Matilda (Diffident – Persa) owned by Mr Nirmal Singh and bred at the Greenfields Stud, showed oodles of speed and led from the outset. Favourite Native Lady kept her company until the turn with Viva La Diva and Fortuner close behind. Roger Becool was slow at the start and was making constant efforts to recovery.

Into the straight, Matilda accelerated well and shot further ahead. Native Lady fell back as Fortuner sprang up to challenge Matilda. Although he was prominently close, Fortuner made little impression on Matilda who was traveling well. Matilda’s speed and momentum could not be matched by the others and she won without trouble. Viva La Diva was stuck behind Matilda and Native Lady and had to change course for a clear passage. This proved costly as Viva La Diva gained ground once again at a brisk pace to come back and clinch the runner up berth pegging back Fortuner in the process. This was a remarkable effort from Viva La Diva and it would pay to keep a watch on her next outing. Roger Becool did well to take the fourth spot.

Ambrosia (Razeen – Adored) owned by Dr Vijay Mallya and bred at the Usha Stud, made a winning return to the turf despite a year-long layoff. 

The Pesi Shroff trained four-year-old bay filly had last run in early October winning a terms race for maiden three-year-olds over a mile by close to five lengths. On her return, she continued from where she had left off, scoring another facile victory sewing up the race long way from home. Shroff’s Rosalind too had fired after a similar lay off earlier this season and has added two more victories since her comeback, which is commendable.

Ambrosia was installed the firm favourite and she obliged without causing any anxiety to her backers. She strode freely in the fourth spot behind leader Royal Crest, New Wings and Crisp on her inside and waited to make her run in the homestretch. Ambrosia took off and sailed ahead effortlessly and once in command cruised to her second victory in three outings in an impressive fashion. Jockey P Trevor had little to do other than guide the filly towards the winning post. That’s My Master tried to provide some sensational moments, but his was a good effort that came far too late to bother the winner. Mable ran on to finish in the money ahead of Celestial Call who ended fourth.

Trainer Hormuz Antia pulled off a neat double with Sea Treasure and Mountain Song. Sea Treasure (Warrshan – Aerodynamic) produced a scorching run in the straight to surge past Starlight magic and Dictator who were fighting for command. Sea Treasure sped ahead with long strides and easily sealed up the issue, winning the race with complete authority. Emerald Valley ran on to finish second but tried to win the race in the Stewards room. However, his plaint was not entertained and the objection was overruled.

Mountain Song (Placerville – Superdash) had to fight every inch of the final furlong to put her nose in front at the winning post to snatch the race from Afrojack’s clasp. Afrojack was in charge as they turned for home and was showing no signs of relenting. He galloped on gamely and was heading for a victory when Mountain Song started to inch closer. The duo was fighting hard past the distance spot, when In The Limelight too came into the reckoning. It looked a straight fight between Afrojack and Mountain Song as they sped across the Grand Stands and jockey Zervan did all possible to get the bob of the head right. Afrojack was gallant in defeat as he was carrying the top weight (61.5kgs) and was running after a layoff. In The Limelight ran a notable third.

Dancing Jenny (Black Cash – Crown Brief) provided perhaps the day’s most sensational victory with a terrific come-from-behind run. She was one from the rear bunch and took the turn miles wide to make her final run. The lead changed hands quickly and Prince Arius had grabbed the initiative on turning for home. Suki Suki started to apply pressure on Prince Arius and the two battled on with the Prince having the upper hand. Inside the final furlong even as they were going for the final dash, Dancing Jenny found her magic touch and came with a superb burst of speed to go sailing past the fighting pair. Dancing Jenny was well backed by her connections and this kind of success always gets the extra adrenalin flow going.

Arabian Fighter (Medecis – Lecce) scored a clinical victory carrying out his strategy to perfection. At the start, Lake View jumped out dislodging his rider and ran with field. Fortunately Lake View ran without causing any hindrance to the other runners. Alejandra led the field homewards and started to sped away. Arabian Fighter started to close in and the only other threat was Sound of River who too was prominently poised. In the final 100, Arabian Fighter grew stronger and galloped past Alejandra and warded off Sound of River to win convincingly.

The concluding event saw a grim battle from the winner Afsoon (Glory of Dancer – Glowing Sands) and stable mate Mateus Rose, both coming from Narendra Lagad’s yard. McQueen took over the running from El Wonder soon on turning for home and Afsoon too made his bid from the outside. Afsoon proved faster of the two as she breezed past and went for the kill. Mateus Rose lit up in the final furlong and made a serious effort to make a race of it. Mateus Rose finished full of running. Afsoon was lucky to scrape through by a very narrow margin. Mateus Rose was distinctly unlucky to have missed the opportunity narrowly.

For the professionals, trainer H J Antia and jockey Dashrath scored a double each.