Astrologica brought off an upset in the 1800 metres Chief Justice Cup, keeping at bay favourite Rose Garden and a late-finishing L’Avenir. The race has always produced high quality stuff and Sunday’s edition too was no exception. Jockey Pesi Shroff who seems to be riding with a vengeance, having struck great form over the weekend, rode a fine tactical race and stole the race with a well timed charge at the top of the straight. Rose Garden has always performed well but fallen short of expectations. Had L’Avenir been given a more opportunistic ride, the son of Razeen could have made a difference to the outcome. L’Avenir who was racing after nearly six months, was devouring ground at the finish and a few strides later, he would have sailed past the front-running duo but the winning post came too early for comfort.

Rose Garden who had run an eye-catching third to Zurbaran in the Indian Turf Invitation Cup, was the favourite for two reasons: The filly was well placed in scales and she had the benefit of a good race run. But the short price on her certainly did not highlight the fact that the race was highly competitive. Adolfito bolted to the front soon after the starter dispatched the field for the nine-furlong trip. Passing the seven furlong marker, Pesi Shroff on Astrologica moved up to be within striking distance of the front-runner while Rose Garden and L’Avenir were in the mid-group, a few lengths adrift of the front-runners. Rounding the final bend, Shroff acted quickly on Astrologica and had the son of Tajano collar the front-runner. Astrologica opened up a decisive lead even as Rose Garden was coming onto the scene while L’Avenir was poorly positioned.

Rose Garden essayed a strong challenge but lacked the wherewithal to overhaul the front-runner who was ridden vigorously to reach the safety of the winning post. L’Avenir moved with a flourish when the cause was lost and was a close third. Astrologica spared a length at the finish to Rose Garden who edged out L’Avenir by a bare margin. Adolfito kicked on to be faraway fourth. The underfoot conditions suited Astrologica fine. He certainly picked himself by his looks in the paddock. Now that L’Avenir has given sufficient indication of having overcome his problems and has run well without blinkers, he should be a force to reckon with in terms races where he will come better off.

Aslam Kader recorded his second win for the season by guiding Noble Executive to a narrow win over a late-finishing Ankole. Noble Executive, who has been tried from sprints to extended trips, took charge on turning for home and though he was perceptibly grinding to a halt, the lead he established over the others stood in good stead. Ankole picked up momentum rather too late. There was inspired support for Hyderabad challenger Nominate but then he was outpaced in the early part of the race, which affected his chances totally. He can make amends next time out.

Crystal Beauty, who had the measure of Kia Ora in one of her outings in winter, was taking on a modest set of runners in her own age group. Jockey Rakesh had no trouble in guiding the daughter of Young Senor to a facile win. Crystal Beauty went away from the opposition at the top of the straight and had something in hand while checking in a few lengths clear of Trillennium. Keep an eye on Amicable who dragged himself to the third slot with no apparent exertion. The lower division of the race saw favourite Cool Jazz bite the dust. Rounding the final bend, Imran Khan on Autobahn moved in from wide outside, causing Strange Beauty to lean on to Cool Jazz who was badly hampered for a clear run. Autobahn had the first run on his opponents but failed to sustain as Brora who had served notice of an imminent success, wore down the challenge close home.

The Rajah S R K Ranga Row Memorial Plate, which had a good lot of three-year olds in fray, had a very competitive look about it but the race turned out to be an anti-climax. There was a flood of money on Silken Magic and the dry-coated Clear Cut but Michael Eshwer trained Star Wind upset everyone’s calculations, with a ridiculously easy win, having the race well sewn up from the word `go’. Run For Rose jumped awkwardly, causing Clear Cut’s rider to check his mount and the well-fancied runner lost considerable momentum at the start. Though Clear Cut moved up well and came into contention, Star Wind had gone away from the rest to win by a shade less than seven lengths. Clear Cut was second ahead of All For You while Silken Magic was not sighted.

It was not a good day for trainer Rashid Byramji as four of his fancied runners failed to oblige. First timer Psychic Flame was backed to the exclusion of her rivals but the favourite after giving hopes, buckled in to Arentino who fought spiritedly in the final 250 metres. Arentino, surrendered the lead for a brief while in the final furlong but fought back to edge out a tiring Psychic Flame. In the day’s other action, Poirot too failed to justify the huge volumes of money that he attracted, with a listless performance. Darashah trained Exalted recorded an encore, recording a smashing win.