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Orochi, who had lost form, was found to be improving of late, finishing second to Maximise, over 2,400 metres and fourth to Yana in the Stayers Cup. Going into the race, Orochi set a fast pace and as the field approached the final bend, was followed by Maximise, Mission Chief and Clever Ploy. While Clever Ploy moved into the second place, Maximise fell back and was passed by Mission Chief to finish third. Orochi was on top and pulverized the opposition.
Prasad had another fruitful day, sending home three winners. Alberton Star and Royal Scotsman justified the favouritism in their respective races. After following the front-runners, Chestnut charmer and Splendid Act, till the last 100 metres, Alberton Star responded well to Ashhad Asbar’s urgings and won confidently. Ride To Glory was permitted to be withdrawn.
Jockey Gnaneshwar completed a double when he guided Royal Scotsman to victory in the Armagnac Plate, the concluding race of the day. Held back in second behind the early leader, Jay Jay, till the top of the straight, Royal Scotsman surged ahead comfortably to win. Shivaji moved on to finish second while Radical Player and Apple Valley filled the frame.
Trainer Donald Netto continued his winning streak, completing a treble. Dancing Harbour started the day for him winning the opening race of the day. Dancing Harbour, who had dropped the rider after being in a prominent position, just a week ago, was surprisingly neglected in the betting. The major support was in favour of Standing Ovation with Easy Touch finding her share of support in the betting. Standing Ovation took the first initiative on the straight and Dancing Harbour was quick to join the issue at 300 metres and after a duel, shot ahead to win impressively.
Mr. Don, who had gone down in the last stride on his previous outing, made amends with a smashing start to finish win in the Nilgiris Plate. Achiever was in futile chase throughout the race. Dhruthiman and Royal Bay filled the frame. P.S. Chouhan was astride both Dancing Harbour and Mr. Don.
Glorious Bay produced a stunning run through the field in the last 50 metres to snatch the race from India Gate in the lower division of the Golconda Empress Plate. Royal Tune came in late to finish a close third.
The Corden Rouge Plate, for maiden two year-olds were divided into two races. Golden Queen registered a smashing win in the higher division. Alexander Square had surrendered the lead to Rosemead after a hard fight in the final furlong. Golden Queen came up with gigantic strides from the rear and stunned everyone. April Showers was permitted to be withdrawn on veterinary grounds.
Vijay Damini literally ran away with the lower division. The favourite Yakshagana who tracked Vijay Damini till the final bend went miles wide and lost all her chances.
R. Rupesh steered J. Silvester’s Chamatkar to a convincing win in the higher division of the Hi-Tech Plate. Al Malawi led till beaten by Chamatkar.
Foreign Jockeys: With Irish Jockey Stephen Carson already here to ride for trainer Laxman Singh, two more U.K. based jockeys have landed at Hyderabad. Duran Mark Fentiman with 120 career wins shall be doing his duties for Leo D’Silva while Thomas Gary Mclaughlin with 258 career wins will ride for S.A. Shehzad Abbas. Both the jockeys are from Northern Ireland and ride regularly at the United Kingdom.
