Maddox (Holy Roman Emperor – Nojoom), owned by Mr Pallon S. Mistry representing the Manjri Stud, mauled the opposition to run away with The Piaggio General Rajendrasingji Million in awesome style. The victory earned him a rich purse of Rs 6 lakh along with an exquisite trophy. Quoted at a healthy 7/1 in the betting ring, Maddox sewed up the race early in the straight and shut out the hopes of his rivals as early as a furlong from the winning post. Swift Memories worked her way to the front in the backstretch but had Star Of Gibraltar, Marauder and Maddox close behind. Lake Paradise, the hot favourite and Saratoga Spring raced together at the tail of the bunch. They went at a steady pace and Maddox made his forward surge early at the turn and reaped rich rewards. He sailed past Swift Memories effortlessly and then quickened readily to storm out of reach in seconds. He sealed the issue as jockey Kamlesh gave no quarter and rode out Maddox to a thumping win. Lake Paradise looked listless and had nothing to offer despite being in a position to improve. She took the turn slightly wide but had the entire straight to force the issue. She just could not come alive and packed up far too quickly. Star Of Gibraltar did his reputation no harm and galloped on to take the runner-up berth. Saratoga Spring improved a wee bit to finish third, just ahead of the long time leader Swift Memories.

Ciel Indienne (Burden Of Proof – Ciel Fleuri) chalked out another workman-like victory with a clinical display. Desert Rule called the shots early with Ares and White Knight close on his haunches, Ciel Indienne settled in the fourth with Misschevious Trot and Star Warrior at the rear. Desert Rule, on entering the straight, surged away from Ares and White Knight. Prakash then produced Ciel Indienne past the tiring Ares and began to systematically mount his challenge. At the distance post, Desert Rule was pushed to keep up while Ciel Indienne was gaining on him with each stride. It was a matter of time before Ciel Indienne wrested the initiative from Desert Rule and register another convincing victory to the thrill of his large number of followers. Desert Rule was a good second while Star Warrior ran inexplicably down the field without rising to his known standards.

A race earlier, another Dallas Todywalla student Lake Winnipeg (China Visit – All Spice) provided an encore racing to his second victory in as many starts in Pune. Stalking Mahima until the turn, Lake Winnipeg shot into the lead soon on turning for home. Ownermate Ocean Admiral tried to match strides but failed to sustain. The challenge came from Halo Of Fame midway down the straight, but Suraj rode out Lake Winnipeg all the way to ward off the threat with a decisive spurt in the final 100 metres. Given that Lake Winnipeg was giving weight to Halo Of Fame, this was indeed an impressive performance.

Dictator (China Visit – All Heart) won a thriller in a gripping finish involving favourite Lakhadema. Always Smile surrendered the lead soon on turning for home as Lakhadema took charge early in the straight. Dictator, who was in the mid-bunch, soon surfaced alongside Lakhadema and mounted a spirited challenge. The pair battled the last furlong out matching stride for stride. Closer home, Dictator held a slight edge and then drove home the advantage staying a nose ahead of the gallantly fighting Lakhadema. The race was confined to these two and Lago Medio ended a faraway third.

San Rafael (Major Impact – New Europe) proved a point that he was done in last time and was rightly ruled a non-starter in his last outing. This time he was alert at the start and was quick to be in the thick of things. Walking Tall ran a good race too, hitting the front and leading the field homewards. In the straight, Walking Tall managed to keep going until San Rafael showed up approaching the distance post. Rajendra was forceful and never let down his guard even after San Rafael had surged to a comfortable lead. He kept at it and won handsomely. Arabian Eagle hung on to pick up the place money from Marine Zone, the later picking up late implying a little more distance would suit her better. Steely Dan was hopelessly positioned in the rear but came alive far too late yet ended close to the place positions.

Special FX (Sunday Doubt – Minnekonda) ran a cracker of a race to shock favourite Salt with a stubborn performance. Special FX easily paseed early leader Scorch soon on turning for home. Salt was stuck behind the pair in front for a stride or two and was then switched out to make a final bid. Special FX, by then, had seized the advantage and left Salt to do all the hard work of catching up. Salt did, almost! Both Special FX and Salt fought fiercely keeping the crowd on the edge, necks craning to spot the winner on the wire. It was too close for the naked eye, and Special FX got the verdict by the tip of his nose. Salt was trifle unlucky and would rue the lost chance.

Reinstate (Inhabitant – Arcade) improved on her previous runs and produced a start-to-finish victory in this friendlier set. Taking charge soon on jumping out, Reinstate shot to a handy lead and maintained the margin till into the straight. Star Burst, who received solid support, just could not match up and folded tamely. Laurus Pride caused a little anxiety and gave something to shout about in the closing stages of the race. With the exception of Laurus Pride, Reinstate dismissed the other runners and hurried towards the winning post. She had a decisive lead coming into the final furlong and was kicking on when Laurus Pride started to bridge the gap. However, they were approaching the winning post and Reinstate never looked vulnerable. Laurus Pride could only reduce the margin. The rest were a good seven lengths away.

Saddlers Rule (Brave Act – Queen’s Rule) put in a strong finishing gallop to clinch a thriller with fortunes changing drastically in the final stages of the race. Circus Ring led the field all the way into the straight and was showing little signs of resigning. Working hard to wear her down were a pack of horses – Saddlers Rule launching his bid from the rails, Cavalryman and Ocean Touch were also gaining ground. Circus Ring closed the gap Saddlers Rule was looking to sneak through which caused TS Jodha to check and reignite Saddlers Rule. It was a great effort from Saddlers Rule in the final fifty that saw him pull off a well-deserved victory.

For the professionals, trainer Dallas Todywalla and jockey Dashrath Singh scored a double each.