It would be worth noting that Palazzio had recorded 1m 11.81secs when claiming the Dr S. C. Jain Sprinters’ Trophy (Gr.2) with false rails up at a width of 3-metres on last Sunday whereas, on Wednesday, false rails were placed at a width of 9-metres. The Mahalaxmi track has seemingly turned fast of late but that does not dilute Affability’s prowess. Pesi Shroff was, as ever, confident in his seat atop Affability and this speedy specimen will be a force to reckon in all sprint events to be staged later this season.

Pesi, however, could not produce the same guile when partnering another Serious Spender progeny Chiliandrina who is out of Cartier Million. With Allianz declared a non-starter after her reluctance to step into the starting gates, the winner had to emerge from the duo: Thunderlite and Chiliandrina. But none would comprehend the scenario where Chiliandrina would be throwing in her towel so meekly. After Colonel’s Dream had shot his bolt, Chiliandrina took command for a brief while but this flattery couldn’t last for long as Thunderlite (Steinbeck-Roho Caliente) powered her way with P. Kamlesh at the helm.

Twin Star (Portroe-I Am Calling You) recorded a smashing maiden victory after loitering in a hopeless position over the six-furlong journey for the Everynsky Trophy. The bay filly came with a devastating run to overwhelm Mark Gallagher-ridden Viking Victor, who was being hailed a winner close home. Both Queen Helen and Madamoiselle never raised any hopes of an eminent success and finished in the rut.

Apprentice Nirmal Jodha’s praiseworthy assistance astride Simply Stunning (White Crown-Sword Sail) enabled the Magansingh Jodha trained filly triumph over Romantic Indian. Interestingly, all the three frontline contenders, My Blue Moon, Romantic Indian and Simply Stunning, had the services of riders who were claiming a 5kg allowance and were not allowed to carry a whip. But the day belonged to Nirmal Jodha as he cleverly denied Romantic Indian a free run after the runner-up came with a probing run towards the shortest way home. My Blue Moon was always there in the hunt but lacked that sting required to overpower her rivals.

Eau De Vie (No Louder-Eau Parfumee) appeared gross when parading in the paddock and it was no wonder that runner-up Love Me Forever made the four-year-old filly, sent out by Subhag Singh, sweat hard before succumbing at the wire. The discontinuation of blinkers and a tongue-strap had a favourable impact on Love Me Forever who ran a hell of a race. The Imtiaz Sait-nurtured filly was a trifle unlucky in that she had to face a rough passage just before entering the home straight. Love Me Forever lives to fight for yet another day.

Bottom-weighted Terrificco ploughed his way through the field in the hands of C. Ruzaan to finally emerge out of the maiden ranks. Favourite Philosopher made every effort to go wire to wire but did not last the trip. Mark Gallagher-piloted Angelic Warrior, another fancied horse in the field, was always in striking position throughout the mile journey but that did not translate into success. Something was surely amiss with Angelic Warrior. Either he did not possess any “horsepower” or Mark Gallagher’s “powerhouse” finish failed him. Applause showed some zest finally and could be in the business soon.

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