Tailed off from the bunch until the straight, Jacqueline (King Charlemagne – Talita Kumi) had only one behind her i.e. Jade who had lost at least 5 lengths at the gates. Far ahead in the front, Caustic Finale, Gloria, De Nada and Salute the Star were vying for command. Still very much in the rear, Jacqueline wove her way between horses and came up with a flourish towards the winning post with a devastating run. Such was her final burst that the front lot, with Salute the Star looking good, were simply left totally stunned! Jacqueline was fortunate thought to have got the right openings at the right time but few hoped that she would fly the way she did in the final furlong. Jacqueline could not have hoped for a better debut.
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| Jacqueline |
Earlier, McCullagh had a decisive hand in pulling Telstar (Placerville – Tiney Toast) to a hard fought victory in the Division II of the G. Essaji Trophy. Essaying it from the word go, Telstar as always in the vicinity for the others to collar and his slender lead looked too slender for comfort. When the challengers grew closer, it was Ares who joined Telstar and Born Special was always prominent on the outside. Ares poked through these two headed the duo and even looked like surging ahead. Born Special also looked capable of pulling it off and the charge was getting serious with only a furlong more to go. Telstar suddenly pulled away and in the closing stages, a crack or two had Telstar getting stronger at the finish. Born Special just got the nod right ahead of Ares for the second spot. Force of Law got to figure in the frame.
The Div I of the same trophy saw Flaring Sun shining brightly. Settling beautifully in the mid bunch, Flaring Sun made his move midway up the straight to finish on strongly and get to the line ahead of a spirited rally from Young Offender. La Joie De Vie had stolen a march early in the straight, and Eagle Mountain’s fading away made her look like she was gaining in momentum. Young Offender was the first to call that bluff and came with gaining strides and just as he got close enough for a final assault, Young Offender himself was shocked by the brilliance of Flaring Sun. Flaring Sun (Alnasr Alwasheek – Sure Future) proved that he is colt with mettle and is on the rise. Young offender was unfortunate to come across Flaring Sun in this sort of form, but he will have his day in the sun before long.
Star Attraction was heavily fancied to win the Div II of the Indian Air force Trophy. He was on the right course all through but faltered on the last stride against Forbes List (Royal Kingdom – Housewarming) who was given a peach of a ride by the veteran Malesh Narredu. Sitting well with the pace, Star Attraction shook off Fire Within easily and looked to have worked up a nice rhythm. Forbes List meanwhile was making steady progress and at the distance post was just getting past Cameo to move to third and within striking distance of the favorite. In the final furlong too most thought that Star Attraction might just be able to pull it off, but not Malesh, he believed Forbes List still had the chance and with his never-say-die effort got the nod right on the post. An electric finish and the shock came on the wire.
Star Impact (Major Impact – Starafar) won the Div I of the Indian Air Force Trophy. Surprisingly the odds on the winner kept drifting upwards. Pretty Commission was the won who had the most support. Pacemaker and Palme Dor fought for the early lead and as they turned for home, the chasers were drawing closer. Pretty Commission was just about to make her bid when Star Impact got the opening along the rails. Leaving nothing to chance, jockey Srinath drove Star Impact along through the narrow opening and marched ahead imposingly to run away from the rest. Pretty Commission was overwhelmed. Princess Ruby and Catalyst ran well to finish together with Pretty Commission.
Highland Flame (Glory of Dancer – Killernay) was best equipped to win the Simply Noble Trophy start to finish and did so elegantly. Striding freely in the front, Highland Flame started to pull away from Hold The Thoughts who was chasing the leader all the time. Into the straight, Highland Flame accelerated well and added further distance from his nearest rival and seemed pretty much ahead past the distance post. However, with some sustained punishment from the jockey, Hold The Thoughts started to bridge the gap. However, there was too much to do and not enough time as the winner had built a substantial lead. The late dash of Hold the Thoughts was good enough only to reduce the margin of victory. Modesty was a modest third.
Wells Fargo (Batzushka – Allelujah) won the Div I of the Super Brave Trophy holding on from the late assault from Golden Orra who looks to be getting ready for longer races.
Try Your Luck (Serious Spender - Aquila) moved up nicely to take charge early in the straight to notch up a long due victory in the days opener. The well-backed favourite had no difficulty in getting out of the gates smartly and bide his time until the turn. Elementto Trance did well to gain ground towards the finish.
