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Weizhou (Senure – Priceless Moments) came calling late and timed his run to perfection. He spoiled the party of Romantic Impact snatching the short-head verdict practically on the winning post. Romantic Impact had stolen a march and was leading comfortably once past Corfu. Weizhou came from behind with a devastating run to cover a lot of ground to snatch the race from Romantic Impact who could consider himself unfortunate to have lost out in this fashion.
Highland Glory (Green Smith – Knowle Park) was a classic case of victory snatched from the jaws of defeat. Settling into the mid-bunch, Highland Glory was in great position coming into the straight. The whole field was tightly packed with Grand Warrior not in the best of positions what with a wall of horses in front. The finish was heading for a thriller as the horses spread across the turf and the strides got longer and the sound of the whalebone echoing loudly and regularly. Highland Glory was in the middle encountering a steady challenge from Forward Charge. Grand Warrior got into top gear and provided a sustained challenge from the outside. Forward Charge was forgotten despite being on their heels. It was Grand Warrior and highland Glory going all out and the shutter bug declared the latter the winner. It must have been a whisker victory for Highland Glory, for, to the naked eye, it looked Grand Warrior would have the advantage.
Hereafter (Ontario – Here Goes) won the opening race of the day in the most convincing manner. Hitting the front soon on start, hereafter, partnered by the in-form DS Rathore, made every post a winning one. There was no threat in style and the Katrak filly was without company in the final furlong. Crème De La Crème edged out Rule of Law for the runner’s up. In this form, Hereafter ought to look to go for a three-in-a-row!
Appalina (Placerville – Appetina) managed to get the extra bit to stay ahead and ward off two late onslaughts. Monarchos surrendered early after showing the way into the straight. Fiamma soon took charge and was travelling well too when Appalina started to apply pressure. At the distance post, Appalina got ahead when Blades of Glory started to make his presence felt. Meanwhile Mythical, who was languishing in the rear, made his move on the wide outside. She started covering ground at a good pace but by the time she really got going, the winning post arrived. Mythical would have certainly fared a lot better had she been a little more prominently positioned coming into the straight.
Sail Thru tried the runaway tactics but Arabian Power (Diffident – Insatiable) spoilt his party. Hitting the front soon on start, Sail Thru led them into the straight and tried to go even further. Arabian Power was up to the task and collared the leader in the final furlong to score a decisive victory.
Oh So Romantic (Royal Kingdom – Old Time Romance) put in a strong run in the straight to first overhaul the front runners and in the final stages, ward off a strong challenge from stablemate Rommel. Tyumen brought the field home but was soon passed by Catalyst. Oh So Romantic got into a fierce gallop and sped into the lead easily shaping like a winner approaching the distance post. Rommel warmed up late and came in with a strong gallop to end on the haunches of the winner.
Cambiasso flopped again. However, the winner on this occasion – Confiserie (Placerville – Sprungli) was simply too good! Rio Del Ray led them into the straight, with Cambiasso right behind. Before Cambiasso could move into top gear, Confiserie was in full flight. The Zadmal trainee displayed a terrific burst of speed that left the opposition stunned.
Fascination (Don’t Forget Me – Act of Trust) pulled off a nice little coup for her connections with any alarm. Going start to finish, Fascination did what was asked of her and returned successful. Salawati tried hard to have her say, but could only be content with the runner’s up berth. Victor Ivonov ended a good third.
Among the professionals, Trainers Bezon Chinoy, CD Katrak and jockeys Ys Srinath, Imran Chisty and DS Rathore scored a double each.
