Diego Rivera (Diffident – Rahy’s Serenade) proved a tiger at heart while producing a gutsy gallop that added yet another victory to his tally. This time, it’s the prestigious RN Kanga Gold Trophy. The battle-scarred veteran, all of eight years in age, came up with a youthful, energetic and power-packed finish to win from a fighting Onassis, his own stable-mate. He underscored his status as one of the top milers in the country and is not too far away from his fourth attempt at the Invitational Super Mile early next month. Becket was the biggest disappointment of the day, as he just went out without a whimper in a shocking lack of performance. Beyond Belief led a tightly packed bunch coming into the straight, with every horse in with a chance as they started to gallop for home. The scramble for the winning post began with no particular horse having any upper hand. They were still bunched up when Native Knight pushed for home. Soon Star Future joined him and just as these two were involved in a fight, they were collared from either side. Onassis from the rails and Diego Rivera from the stand side got past the two. Diego unleashed a powerful finish to edge out an all-out effort from Onassis. Becket struggled to get on even kneel and was tilting outward galloping in a manner totally in contrast to how we have known him to finish. Neither the weight nor the distance should have mattered with the class he possesses. He, however, had a very bad day in office and suffered the worst defeat of his career, finishing a dismal eighth.

Pronto Pronto (Major Impact-Sandslash) won the BK Rattonsey Memorable Maiden Multi-Million with a good late finish to topple Salt who looked in command until a few meters from the winning post. Salt hit the front and worked up a nice rhythm coming into the straight. She had a solid lead too with about a furlong and a half to go. Pronto Pronto was ridden hard by Srinath and he began to inch closer in the last 100. Mishri too was in close proximity refusing to be cowed down. St Catz made good initial progress early in the straight, but did not quicken as desired. Pronto Pronto came alive in the final fifty to snatch the verdict a stride or two from the winning post.

Bespoke (Ikhtyar – Santorial) saved the day for the followers of favourites and she won the second race on the trot in a convincing manner. Jockey Neeraj Rawal did very well to bring her up in the front bunch to the third spot from an outside draw (17) and not too far away from the leaders Moonlight Beauty and Mystic Temple. On straightening for home, Mystic Temple shot ahead but before he could stretch to a handy lead, Bespoke ranged alongside. The duo then went stride for stride for about 100 metres before Bespoke surged ahead to win with a measure of comfort. Hottie improved to end third and Native Lady finished in the frame.

Ancient Wonder (China Visit – Dazzling Queen) showed no sign of rustiness although he was making his first appearance this season. Suraj Narredu got him to accelerate impressively to snuff out any possible challenge at any stage. Caribbean Queen and Dancing Glances were the main attracters in the betting ring. The former had to overcome a tardy start and kept improving along the rails. Dancing Glances was far too backward and was never in the hunt. Entering the straight, Ancient Wonder zipped into the lead and in no time worked up a sizable lead that completely de-moralised the opposition. He was all by himself in the final furlong and another victory is on the card for the impressive winner. Caribbean Queen watched him disappear beyond reach and settled for the runner-up berth. Takestwototango was well in touch at the distance post but her place prospects too were dashed close home as Star Of Roses came from behind to pip her on the post.

Star Trainer (Storm Trooper – Tiddly Widdly) pulled off a hard-fought victory from Tequila in a thrilling finish. Illustrious led from early on and brought the field into view. Star Trainer came under the stick as Richard Hughes started to cut down a two-something advantage that Illustrious had built. Tequila, who was towards the rear of the field, came alive in the final furlong. Illustrious kicked on making Star Trainer earn the lead and suddenly Tequila too joined the issue. Tequila and Star Trainer fought on gallantly and at the wire, Star Trainer had his nose in front. Illustrious ran a good race to end just behind the pair. Ciel Indienne disappointed and finished nowhere. Rajasthan Royals progressed to end fourth. Laserre disappointed after a promising last start. The well-backed favourite flopped badly without raising any hope. This one surely took a lot of money down the drain. Sacred Relic led them all the way into the straight and bowed out. Solar Angel moved through the inner rails and had barely assumed command when Azul showed up with a strong gallop. Thunder Strike meanwhile, had made considerable progress and had moved to third at the distance post. In a gripping finish,

Thunder Strike (Inhabitant-Leading Prospect) just managed to peg back Azul and Solar Angel to pull off a sensational victory.

Wild Imagination (Diffident – Cyclonic) scored a solid victory with a fiery run from the start. With Grey Phantom for company, Wild Imagination led them into the straight. Grey Phantom kept him company for a prolonged period before bowing out. Wild Imagination had a pack of horses snapping on his tail as he rallied on under some hard riding from Rajendra. The others behind were fast catching up but Rajendra managed to maintain just enough momentum to keep them going to the end. Escalating ended a good second while Rob N Rob managed to earn some place money.

Devilitto ran on to catch a place on the frame finishing on with a bunch of horses. Javo once again failed to make it count and lost from a position of strength. Settling behind Al Zamarud, Javo was always prominent in the front. While he did not take too long to get past leader Al Zamarud, Javo after being in the front past the distance post lost out in a fight to the finish to Combined Operation (Black Cash – Crepusculaire). The Nana Raghunath colt came up with a serious challenge inside the last 100 metres to snatch the verdict close home. Word Of Honour ran a bit green yet managed to stay in the hunt and ended a close third just ahead of Majestic Force.

Foxtrot (Ontario – Thirtysomething) got off to a flying start and never looked back. Suraj and Foxtrot came in home first and looked good to last the straight out. Shabdeez provided something to shout about, but not for too long. Suraj Narredu kept working hard to drive home with a little to spare. Shabdeez finished on a good second; Hurricane Bird rallied on to grab the place stakes. Sun Kissed ended in the frame implying that he is now on road for better results. For the professionals, trainers Pesi Shroff and Mansoor Shah had a double each while jockey Suraj Narredu was the lone jockey to register a double.