“Scarface is a strange horse” Rehanullah Khan who was a guest speaker in the pre-race chat on camera in the paddock as the horses were rolling before departing to the gates. That perhaps, best describes Scarface. What he did on the track was not only strange but also awesome. He is a habitual offender at the gates and this was not the first occasion that he lagged behind at the start. In fact, his last victory was even more dramatic as he was detached last, not by lengths but meters. S John was the jockey then and Scarface had covered more than 30 meters in the straight to shock Sexy Eyes that time. So the connections were not too perturbed when Scarface yet again was lethargic when they jumped out.

Phosphor led the bunch with Astapi and Secret Service close behind. Octopaul stuck to the inner rails with Stromboli and Marauder huddling with him, Scarface trailing by about 5 lengths. Phosphor retired soon on turning for home as Astapi gained momentum. Secret Service tried to surge ahead but nothing extra was emerging out of him. Stromboli looked promising and joined the new set of leaders. Scarface meanwhile, had caught up with the bunch at the turn and Prakash switched out to make his final bid. Scarface unleashed a terrific gallop approaching the distance post and simply darted forward getting the better of the fighting trio with astonishing ease. Scarface (Gaswar – Jumeirah Park) was absolutely devastating. Fortunately, horses do not react like humans, else, this would have inflicted a morale-shattering impact on his rivals. Such was the manner of his stunning performance!

“He is a remarkable horse with loads of talent. He has had his share of problems but he has delighted me with his awesome performance more than once. I was a bit worried, but only until he closed in on the bunch nearing 800 meters. There I spotted he was travelling well and honestly, I secretly believed that he would win at that stage itself,” said Mr Shiven Surendranath, co-owner of Scarface.

“He takes my breath away,” said Theron C Desouza a share holder in Scarface. “After his unbelievable victory last season I was prepared for anything. This came about as another wonderful moment, Scarface is a sheer joy. I am completely overwhelmed even though I was confident he would do it once he appeared on the scene. I am ecstatic,” he concluded, pure glee writ large on his face.

Jockey B Prakash won all his three assignments for the day. He started off on a winning note claiming the first race of the day with Secret Magic (Mr Mellon – Secret Miracle). Sacred Relic led them homeward and soon Secret Magic came through the middle and challenged the leader. Sacred Relic resisted for a while but Secret Magic got stronger in the final furlong to pull away. Golden Kingdom and Honey Bee put in a fast finishing effort to peg back Sacred Relic and claim place money.

Ocean Tern (China Visit – Austria) was the shortest priced runner of the day and won in a manner befitting a strong fancy. He made light work of his rivals and stormed into the lead soon on turning for home and extended the margin of victory without being extended. Ocean Tern provided a very easy victory ride to Prakash and looks good to add a couple more in the season. Spirit of Mercy ran on to finish second just ahead of Stud Of Gold and Machala.

Blue Sky (China Visit – Blue Ridge) carried on from where she had left of and scored an impressive win despite having skipped the entire Pune season. She looked composed and ready for the task at hand and came with a blistering finish to surge past Native Lady in full flight and the rather tiring but stubborn Capitano. Capitano had led all the way and was kicking on when Native Lady came alongside with a spirited challenge. However, no sooner than Native Lady had taken charge, Blue Sky warmed up nicely to produce a sustained gallop and romp home to notch up her second straight victory although after quite a long while.

Both Native Lady and Capitano ran a good race and would benefit from this run. Miss Starlight was struggling to find her feet and jockey Danny Grant was seen making enormous efforts in keeping her focussed. Borderline was the other one to disappoint, however, it is learnt that she returned lame.

Jockey C Rajendra was also in his elements scoring back-to-back double with Fortune Hunter and Emerging Star. Fortune Hunter’s was perhaps the most thrilling race that ended in a close finish with Frost Fairy.

Carlyle Hills made the initial running and lead comfortably by about two lengths to favourite Fortune Hunter, who was backed strongly even in the last few minutes. Frost Fairy raced closer to the rear end and surfaced soon on turning for home. At around 350 meters from the winning post, Fortune Hunter surged ahead, but was soon caught up by Frost Fairy. The latter even headed the favourite momentarily. A gripping battle ensued and until the final few strides, Frost Fairy appeared to have a paper thin edge. The last two strides saw Rajendra pushing vigorously and he managed to get that extra wee bit out of Fortune Hunter to snatch back the advantage by the slightest of margins. Frost Fairy may have benefited under a more experienced rider; she squandered away a realistic winning opportunity.

Emerging Star (Warrshan- Star Liner) after three disappointing attempts, finding one better each time, finally kept his date with victory. He was quick to take the jump and then Rajendra settled him in the fourth, dodging out of harm’s way, as Classic Ruler and Al Zamarud were far too close for comfort. Sea Diamond led from close on his inside. Once into the straight, Rajendra allowed Emerging Star to gather momentum and made gradual progress getting into a fine rhythm before asking for an ultimate effort. Classic Ruler and Al Zamarud were trying to force the issue and the well supported Golden Creek was hemmed in on the rails, desperately looking to free herself.

Rajendra pressed the issue with 300 to go and sent Emerging Star on full throttle. Golden Creek switched to the outside, but by then, Emerging Star had sealed the issue to notch up a much awaited victory. Golden Creek was reported to have broken a blood vessel.  

Super Hero (Alnasr Alwasheek – Thanks A Lot) pulled off a cracker, racing to a facile start to finish victory with surprising ease and at nourishing odds at that! He shot into the lead soon on start and darted ahead opening up a huge lead; coming into the straight he had sailed away by over 6 lengths. Lake Leader had the task of covering that much ground but the relentless Super Hero did not loosen his grip and Lake Leader only managed to get alongside Super Hero before the winning post decided the issue. Another two strides and the story might have been different, but then Super Hero had it all covered until where it was required and deserved to win.

For the professionals, Prakash was the ‘super hero’ winning all his three mounts while Rajendra won two of three assignments.