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The supporters of Ohiyesa realised very early in the race that their money was down the drain. The favourite took a smart jump from an inner draw and led briefly, but was soon passed by a horde of horses. Despite Gnaneshwar's best efforts to hold his position, Ohiyesa dropped out of contention and ultimately finished off the frame. The frontrunners shot their bolt after the bend and were easily passed by those coming from behind. Dare Don was the first to make his move, and under the strong urgings of Himanshu, established a comfortable lead in the final furlong. Boston Ranger and Always For You finished on from the rear and occupied the minor placings. Ohiyesa was literally out of depth in this race. He needs to come down in his rating to make an impression in the present Class.
Apprentice Himanshu was in tremendous form today, as the young man rode a treble for the first time in his short career. He is riding with confidence and showing good temperament. His first winner during the afternoon came on another Visal Yadav trainee. Eight year-old Ride And Shine hadn't won a race in more than a year. He had been finishing close behind the first four in his last few starts. A huge surge of betting on this horse indicated that all was well with him. He was quick to join early market leaders Satin Slipper and Maratha Conqueror at the top of the betting boards. Himanshu had to ride exceptionally hard to get the better of rank outsider Lapiz Lazuli, who seemed to have established a winning lead at the bend. Lapiz Lazuli began to drift out in the straight, and in the process, took Ride and Shine along with him. The winner got up on the last three strides to get the better of the leader. Black Cat came from the tail end of the pack to take the third spot.
Himanshu completed his treble with Monappa's Time Speed. The three year-old was opposed by a group of older horses. It was safe to assume that she would hit the front as she was drawn well. The speedy filly went to the front and was never headed. Alinski finished-on purposefully from the back to run a close second. Alinski had met with a bad interference at the top of the bend, but for which, he may have ended much closer. Golden Flowers was prominent till the bend before he retired to settle for the third spot.
The other shock for the punters came in the form of Majestic Strides. This Kamath-trained three year-old was considered a "certainty" in a mile race for horses in Class IV. His last effort second behind Mr President, his fluent track trials and the fact that he was well suited by the longer trip, ensured that he started as a very short priced favourite. John was a picture of supreme confidence as he allowed the favourite to settle nicely behind the front-running Copenhagen. While most present at the course assumed that the favourite would sweep past the leader, apprentice Parveen had other ideas. He pulled out the stick and began walloping his horse. Copenhagen kept plodding and ultimately succeeded in keeping Majestic Strides at bay. The young man may lose his right to use the whip in a race, as he had hit his horse no less than twenty four times in the straight. Minchu was able to keep his head in front of a poorly ridden You're My Sensation and finish third.
Definite Believe was one of the well backed horses to score on Wednesday afternoon. In the hands of J Paswan, the youngster sped away from his rivals and established a useful lead at the bend. This proved to be decisive as it enabled him to withstand a belated challenge from Royal View. The runner up showed that he is back in form and ready to score. Royal View should score in his own age group in the latter part of this season. Mr Magic was the other one to merit attention. He advertised his fitness by finishing powerfully in the straight. Artistic Way likes it longer and today's effort was a lung opener for the future.
The first few races of the day's card in this season are generally reserved for horses in the lowest class. It was no different today. Trainer Md Sajid scored a double by winning with Ryder and Karumba. Both these horses had come down to this category after competing unsuccessfully in the higher classes. While Karumba scored in a close finish and at longer odds, it was Ryder's victory which was eye-catching. The presence of rookie Melvyn did not deter the Sajid camp from supporting him. They had apparently gauged his potential in the morning trials. Ryder took off like a scalded cat and chased the speedy Everlasting Joy till the bend. He assumed control thereafter and ran away from the field. He won by a widening margin from Magical Ecstasy and Zindabad. The only other race in the day's card was the lower division of a class B event. Trainer BK Narendra led in a winner after a real long time. He combined with apprentice Md Shoaib to score with Amatol. This was another horse who was scoring after a couple of years.
