Trainer Michael Eshwer has done exceedingly well to get Vivid Dreams to perform at the highest level consistently. The hat trick achieved by the daughter of Classic Sport was indeed creditable as the last leg of the win came in a highly competitive field. The 1400 metres New Millennium Cup appeared destined to go the way of Flying Scotsman who was favoured by the terms of the race but contrary to expectations, Vivid Dreams put it across her rivals with ease. Flying Scotsman appeared a pale shadow of his former self. Blue Hare who took the runner-up spot could have made things hot for the eventual winner had had received stronger handling.

Saturday’s race was a mixed bag for the punters. The day saw a smashing win recorded by Priceless, full sister to the celebrated Priceless Asset and the debut win by four-year old half-sister to Priceless Asset namely Silvertre.

Silvertre whose debut was delayed due to her aversion to the gates, seems to have overcome her problems and the ridiculous ease with which she won her outing, confirms the pre-race expectations of her belonging to the highest class. It is a pity that she came to hand so late because if only she had come right earlier, she could have had her say in the classics. Nevertheless, her progress will be of interest as she could still be targeted at quite a few plums even at this stage of her career.

The New Millennium Cup had attracted a competitive field. Flying Scotsman, who had recorded a smashing win despite running into rough weather in his last outing, was the overwhelming favourite to win as the terms of the race was in his favour. Vivid Dreams had the form but since her performance had come mainly come in sprints, the extended trip of seven furlongs was thought to be a hindrance for her to maintain her supremacy. Blue Hare and Hope And Faith were well supported while the top-weights Acrobat and Tempt Me Not who have seen better days, were left to run at fancy odds.

Jockey Prakash who replaced Aslam Kader on Arrakis, failed to settle the son of Steinbeck who fought for his head and the jockey had no other ago but to let him run freely in front. Vivid Dreams was handily placed behind the front-runner. Arrakis shot his bolt on turning for home and Vivid Dreams took over the running and went clear. Blue Hare came up with a spirited run but failed to catch up with the front-runner while Flying Scotsman who was left to cover a lot of leeway, ended up a tame third. Visiting jockey Francis Norton did a neat job on the winner.

The Kelachandra New Year Trophy, a terms race for three-year olds, saw favouritism fluctuate between Brave Persian and Generation Next, both of whom attracted a flood of money. The well-bred Priceless was quietly fancied despite a poor debut run but only by a minority. In the event, Priceless who covered places on the front-runners with Prakash hardly moving a muscle, swept past the front-running Brave Persian to finish in taking style. Trainer Ganapathy has a good type of youngster in Priceless who has a bright future ahead of her. Brave Persian held on to the runner-up spot while Flirt With Speed was placed third. Generation Next reportedly dropped his bit and was never in the hunt at any stage of the race.

Just as race-goers were hailing the high quality win recorded by Priceless, her older half-sister Silvertre making a bleated debut, walked past the opposition in great fashion. Although she beat nothing of note, the style of win was extraordinary and the daughter of Alnasr Alwasheek should have an uninterrupted run to the highest class.

Sacristia, who was left to tackle a very poor opposition, slammed the same, winning by a distance. Dover, the eternal bridesmaid, led till passed by the eventual winner inside the final 300 metres. Forest Rose was a late-finishing third while Shining Knight, who had some credentials to finish on board, was in distress and finished down the field.

Sirajuddin’s Wool U Gooli recorded an encore; with a start to finish win in the day’s opener where the fancied Diamond Harbour was not sighted. The well-bred Great Splendour made a late dash but the front-runner was too far ahead. In a close finish, Auchterarder staved off the challenge of Sinatra and Special Request. In the concluding race of the day, Mumbai Dancer finally came good, with a start to finish win over rank outsider Silver Touch.