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Apache Indian (Burden of Proof – Star of Nature) provided both Dallas and Prakash a fine double. Apache Indian hit the front soon on start and set his own comfortable pace. Satsuma Star and Forever Amber were in close attendance followed by Francis of Assisi and the rest were in a close huddle not too far away. Indian Summer jumped out slow and refused to raise a gallop. Apache Indian entered the straight with a narrow lead but was travelling well. Satsuma Star failed to quicken and was working to stay close to the leader. Francis of Assisi started to bridge the gap and was gaining rapidly on Apache Indian. The pair fought out the last furlong but Apache Indian held on grimly and never let Francis of Assisi to get past, sparing a neck at the post.
Earlier, jockey B Prakash had piloted Hunter Bay (Brave Hunter – Temple Bay) to an impressive victory in the Storm Again Trophy - Div I. Sitting in fourth behind Red Chilly, Royal Gesture and Alohamora, Hunter Bay bounded forward passing the 400 and surged ahead to build a decisive lead. Prakash sent Hunter Bay sailing ahead without having to use his whip and the MK Jadhav trainee responded well to register his second victory of the season from three starts. Seen It All improved towards the end to get past Royal Gesture for the runner up berth.
Amouresque (Mr Mellon – Complimentary) was the second of the two most fancied debutants after Ocean Emperor. Both these two were alert at the start and headed the field. On settling down, Ocean Emperor grabbed the early initiative and was soon tailed by Star Trainer. Amouresque settled along the rails with Tranquility alongside. Ocean Emperor led them home ward and soon Amouresque slipped from the inside to join Ocean Emperor. Both went for broke passing the distance post together and in the last few strides, Amouresque got stronger and won clocking a decent timing of a shade over a minute and eleven seconds. Star Trainer, Tranquility and Starlit Princess followed in close order.
River Force (During – Social Place) scored his second victory on the trot and justified the strong support he received in the betting ring. River Force, Their Lil Sister and The Brave Heart jostled for the lead with the favourite maintaining at he upper hand on the inner rails. Crème De La Crème, Ucandoit and Sputnik were slow off the blocks. River Force entered the straight full of running and soon started to get away from his rivals. At the distance post it was clear that there was no serious threat coming and River Force was home and dry a good two lengths ahead of Their Lil Sister. Strong Foundation was a notable third and Game of Power covered good ground to force his way into the frame, pegging back Secret Talk in the process.
Mumtaz (Juniper – Gorgeous Princess) put in a sustained gallop to beat her rivals with surprising ease. Sitting third in the front bunch, Mumtaz gained momentum to get past the leader Prince of Troy soon on entering the straight. Jockey Amyn Merchant got Mumtaz into top gear going past Prince of troy who softened a bit towards the finish to be relegated to fourth, edged out of the place money by the fast finishing Gerrad. Admirals Quest, who had to switch lanes came in late to grab the second spot. Mumtaz dished out an impressive win and can win again. Gerrad too would relish a slightly longer trip.
