Two talented juveniles made their mark to get noticed on the eventful Indian Oaks day on sheer inspiring performances. Sledgehammer took his name seriously and although not literally, hammered the opposition to make a sensational debut.

Amadeus (Choisir – Anise) was most impressive as he showed tremendous potential, winning the Gool S Poonawalla Million (Gr3) by a widening margin. Settling fifth in a tightly packed bunch that looked fiercely competitive, Amadeus tore away from the clustered pack on turning for home. The handsome bay colt shot ahead with a stupendous turn of foot that left the others panting to catch up. Prakash did show him the stick, but that seemed unnecessary. Amadeus seemed to know just what was expected and once they turned for home, he came up with an awesome burst and in a couple of strides went racing ahead to make it a no-contest. Neither Class Apart, who is a Filly with a good repute, nor last-start impressive winner Amaretto could match strides despite hanging around with Amadeus at 400m mark. 

The acceleration shown by Amadeus was brilliant. This was an exceptionally good performance and merits the highest regard amongst the current juvenile crop. It would be interesting to watch his progress and his ability over the longer trips but from what he showed in the Gool S Poonawalla Million, I don’t reckon its too early to hail him as the main contender for the prestigious Poonawalla Breeders Multi-million as that would be his natural target race up next. 

Sledgehammer was ridden by Chris Hayes and making his debut over seven furlongs was the raging fancy based on his early morning workouts. A big strong chestnut, Sledgehammer towered over his rivals in the paddock. In the race, however, it was a different story to begin with. Clearly in need of this start, it took the son of Burden Of Proof some time to understand the purpose of his day at the races but once he did in the final furlong, it was clear that not only was he better class than the others but a horse with a serious future as well. His dam Saddle Star is the great Saddle Up’s sister and Sledgehammer looks odds on to develop into a very nice middle-distance horse. Chris Hayes conveyed that he was pleasantly surprised after the race with the ease with which Sledgehammer won. 

Hayes, earlier, had a part to play in cajoling Star Alliance (Razeen – Trois Etoiles) to pull off his second successive victory of the season from three outings. Hitting the front and denying White Knight the early lead, Star Alliance kicked on to survive a late bid from the bottom-weight Misschevious Trot. Star Alliance entered the straight narrowly ahead of the rest. While he could easily shake off White Knight, Native knight and Misschevious Trot did not let me relax. Hayes worked hard on Star Alliance and guided his home safely to prevail by just half a length. Native Knight again failed to deliver but was not completely overwhelmed. Native Knight did enough to show that he may not remain winless for too long in the future. 

Demonstrator (Alnasr Alwasheek – Star Concert) produced a terrific burst of speed in the final fifty to shock ownermate and favourite Elizabeth close home. Ashwa Paarth shot past the leader Highland Flame soon on straightening up, Illustrious, surprisingly had nothing noteworthy to offer. Elizabeth started to make rapid headway and barely had the favourite gone into the lead, Demonstrator started to gain on her at a brisk rate. The MK Jadhav ward finished on strongly and that was good enough to peg back Elizabeth by a neck. Ashwa Paarth ran a notable third. 

Floods Of Fortune (Glory Of Dancer – Contrarian) had it easy in The Satinello Trophy and jockey B Prakash only had to assist the Shroff ward and show him the way. Keeping in close touch with the leader Deep Purple, Floods Of Fortune took charge early in the straight to wrap up the issue long way from home. Great White and Forward Charge were left fighting for the minor placing as Floods Of Fortune romped home in style. 

Brilliant Moon (Major Impact – Sunspangled) held on to dear life in a start-to-finish essay that might have gone awry but for Suraj Narredu’s persistent efforts. Leading right from the start, Brilliant Moon entered the straight with a score of rivals crowding behind her waiting for an opportunity to pounce ahead. Divine Majesty put in a serious challenge in the final furlong and not only got abreast but also appeared to have headed Brilliant Moon just a shade. However, Suraj, showing presence of mind, kept Brilliant Moon focused and in the end, managed to wriggle out of the tight corner to win in a photo-finish. Magical Mantra flattered to deceive as he appeared to be covering ground midway up the straight, only to fall back when it mattered most. 

Trainer Hormuz Antia combined with jockey Imran Chisty to score a lucrative treble and showcased his ability to work wonders with the not-so-elite string of horses he houses. Mystic Temple, Albuurz and Rising Glory were his three winners and all of them have come from humble past records to notch up their respective victories with all three of them carrying a stout purse on their backs. 

Mystic Temple (Duja – Satin Lover) powered her way to a winning lead soon on turning for home. Star Miracle was under pressure and was niggled for most of the way. Mystic Temple had added a lot of turf by the time she was mid-way to the winning post and Richard had a Herculean task to surmount that. He threw in the towel when it looked hopeless and resigned to the second spot once he was sure there was no way he was going to get past the winner. 

Albuurz (Diffident - Knowle Park) too pulled off a sensational victory, his sizable lead coming in handy at the wire. Hitting the front early Albuurz had Arabian Empire for company until Albuurz parted ways and kicked on ahead. Albuurz went zooming out in front to establish a huge lead. Royal Gesture tried hard to catch up but couldn’t get the required tempo going. Daffodils was the one who finished on fastest but had to make considerable ground. He flew towards the end, but just missed to have his nose in front as the winning post arrived in the nick of time for Albuurz. 

Rising Glory (Black Cash – Serious Trouble) won an interesting duel with Glorious Miss despite running a bit erratic in the final furlong. As Glorious Miss led the field homeward, Rising Glory, who was just behind the leader, came to the fore and joined Glorious Miss approaching the distance post. Just when it looked like Rising Glory would speed ahead, she started to wobble under pressure. Sensing her chances, Glorious Miss put up a stiff fight but Imran Chisty was quick to recover and forced his way to the wire safely keeping Glorious Miss from any last minute surprise. 

Ocean Sensation (Ontario – Storm Sparrow) scored an expected victory with expected ease. Strongly supported at 8/10 on, Richard sat third letting Winchester do the initial running. Once into the straight, Richard spurted Ocean Sensation into the lead still on a tight rein and eased her to gallop way from the rest. Insite Soul, the next in demand, could never recover from the slow start and was never prominent. Golden Orra did well to place yet again, this time coming from way back to pip Rising Asset for the second slot. 

For the professionals, trainer Pesi Shroff and Hormuz Antia saddled a treble each. Imran Chisty was the only jockey to record a treble, while Richard Hughes, B Prakash and CD Hayes scored a double each.