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Snow Queen (Steinbeck – Ithica) from trainer Sandeep Manglorkar’s yard was power-driven by jockey C Rajendra to post a convincing victory in the race for the PA D’Avione Trophy over a mile. The entire field was jammed closely together from the outset with Satsuma Star in the lead. White Knight and Snow Queen were up with the front-runners as was Visionaire who had the box seat right through. No sooner Satsuma Star brought the field homeward, Visionaire saw his opportunity along the inner rails and made a dash for it. White Knight lit up and began his charge on an impressive note to sail into the lead. But his command lasted only split seconds as Snow Queen came along with a sizzling gallop to cruise past ‘em all and accelerated further away to coast to an impressive victory. White Knight was unlucky to find Snow Queen in such galloping mood, while Arbudh helped himself to a good practice run and did well to earn some place money. Visionaire had a great opportunity but squandered his chances of making a race of it ending a tame fourth.
Bolero (Tirol – Cozumel) trained by SS Shah lived up to expectations and displayed good fighting qualities to earn his victory. Sitting well up with the front bunch, Bolero moved up to take command early in the straight. Vacheron provided a stiff challenge initially but failed to maintain the momentum. Splendid Secret was in close vicinity too, but was making little impression on Bolero. Bolero surged even further in the final furlong. Splendid Secret, however, made a little progress to snatch the runner-up berth from Vacheron. Tell Me More ended in the frame just a neck ahead of Kite Runner who covered a lot of ground and was the best among the beaten lot.
Highland Music (Greensmith – Starstruck Actress) created a small flutter running away to a start-to-finish victory out pacing the favourite Lakhadema. Hitting the front from the word go, Highland Music showed a lot of early speed and entered the straight with a slender lead as Soophie, Sepia Tone and Lakhadema were in a bunch right behind. Highland Music upped the ante by increasing the pace past the 400. Lakhadema poked through to almost touching distance but Highland Music kept going at a fair clip. Lakhadema was ridden all out but just could not catch up with Highland Music as jockey Ranjane offered no let up on the Antia trainee until the mission was accomplished. This was a second victory on the trot for the Hormuz Antia ward.
De Nada (Razeen – Ocean Sunset) scored an effortless victory although the margin of victory was not too large. Settling in the mid bunch, De Nada came in with a strong gallop to cruise past the front bunch comprising of Whispering Willows, Forward Charge, Caramel and Arabian Pride all going at full steam. De Nada breezed past them all and once comfortably in front, jockey B Prakash eased the Shroff filly who carried the top weight yet finished a comfortable winner. Forward Charge ran a game second while Caramel too ended a good third ahead of Tyumen.
Tehrani (Flitch – Share the Spirit) made most of the incompetence of apprentice jockey Kavraj Singh who simply could not prevent Medtias Pride from drifting out of a straight course at crucial stages. Medtias Pride first took the turn four wide then drifted out further. Gypsy Queen who was in the lead started to shorten strides. River Tern made a strong bid for the lead. Past the 300, Medtias Pride was fighting to be in contention when Tehrani warmed up to join the fight. With Medtias Pride failing to keep a straight course, it made the job easier for Tehrani who went ahead approaching the distance post to keep the advantage going. Medtias Pride managed to keep the second best place just haead of River Tern who seems to be getting ready for better results next time out.
Grey Island (Hymn – White Whisper) got off to an even start, settled well in the mid group and then made gradual progress to land the spoils in a decisive manner. Ballad of Glory came in home first with Houdini nearest to him. Gimme Hope and Grey Island moved up to be in contention at the 400. Ballad of Glory was fighting hard to survive when Grey Island gathered momentum to launch his final assault. Once in the lead, jockey CS Jodha left nothing to chance and pushed Grey Island to sew up the race in the final 100 meters. Houdini took his time to warm up and was seen finishing on well. Houdini will surely do well the next time out.
Sunlight (China Visit – Romantic Liason) won the day’s opener but not without apprehension. Dante Rossetti extended the piping hot favourite and put up stiff resistance in the homestretch. Dante Rossetti entered the straight along with Sunlight who came alongside with a lot of confidence. As they matched strides past the 400, Dante Rossetti had come under the stick while Chisty was going hands and heels. Sunlight had a slight upper hand and when Chisty realized that Dante Rossetti was right up too close, he too used the whalebone. Sunlight still couldn’t shake off Dante Rossetti and finally after some hard riding and an extra crack or two Sunlight drew away to post a much narrower victory than expected. Dante Rossetti certainly gave the favourite a run for her money.
