Nina Lalvani trained Domingo (Mull of Kintyre – Sonic Symphony) dominated his rivals in the straight to draw away in the final furlong and clinch the Sweeping success Trophy. Sitting third on settling down, Domingo was fighting to break free early on as jockey Sandesh had to put in an effort to hold him in check. Queen’s Camp and Hay Day were up in front, while Ancient Warrior, Protector of Paris, Rekindle raced close to one another with Belmont choosing to play the waiting game.

Once they entered the homestretch, Domingo was quick to pounce on the front-runners and took charge, still on a tight rein. While both Queen’s Camp and Hay Day faded away, Protector of Paris and Ancient Warrior looked to make a forward surge. Belmont who found himself between the two suffered a terrible squeeze between the two and wobbled unbalancing jockey Jimmy Fortune. Luckily no mishap occurred and the only casualty was that Belmont could not be ridden out and make a serious bid.

Domingo however, was clear by then and marching on to score his second career victory. The 2/1 favourite was never under threat and he galloped on strongly to notch up a facile victory. Rekindle rallied late in the final furlong to end a good 2 1/4 lengths behind to take the runner-up slot.

A stewards’ enquiry followed at the behest of the Stipes. The outcome did not result in any changes though. Domingo was impressive and can add to his tally this season. The mile appears to be his optimum trip. Belmont’s run is best ignored as he could do precious little this time out.

One Kept Secret (Black Cash – Bonjour Tristesse) made up amply for his last start miss and this time was bullish in his victory. War Horse showed better gate manners and was out quickly to take the early lead. Ice Age followed him close behind with One Kept Secret not too far away.

War Horse entered the straight with a slender lead, and soon One Kept Secret began to unleash a powerful run. Within strides, One Kept Secret caught up with the leader and bounded ahead to take charge midway in the straight. In the final furlong, there was no challenge brewing as the SK Sunderji trainee galloped strongly to post an authoritative victory providing Sandesh a back-to-back double.

War Horse kept the rest at bay while Yellowzone was hard ridden to earn place money. One kept Secret was certainly far superior and in this kind of form can provide an encore. War Horse too had a good outing and it may be worth to follow him in his next.

Rio (Multidimensional – Olivia Valere) dished out the best run of his career so far logging his fourth win from 10 starts. This one was against the odds though as he had to counter two form-horses in Brindaban, who was carrying nothing at the bottom of the scales and Victorious March who had attracted many with his fighting second to the speedy Way Out weeks ago.

Emerging Star shot into the lead soon on start and went at a good clip. Brindaban, Pitbull, hawk of the Wind and Victorious March were huddle behind the leader, with Rio a couple of lengths further behind along with In The Limelight. Sea Treasure found the going too hot to handle.  

On straightening up, Emerging Star kicked on for a while before Brindaban started to gain on him. Rio and Victorious March were together at this stage and In the Limelight was trying to stay in contention along the rails. Brindaban was the first to get past Emerging Star. No sooner he did so, Rio arrived with a scintillating burst to zip past Brindaban showing tearing speed. This was easily Rio’s top performance which clearly paled the rest. Hawk of the Wind did well to end third behind Brindaban, nosing out Victorious March. Rio was simply too good on the day. Victorious March could have done better; he should be given another chance. Hawk Of The Wind is steadily getting into shape and something could be brewing for him.

Reynolds (Glory of Dancer – Highland Ghillie) was another one who cantered to an impressive victory, jockey Zervan getting an armchair ride. He was up with pace second behind Danse Debonaire all the way into the straight. Once in, Reynolds cruised to the front and galloped away to score his maiden victory in his third start and to state that he won untroubled, would be an understatement. Danse Debonaire did well to hang on to the second spot warding off Pumba comfortably.

Magic Star (Noverre – Here Goes) sizzled with a start-to-finish performance that left Burgundy Rose and company cold. He took off at a brisk pace and got stronger in the homestretch. Burgundy Rose was too far behind and only improved to beat Albuurz close home. It was the Narendra Lagad trained Magic Star who stood out and justified the strong support he received in the betting. Magic Star won without causing any anxiety with apprentice jockey B Nikhil running away with the race long way from home.

Naren had missed out on another possible winner when her long-shot Zafirah nearly pulled off a fluke victory a race earlier. Sent out on a start to finish mission over the nine furlong trip, Zafirah entered the straight with a handy lead. She galloped on and looked good entering the final furlong.  Scalanaya (Ace - Stromness) warmed up right on time to gain on Zafira in the final moments of the race. A determined effort from jockey Shrikant Kamble enabled Scalanaya to wrest the issue in the nick of time and sail away to score by two-lengths. Arzaan kicked on to end a close third.

Striking Shadow (Ace – Amazing Bay) covered a lot of ground to rally strongly in the latter half of the straight to thwart a spirited bid from Balinga. Jockey CS Jodha was busy right from the outset urging Striking Shadow even before the turn. Always Smile had surged into the lead with Bethlehem, Follow Me and Taj E Shahi chasing him. Striking Shadow was still some distance away when Balinga collared the front bunch. Just as Balinga had gone into the lead, Striking shadow struck with a flowing gallop to down Balinga close home to clinch the race by a length.

Golden Spurs (Mr Mellon – Lek) showed that age had not mellowed his zest and put in an amazing gallop in the final stages to shock the field in the last 50 meters. Jaipur Gem looked good as he sailed into the lead on a tight rein and took charge with less than 400 to go. To The Moon also fought his way up and challenged Jaipur Gem. In a solid burst of speed, Golden Spurs ridden by five-kilo claimer GS Prasad swooped upon the leaders and won well.

Jockey A Sandesh was the lone pro to score a double.