that Alvida is getting back into the groove and is getting ready to be noticed. The Tempest (Ontario–Tempt Me) made a winning first appearance and although a bit sluggish at the start improved well to finish strongly. Easter Lily led till the home turn and was kicking on. Malesh Narredu was momentarily uncertain whether to go for the small gap on the rails or switch to the outside. He opted for the safer route and came around Easter Lily joining the leader near the distance post. Easter Lily resisted for a while but in the final 100, The Tempest drew away to make his debut a memorable one. Little Warrior, in contrast, had a terrible debut. Chasing Blue Danube right from the start, Little Warrior put his weapons down no sooner than they turned for home. Blue Danube (Diffident–Victory And Gold) showed remarkable improvement over her last run and dished out her maiden victory in a solid manner. Little Warrior petered out badly to finish a shocking last. Falcon Crest (China Visit–Altimara) obliged the large following she enjoyed and won without any fuss or anxious moments. Sitting well in touch with leaders Walking Tall and Brad, Falcon Crest took over early in the straight and marched on. Nora tried to match strides for a brief while but knew before the distance post that she would do well to retain the runner up position. Falcon Crest grew stronger at the sight of the winning post and won untroubled. Excellent Story (Mr. Mellon–By Queen) finally earned her winning bracket and did well to ward off ever-lurking danger. The fight came from three rivals but Excellent Story’s ploy of darting ahead soon in the straight and work up a handy lead proved to be spot on. Excellent Story kicked on gamely, did not allow anyone from behind to get too close to her, and posted a well-deserved victory. Global Spirit from the beaten brigade did well to cover a lot of ground in the final furlong and was the fastest moving horse. He managed to edge out Daffodils for the place money and ended just a neck behind Calypso Dancer who went all out. Global Spirit is the one for your notebook. Thanda (Ontario–Moonspell) outlasted her rivals to claim the Jayramdas Patel Gold Trophy. Sitting on the tail of western Challenge, who attempted it start-to-finish, Thanda galloped into the lead soon on straightening up. Western Challenge was there and made a hard bid not to allow Thanda to get the better of him, but take advantage of the weight difference and his first victory beckoned, Parmar would not let this opportunity go waste. Parmar put all his skill and learning to ride out bravely in the last part to bound ahead away form the threats and win by a comfortable margin. Western Challenger is a game galloper but does not finish as desired. Cavaradosi looked to put up a fight, but did not quicken. Mysterio tried the runaway tactics and almost pulled it off. Fascination (Don’t forget Me–Act of Trust) warmed up midway up the straight to spoil the plans of Mysterio and post a well-fought victory. Mysterio squandered a 10-length lead in the straight and will rue the loss. Siooux Chief had a clear run once into the straight but was overwhelmed seeing the huge gap to the leader. Neeraj Rawal was the lone Jockey to score a double. |
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