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The four that were in the front bunch stayed on in the judges frame with Weizhou not doing too badly to extract some place value in third. The favorite Cielo Ray and Red Romeo both had a bad day at the office. The favourite never was in live contention and the latter was out of sorts.
The Ardeshir Vandrevala Multi-Million saw a fantastic finish with hot favourite Beyond Stars just got at on the post by SA De Sousa, the only pro to notch up a double on the day. SA De Sousa, who has been riding with fire in his belly, flew with Dear Henry (Glory of Dancer – Flying Home), full brother to Indian Derby winner Hotstepper. Dear Henry was always sitting on the tail of Beyond Stars and never left her shadow. Despite going wide in the straight, De Sousa had the favourite well covered. In the final furlong, he got the best out of Dear Henry to win the short-head verdict. All credit ought to go to De Sousa for his splendid effort in snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Both Aurelian and Dear Henry were superlative efforts from the Brazilian jockey.
Violetta (China Visit – Perpetual) chalked up her fourth successive victory this season with yet another superlative performance. Graduating rapidly to class II (60-80), Violetta humbled a good set of reputed sprinters with a scintillating gallop in the latter half of the homestretch. Our Fortune, Highland Flame led the pact with Estevez and Forever Young in tow. Violetta had only The gain behind her. Highland Flame had a slight advantage past the 400 and soon Our Fortune tried to wrest the lead. Estevez was fighting on when Violetta unleashed a terrific gallop that paled the decent effort of the ones fighting hard in front. Violetta clocked personal best timing of 58.56 for the five furlong scurry and landed the HIRCO – Japan Cup for the Chetak Horse Racing P Ltd. Jockey CD Hayes and trainer Pesi Shroff had only this Usha Stud product as their only winner for the day.
Illuminate (Ontario – Asalib) brought some cheer to young trainer Ms N Chinoy. Srinath has Illuminate sitting in the mid-bunch closer to the front group. Alize stole a march in the straight and had a handy lead to go by. However, Illuminate poked through horses and once he had a clear run, Srinath set about bridging the gap to chase down Alize. Alize fought on bravely but Illuminate was travelling the better and ended sparing half a length at the post.
Lyrical Lass (Diffident – Spectacular Blood) got the Ramaswamy colours flying with a clinical victory in the Vandrevala Foundation Trophy. Settling third behind the runaway leader Highland Music and Flames of Fire, Lyrical Lass got down to business early in the straight. She found a fine rhythm going and won easily warding off a late bid from favourite Saints N Sinners and later Blumarine. Both the challengers failed to make any impression on Lyrical Lass and jockey Prakash was seen easing up the Karthik filly towards the winning post.
Daffodils (Senure – Love Call) produced his best run in a long time and young apprentice jockey Trevor taking full advantage of the 5 kilo allowance, Sitting fourth and biding his time, Trevor got Daffodils improving in the straight. Sea Diamond had a longish lead and with Ijlal not quickening to match, Daffodils easily moved to second at the distance post. Sea Diamond, still in front at this stage failed to sustain and Daffodils surged ahead in front of the stands to win easily.
Kalinga Star (Iktyar – Hunan), from the stables of Uday Bhan Singh, rose from the mid-bunch to improve steadily at the bend. Blau Himmel gave way to Sacred Relic who was soon passed by Kalinga Star who looked a winner even as he hit the front midway up the straight. Sacred Relic galloped on to return runner up, while River Minstrel did well to cover some ground to clinch the place money from Blau Himmel.
