Thereafter, with the front-runners slowing down, Rain Splasher was
reluctant to raise a gallop as the inside was cramped. In the meanwhile,
Flaming Glory who had moved smoothly from the outside draw had taken a
striking position. Rounding the final bend, Flaming Glory burst into the
lead and sailed away for what turned out to be a decisive lead. At the
top of the straight, with Rain Splasher struggling to find foot, it
looked as though she would not figure anywhere on the board but once she
started galloping, she devoured ground and her fast-finishing effort
brought her to within half a length of the winner. Rain Splasher lacked
experience and she should be better off for this run but Haunting
Memories looks invincible in the Fillies Trial Stakes. Rain Splasher who
is bred to stay, should find her mark over trips which bring stamina
into play.
The Divine Light Plate,
a race for maiden three-year olds, was run in two divisions. In the
upper division, Star Girl who received support to the exclusion of her
rivals, led all the way and gave hopes for her supporters before
slackening in the final stages of the races. This enabled Gallery Queen
to catch up with the front runner in the dying moments of the race.
Panchakshari was the betting rage in the lower division and the full
sister to Tribal Fantasy bolted to the front at the start and there was
no looking back thereafter. Dreamer finished on to take the second spot
ahead of Turf Storm and Truce Force who were gaining ground from behind.
Le Reve, who had
recorded an impressive win on debut, was the firm favourite to win the
1200 metres N S Bharat Memorial Plate. Second favourite Ruby Brown led
the field into the straight but she did not quicken on turning for home.
Le Reve moved strongly from the wide outside and crossed over to the
rails while taking charge, causing Ruby Brown to receive a check causing
the second favourite to pull out. Le Reve held on to win from Ruby Brown
who was full of running at the finish. Jockey Prakash raised an
objection against Srinath for squeezing and crossing him which cost him
a certain race. The Stewards, after a lengthy debate, overruled the
objection in keeping with the trend of deciding on such
objections.
Two strongly fancied
horses ran most disappointingly. Regal Music received inspired support
in the concluding race of the day but the favourite plodded home to
finish dismally. Nityanand trained Star Blue was left with no opposition
as the four-year old checked in well clear of the opposition. Full
Steele, who had strong support in the ring to win, disappointed once
again, finishing a poor third. Breeze Dancer brought off a stunning
upset, taking charge soon after the field settled down and won
untroubled. In the day’s other action, Missident just about lasted out
to win from a late-finishing Heroine’s Beauty.
