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The victory astride Gris Rapide enabled P Mani to complete a rare double. He had already won a mile race for trainer Santosh Rao earlier in the afternoon. Worth A Gold has always been value for money in Class IV. She loves to race over a mile and is capable of finishing powerfully from the rear. Worth A Gold displayed all these qualities today. In a fast run race, favourite Miss Ruby was chased by Roto Rooa till well into the straight. The two front-runners were more than five lengths clear of the others at this stage. In a sudden turn of events, Miss Ruby shot her bolt and handed over the lead to Roto Rooa. Finding her earlier efforts extremely taxing, Roto Rooa too began to falter. This proved to be a lucky opportunity for Worth A Gold, who stormed through the huge gap on the rails and cantered away to a resolute victory over Roto Rooa and Land Of Gold. P Mani showed exemplary calm and confidence while riding the winner.
The other notable performance in today's seven event-card came from a highly rated Nectar Jewel. This Rakesh-trainee had carried a back-breaking weight to a surprising victory on the opening day of the season. He was assigned the top weight in a sprint race for horses in Class I. The stable was confident about his chances and had little hesitation in supporting him as a first favourite. Apprentice Santosh Kumar continued his partnership with Nectar Jewel. The duo was content to amble along in fourth place, as Join The Party and Danger Diabolic made the early running and led till well into the final furlong. Nectar Jewel was pulled towards the outer portion of the track and asked to quicken. The response was almost immediate. The big made horse lengthened his strides and sailed past Danger Diabolic and a tired Join The Party. The young apprentice rode confidently by keeping his mount on an even keel throughout the race. Nectar Jewel shall have to be moved to Bangalore, as his ratings have soared after these back to back victories.
Jockey Stephane made a winning debut on Indian soil by guiding Bipin-trained Winning Tale to an effortless victory in the upper division of a race for horses in the lowest class. The young man has come to ride for trainer Amit Caddy during the Bangalore Summer Season. The even money favourite was allowed to improve her position in the backstretch while chasing a runaway Killer Foot. She hit the front in the straight and was never challenged thereafter. Stephane had an armchair ride to victory. The four year-old won by a widening margin and indicated her readiness to strike again. Spark Of Symphony and Miss Mexico saved place money for their respective connections. The upper division of this race was won by Ravi Shankar's Whisper Valley. Appu-ridden Moonlight Dancer had assumed command in the straight and looked like a winner before he was stunned close home by a late finishing Whisper Valley. Gaurav Sapra's persistence with the winner paid rich dividends for the stable. Whisper Valley galloped on the outer portion of the track and responded gamely to his urgings.
The day ended with a couple of victories for the Md Sajid stable. Jockey Ravinder Singh rode a brace while steering Beauty On Duty and Feel My Heart to exciting victories. Dutch Hero and Beauty On Duty shared favouritism in the penultimate race of the day. They showed their keen intent by setting a scorching pace ahead of the others. While Dutch Hero packed up like a pricked balloon, Beauty On Duty sustained her efforts and forged ahead in the final stages to post an easy victory. Dutch Hero was hard pressed to retain his second spot ahead of Final Frontier. It may be a good idea to support Dutch Hero over a slightly shorter trip.
The victory for Feel My Heart was long overdue. Feel My Heart has raced amongst horses who are currently rated much higher than him. Ravinder allowed Worth A Diamond to set a fast pace ahead of Feel My Heart. Hero's Dominance and Serious Warrior were always in close attendance. It was getting to be extremely tight in the last hundred metres, before Feel My Heart responded to the stick and pulled away from the others. Hero's Dominance was deprived of the third spot by a fast finishing Serious Warrior.
