Naill McCullagh's first ride on his return to Mahalaxmi saw him reunited with the 2002-03 2000
Guineas winner, Aldeburgh. And if Aldeburgh benefited from a brilliant ride then, he was given an even better one in the Mathradas Goculdas Trophy for Class 1 horses over 7 furlongs. Considering that Aldeburgh was returning from a lay off since February, a knee chip surgery and a tendon problem, it was clear that he would need all the possible help from his rider. After settling him in the mid-bunch and giving him the rails for support, McCullagh held him up as long as he could without losing position. He saw daylight inside the last two furlongs and Aldeburgh responded as a classic horse should and held off the gallant
Raziya. Second to sixth place were separated by half a length in a very well contested race. Ippodamia was third despite the fact that she ran too freely in the early part of the race. Aldeburgh will now run the Group 2 AC Ardeshir Trophy on the 7th of December.
The first baby race for the Bombay season saw great drama as the on money favorite, Suleiman Pasha dropped his jockey, while going to the start and was withdrawn from the five furlong sprint. Altaf Hussain's misfortune became Sarosh Mody's benefit as his charge Euro Star settled behind the front runners and quickened to win easily. The daughter of Don't Forget Me was bred at Manjri and showed plenty of early speed to effortlessly settle on the pace. The second horse home
Starnsky, ran a game race to run second and with a bit longer should shed her maiden status soon.
With the first Indian classics a few weeks away, a number of classic reputations were put on the line. Ronin from the Cooji Katrak stable was under pressure early and though he ran on well to finish 3rd in the class 3 Gateway of India Plate over 7 furlongs, one can't help but think that either he lacks the classic form or is looking for more ground and time. Malesh Narredu rode a text book race on Rahil who was an easy winner from Zestful and
Ronin. Rahil will now take be targeted to the Indian 2000 Guineas. In the class 4 Grand Gesture plate over 6 furlongs, Orion won his way into the 2000 Guineas race card in a messy run to the line. Candavega drifted out onto both Orion and Incomparable who finished 4th. However, Malesh Narredu on Incomparable had Candavega relegated to fourth in the Stewards room. Watch for Candavega in a five furlong race. She showed tremendous early speed. Special One in the colors of Arun Nanda ran from a detached position to run a brilliant second and one can't help but feel that had she been better positioned, she would have won. In retrospect, and on studying the wins of both Rahil and Orion, one can't help but think that they will have to find a lot more to have a real shot in the 2000 Guineas.
The rest of the day saw Aag wear down Viceroy and the speedy Warrior of Light. Warrior of light should be followed in a five or six furlong race in the same class. Begonia shocked all race goers in a start to finish bid in a race where the favorite King Emperor fought the starter and then hung in all the way up the straight. The last race of the day gave the young trainer Asad Ali his first win when Sonic Symphony won with a well-timed run to snatch the race from Latest News in the last 20 yards.
