Jockey Sameer Khan, who not only cashed in on the chances to win but also proved that he has the potential to match strides with the top-notch jockeys of the local racing circuit during the Delhi races held on last Tuesday. He was the lone professional to hog limelight with a creditable double. Meanwhile, Dazzling Wise showed a clean pair of heels while annexing the RR Ruia Memorial Cup.

Sameer hails from the racing family as his grandfather M Ahsan and uncle Shafiq Khan and Sarafarz Khan are also saddlers at the Delhi and Kolkata race courses respectively. His father Nafees was also a jockey in the 1980's. Out of four mounts, he rode Real Scotch and King of The Ring to glory while Silver Shine was placed third. With more opportunities coming his way, it may help him to become an ace rider. 

Riding with patience over seven furlongs, Sameer kept Real Scotch close to the pace of Faurties, Ashwa Paddma, First N Impression and Paramount till the field turned into the final furlong. On his vigorous call, his mount responded well to be stretched out to score in the Class III Link House Plate. Zabardast came from behind with a powerful burst but it proved to be too late. Ashwa Paddma was charged too early and that made him to be settled with the third place. Faurties, who was running after a long lay off of over eight months, had a forward run before crossing the wire at the fourth position.

Sameer again showed his brilliance on King of The Ring in the concluding event - Footsteps Plate. In an almost four-way finish, he was able to guide the fortune of the dark bay gelding from Mumbai. Hanging on to be second from the curve, he had to face a stiff challenge from Rabi Kounga, Zarin and fastest finishing Game of Talent. Rabi Kounga, who once looked all set to convert his dream run through the fence into the victory, was unable to hold the eventual victor off by neck. Zarin, who was considered to have tasted victory in a start-to-finish attempt, finished only close third. Much of it was because of the poor handling by the apprentice jockey from Bangalore Faraz Waheed. He unnecessarily pipped over his shoulder en route to entering the homestretch with a marginal lead.

Travelling 100 metres more than the last bid did not affect the running of Dazzling Wise, who left the field dancing to her tune on way to lift the feature event making every post a winning one. The daughter of Gaswar and Dazzling Wish, who was runner-up to Enya, proved that she has the class to reach the top level.

Black Thunder came out of the maiden status in the day's opener - Malavika Plate (Div. II). However, his victory could only be treated as once in a blue moon affair. The favourite Able Star looked stronger with huge lead at the top of the straight but his strides failed to sustain nearing 300m, and the horse crashed to the ground after the winning post and died. Fire Queen finally made it to the winning block under jockey Irfan Ali, who replaced unfit K Sunny Kumar. Tampa Bay and jockey Saleem earned their long overdue victory in the Wild Passion Plate.