The Gracias Saldanha Memorial day at the races saw plenty of action on and off the track. While the action on the track was at its thrilling best, a two-sequence fashion show by special children, organized by the New Hope Foundation was equally pleasing. Late Mr Saldanha had always been as strong campaigner for charity as was his love for horse racing. In a way, this was a fitting tribute to a man who preferred to keep a low profile all through.

The other major attraction that hooked the masses was the presence of Cine Star Dharmendra. The ‘He-Man’ of Hindi Cinema celebrated his 70^th birthday and he was pleasantly surprised when asked to cut a cake on the presentation podium. Popular owner, Mr Kishore Dingra, at whose request Mr Dharmendra had come to the race course, had arranged for a special cake for the occasion. “All I seek is your love and blessing,” said the Star. “We thrive on your affection and I request everyone here to continue this affection. It means a lot to me. It is always a pleasure to come face to face with people and I feel honoured to be amongst you all.” He then recited a shayari (verse) in hindi that sent the crowd hailing his recital. 

Voices from the crowd screamed birthday wishes for the Star who visibly enjoyed the love and affection that the racing patrons bestowed upon him. The charming star was given a grand reception and his presence did add colour to the day.

The show on the track complemented the splendor and gaiety off it. Nefyn the King of speed renewed his reign and his crown by quelling the challenge of a young challenger Dancing Phoenix. The latter did exceptionally well surging ahead and setting a cracking pace with a pack of quality sprinters hounding at his heels, while good ‘ol Nefyn lay last, unperturbed by the scurrying bunch in front.

Dancing Phoenix looked good entering the straight on a tight rein. Emerging Star, Saints N Sinners, Ishpingo and Weizhou, who were closest to him, seemed no match to the leader, and jockey Sandesh had not even begun to ride him out. Just when it looked that Dancing Phoenix would slip away from the rest, Jimmy Fortune set Nefyn alight, making his bid from the outside. 

With a furlong to go, Nefyn had some deficit to clear, but the way Nefyn started to devour ground, it was a matter of time before he thumped them all. Even the powerful finishing of Dancing Phoenix and the vigorous efforts of champion jockey Sandesh paled as Nefyn arrived like a bolt of lightning and stormed ahead with a perfectly timed gallop.

It was a commendable effort, more so considering Nefyn was carrying the top weight (61 kilos). The son of Senure from Machrihanish bred at the Manjri Stud, close to turning eight years of age, clearly outpaced his three-year-old challenger to raise his win- tally to double figures.  Trainer Bezan Chenoy has obviously nursed his ward extremely well. Nefyn has gone through fitness issues with injuries early on during his career. The veteran trainer can take a bow with this result. It needed supreme fitness to down a much younger rival who was indeed in top form.

The G2 Gold Cup was the supporting event of the day and Belmont, Aigaion and Amistad were the market swingers. As they charged out of the gates, Amistad hit the front but let Hail the King take over once they settled down. Rekindle took the third spot tracking the leaders with Aigaion Belmont and Polynesia tagging along.

The race came to boil expectedly in the last 400 meters when Aigaion surged to challenge Amistad. Rekindle was taking his time to quicken and Belmont was warming up to make his bid. At the distance post, all four were abreast and it looked anybody’s race. Aigaion led briefly and Amistad looked in trouble. Belmont got going and grabbed the lead. Rekindle with jockey Franco Dasilva got aggressive and Rekindle (Placerville – Mitzvah) finished on strongly to put his neck in front at the wire, pegging back Belmont who put in an improved performance that deserved a better result.

Rekindle, from Karthik’s yard, put in a determined effort and reaped the rewards. Amistad yet again went down fighting, while it was reported that Aigaion broke a blood vessel.

Coming to the forthcoming Classic scenario, Jeremiah came to the paddock looking powerful and well turned out. He looked as well as he did in Pune and capable to take on his three rivals. He followed Master Shifu all the way into the straight and easily galloped past Master Shifu. Jockey Zervan did push and even gave Jeremiah a couple of cracks. I reckon that was more to gauge the fuel factor in the tank more than to win the race. Jeremiah bounded forward past Master Shifu, after which Zervan eased him up as he cruised to notch his fourth victory on the trot, keeping a clean slate after his maiden win at Pune.

Jeremiah looks the candidate for the longer trips. Will he find the mile a bit too sharp? Alandiar’s victory showed class and he looks versatile to tackle anything from mile to the Derby distance. For me, Alandiar is the one to watch. Murioi was bullish when he beat Circle of Life, giving a chunk of weight at that. Silver Arrow too flexed his muscles in winning his race and seems ready for the mile trip. It will be interesting to see this year’s highly talented crop take each other on and this year’s classics ought to be fiercely fought. Brace up for a thrilling classic run ahead

Among the debutantes searching for a first win, Vision of Romance (Noverre – Golda Seek) finished with a blinding run snatching victory on the last stride. What made it more dramatic was the fact that the winner was not sighted until the final furlong. Favourite Feisty Lass looked well in control as she entered the straight with what seemed a handy lead. However, when asked for an effort, she simply didn’t quicken and finished in the rut.

Tinogona was the one who shaped well as he galloped past Feisty Lass early in the straight. Frankanella was making headway with Koalaa also mustering a game finish. Ladybird was catching up with the bunch. As the scramble for the winning post got rougher, Vision of Romance galloped his heart out and zipped past them all to leave his opponents bewildered in a flash. Jockey S Sunil shocked at the finish with a brilliant piece of riding to collar his opponents and land the spoils.

Rajasamman (Hymn – Castle Beauty) this time gave an apt ending to his quick start and sailed all the way to the winning post. He had, in Pune, shown a lot of speed initially, but at the business end, he had run out of steam. Perhaps this was the reason that saw a huge drift on the odds offered on Rajasamman. The ante post on-money favourite had to 9/4 against at race time!

Rajsamman and his connections had the last laugh though as he took off in his usual style, hit the front and galloped on to score an emphatic victory this time. First timer Peritomoreno was also in the betting, but he made little impact on the race, failing narrowly to even bag the place money. It was Rajsamman all the way. Presence improved to second midway in the straight and ended chasing the winner. Aromatica too fought her way up to deny the second favourite the third place.  

Sailor (Ikhtyar – lascivious) readily won the Attila Trophy and he helped pull off a coup. There was smart money that came on Sailor at race time and a bullish Amyn Merchant was jubilant as he passed the winning post looking back repeatedly and probably mocking his rivals. He even patted his mount’s head as if expressing gratitude to the bay gelding.

Sailor jumped out quick and settled in third behind Shygirl and Laurus Pride. Archimedes was not too far behind, but when it came to serious effort, he just couldn’t come up with anything worthwhile. Sailor sprang to action soon on turning for home and surged past Shygirl and drew away with impressive strides. He was all by himself coming into the final furlong and marched on to a superlative victory. Superlicious warmed up far too late, but did well to end runner-up, pushing back Shygirl to the third spot. Ucheshrawa improved towards the end to wrest a slot in the frame off Grand Duke.  

Brave Fighter (Sussex – Khorkina) improved on his last run and carted the opposition this time to score a convincing victory without encountering any trouble. He was happy to chase Midnight Lady all the way into the homestretch and then launched a steady assault to shoot into the lead approaching the distance post. Once in the lead, he never looked back and strode away from Midnight Lady to score a clean victory with a semblance of a battle. Vaile Rouge did try to provide a fight, but just could not come up with any worthwhile effort.Midnight Lady wrested back the second place from Vaile Rouge who had briefly gone past the Lady.

The first and last race was won almost identically as both winners gave their opponents a five-lengths-plus thrashing. In the opener, Star Gazing galloped away to a start to finish victory, on his own terms. He led them all into the straight with Universal Joy, the favourite looking to chase him down when it mattered. NO such thing happened, as once they turned for home, Star Gazing steered clear of the rest to romp home a facile winner. Stella made a late bid to take the second spot from Universal Joy, while Tuscania completed the frame.

Gangnam Style (Modigliani – Briland) produced a scintillating stretch-run to leave his rivals cold. Blind Date brought them into the straight, and one could look at Gangnam Style and you would count your money if you had bet on him. The even money favourite sizzled past between Blind Date and Scarlet of Hope without giving either any chance to rally. He stretched out extremely well and went sailing clear in the final furlong. Scarlet of Hope ran to clinch the second spot beating Blind Date to third.

For the professionals, trainer MK Jadhav was the only one to reap a popular double.