 |
| Diego Rivera |
Kiara from the stables of Pesi Shroff was the firm favourite to land the spoils in the Seth Ramnath Daga Trophy over a scurry. Kiara was fourth initially while Escravos and Covenant were in charge until the straight. Covenant soon took over in the straight, Spica who was tracking the leaders all through soon joined covenant and was travelling better. Just when it looked like the Naren mare would have it surprisingly easy, stablemate Avic Plaisir and Shyboy warmed up to provide the final thrilling moments to the race. Spica (Senure–Media Frenzy) held on grimly to keep her neck firmly in front jockey Neeraj Rawal ensuring there would not be any last stride disappointment. Shyboy was the fastest finishing horse and Avic Plaisir too made his presence felt. Kiara looked out of sorts and simply did not quicken.
Clarion Call was the other disappointment of the day. After registering an impressive win in his last outing, Clarion Call failed to reproduce that blaze. When things were heating up in the straight, Clarion Call put up no resistance whatsoever, but hung on to save the place money despite being slightly hindered by Gentle Knight’s shifting in slightly forcing the favourite to switch on the outside in the final furlong. Callingtheshots (Placerville–Destiny Calling) put in a strong finishing effort to get past Gentle Knight and win with a measure of comfort in the final few strides.
Mr. Greedy (Placerville–Angel Heights) provided an encore after an equally impressive victory in his last outing. The extra furlong notwithstanding, Mr. Greedy who was closer to the rear end of the field initially, made gradual progress and at the turn was prominently positioned with the clear stretch open for him on the outside. Mysterious Star was fighting hard to remain in charge with Star Crusader offering a spirited challenge. In his keenness to go for the rail, Narredu shifted in without realizing that Balance De power was looking to come through the rails as well. As a result, Balance De Power got a bad check and lost all his chances. As the race was heating up Mr. Greedy came into the contention and with the kind of strong gallop he produced, he looked the winner even before he passed the fighting duo in front. Mr. Greedy surged past and won impressively.
Chevron (Brave Act–Ceil Fleuri) won the 2000-metre Gujrat & Maharashtra Area Trophy in a splendid fashion to give Dr. Mallya his second winner of the day after Set Alight in the Classic. Sitting second all through, Chevron took charge as they began to turn for home. Into the straight, Chevron dominated the rest and drew further without being extended and past the distance post was well clear leaving the rest to fight for the minor placing. Indian Summer could do little even though he was close behind the winner till they straightened up. Thanda improved to end third.
Shroff’s Elegante failed to provide him the successful start on the D-day as the filly was surprised by a spirited charge from the lesser fancied Flying Spirit (Glory of Dancer–Frequent Flyer). Elegante hit the front soon on start and was travelling well coming into the straight. Flying Spirit, on the contrary, was last until the turn, but made rapid progress slipping through the rails and came up with a dazzling run and easily overhauled the leader. Elegante held on to finish a good second. Nyala flopped badly and did nothing of consequence.
Falcon Crest (China Visit-Altimara) provided the auspicious victory to Shroff in the next race. Following Step by Step and Solid Rock till the turn, Falcon Crest took charge early in the straight and got into such a fine gallop that none form behind even hoped to catch up including the favourite Saddlers Rule. White Hart Lane, who was in the rear, came around but found the winner too good.
Among the professionals, trainer P. Shroff saddled a treble and Narendra Lagad saddled a double. Jockeys CD Hayes and Rajendra scored a brace each.
