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Earlier, Shroff began the day’s proceedings on an auspicious note winning with Rigel (Glory of Dancer - Twin Star) in what lived up to the belief that it would be a two-horse race. The popular fancy, however, was Light My Way. As the gates flung open, Light My Way shot ahead and soon Rigel started to stalk the favourite until they turned for home. Light My Way had a slight advantage over Rigel and both were going all-out, involved in a grim battle. At the distance post, light My Way blinked and Rigel with a forceful run got the better of the favourite to spare half a length at the winning post. The rest finished a distance behind.
Shroff’s third success came with debutante Scarlette (Redback - Favoured). Settling in the third spot behind leader Ocean Legacy and Rob N Rob, Scarlete improved gradually to be in box seat turning into the straight. Heiress was just one behind. Ocean Legacy, by then, had built a sizable lead in the straight and looked threatening to run away. However, the long-time leader failed to sustain and surrendered tamely to Scarlette just past the final furlong marker. Heiress ran on to earn place money ahead of Emerald Valley who disappointed a fair share of supporters. Dancing Glances took the turn wide and made a bid on the centre of the track and finished a close fifth.
Cabriolet spoiled an otherwise splendid day for Shroff caving in meekly without putting up any resistance. Racing well up just behind early leaders Moon Flower and Weizhou, Cabriolet just did not quicken once into the straight. Weizhou sped past Moon Flower and the challenge came from Ecstatica past the distance post. Cabriolet was spent by then. Ecstatica galloped resolutely and managed to put her neck in front just at the right time. It was later learnt that the saddle on Weizhou had shifted which Ecstatica did not mind. Cabriolet finished a disappointing fourth alongside Moon Flower.
The Divisions I and II of the Sub-Area Commanders’s Trophy were both claimed by hot favourites Rajasthan Royals and Caustic Finale the only ”on money” duo to oblige.
Their Lil Sister shot ahead at a cracking pace to lead the field, with Sea Diamond, Visionaire, Notability, Rajasthan Royals running in close order. On straightening up, Their Lil Sister went further ahead opening a big lead. Rajasthan Royals set about narrowing the advantage and caught up with Their Lil Sister in the latter half of the straight. Rajasthan Royals sailed past the leader to win comfortably. Gloria came up well to save the place money despite a slow start.
Caustic Finale (Chiina Visit - God’s Grace) won impressively and without any anxiety. Sitting third behind Blush and Jalsa, Caustic finale made a surging forward move early in the straight. Untouched offered a fight but Caustic Finale showed more power and galloped away from Untouched. Blush held on to finish third ahead of Strong Foundation.
Macho Uno (Juniper Universal Star) caused the biggest upset of the day in dramatic race punctuated with a serious accident right across the public stands which fortunately did not have serious repercussions. On straightening up, Enticement shifted out and caused others on the outside to shift out as well. This in turn hampered the running of Candy Floss who stumbled and dislodged jockey Rajendra. Oroin Star, who was coming behind, found Candy Floss in the way and buckled causing jockey Pradeep to fall. Both the jockeys and the horses were not badly hurt.
Macho Uno went on to win in a fighting finish from Golden Heart Ashwa Prahar and Wild Imagination. Golden heart was the pick of the beaten brigade. The Stipendary Stewards then ordered an enquiry into the incident and after due deliberation the Stewards resolved to let the judge’s placing remain unchanged.
Tommy Carmichael (Diffident - Little Cinderella) had shown promise in his last run that his time had come and duly compiled a well-fought victory. Tommy Carmichael improved to come in second behind the tiring Up North. Soon Victor Ivano tried to challenge but did not trouble the favourite. Musical Rhythm then came with a sustained gallop to press Tommy Carmichael and the pair fought out the final furlong. Tommy always had the upper hand and managed /to ward off the challenger sparing a neck at the wire.
Samper Eadem (Ikhtyar-Old Time Romance), owned by Mr SM Ruia, Mr Amay Ruia and Mr Arjun Sajnani, won the last race of the day in a thrilling finish. Flames of Fire was sent on a start-to-finish mission and nearly pulled it off. Flames of Fire, Call To Arms were disputing the lead and Samper Eademsoo joined them on them outside. Feona made her run on the fence while Blue Thunder and Kiss Away were not too far behind.
Entering the straight, Flames Of Fire kicked on and made a fight of it. Samper Eadem quickly came up alongside to challenge the leader. Feona was looking for room, but when she got it, could not quicken fast enough. Blue Thunder came up with a late bid but found it hard to get at the fighting duo in front. In the final few strides, Samper Eadem got past Flames of Fire to win by a narrow margin. The top eight finished in close order amongst whom Blazing Spectacle covered a lot of ground to end in the frame.
