The CN Wadia Gold Cup day had a good turn out and the Gladrags Contest for Women and children was the attraction off the track. One filly marked the woman’s day with a memorable victory in the feature race of the day. Keukenhof, owned by Dr SC Jain, M/s Rohit Patel, Chetan Shah and Atul Amersey, produced a devastating gallop when it mattered most to run away with the race in an emphatic fashion.

Settled right back with only To The Manor Born behind her, Keukenhof stayed at the rear all the way into the straight. Roswald was the one who made all the initial running with Caesars Star in tow. Master Shifu, Native Knight and Astapi were running close to one another. Falcon, Honest Pleasure, Keukenhof and To The Manor Born followed them close behind.

Roswald came into the straight with a slender lead, but failed to capitalize on it. Soon Caesars Star got alongside to make his bid. Keukenhof, who had taken the turn widest of all, came tearing down with a sudden surge that was so powerful that Caesars Star looked pedestrian even as he had just begun to give it all. Keukenhof accelerated powerfully and sealed the issue a furlong away from home. To The Manor Born progressed from the rear, but ended a pale second in comparison to the winner. Caesars Star finished third, close behind the runner-up.

Trainer Rehanullah Khan and jockey Sandesh stole the limelight on the day. They combined well to return triumphant in three races, starting the day with a back to back double.

Pepe Senior (Gaswar – Sangam) worked his way nicely from the sixth spot improving all the time to be in striking position after Dreamliner brought the field homeward bound. Sandesh did not have too much to do as Pepe Senior quickened soon after and went into the lead approaching the distance post. Alecto was on the rails, but could do little as Pepe Senior marched ahead at a good clip to draw away. Josephine progressed to end chasing the winner and National Pride too improved positions to run into the money.

Victorious March (Diffident – Roman Eagle) proved his class as he justified the strong support he received and dished out a clinical victory. Victorious March let stable mate Saints N Sinners do all the early running and guide the field into the straight. Zoraavar was the one closest to the leader but before he could take charge, Victorious March gathered momentum and flew past Zoraavar and bounded further away to win untroubled. Zoraavar watched helplessly as Victorious March stretched away. However, Zoraavar did clear the deficit and landed on the heels of the winner close home, a shade too late. Monza failed to impress and ended fourth behind Sea Treasure.

Presence (Glory of Dancer – Al Asifah) was the third from the Rehan stables and his victory too came without much suspense. He settled in fifth a couple of lengths behind the front bunch. Gran Turismo galloped past to take over from initial leader Allegiance. Soon Danse Dabonaire moved to second with Bonobo in close attendance.  The rest were off the pace.

Gran Turismo led them in but his start to finish essay came to a naught as Bonobo easily went past him. Presence had moved to third and set about in chase of Bonobo. The latter resisted a while but it was clear that Presence was only toying with Bonobo. Sandesh took off soon after and none could chase him down. There was a scramble for the minor placing and Razeenaa did well to take the runner-up slot ahead of Fleetwood Mac and Pappilon, all of them improving well from behind to figure in the frame. Dexie Delight ended one off the frame but was not too far behind the fourth.

The General (Phoenix Tower – Sunshiner) spoiled the party for a fourth winner for Rehanullah Khan as Rehan’s Full Moon had shaped like a winner until the last stride. Full Moon was quick at start and shared the lead with Quick Angel all the way into the straight. The General was far too behind in the second last position at the turn.

Full Moon took charge midway in the straight with Quick Angel working hard to stay in contention. Zazou and Simply Divine started to nudge closer with a strong gallop, but they were all floored when The General made his final bid. With YS Srinath charging in, The General was eating up ground at a brisk rate and Full Moon although nearly two lengths clear in the lead, looked vulnerable. The General went for the kill and successfully nosed out Full Moon in a blinder of a finish. Simply Divine ended third on the haunches of the top two.

Heart of the City (Phoenix Tower – Woman on Top) put in a smooth performance to score his maiden victory to lift the Nadia Mary Homi Wadia Trophy and obliging his number of followers. The markets opined that it was a two-horse race with Artiste the only other horse in the betting. Artiste was sweating in the paddock and the keen observers confidently backed Heart of the City. 

Artiste went for it right from the word go and held a slender lead over Heart of the City turning for home. Heart of the City got alongside the leader and effortlessly sailed ahead to win unchallenged. He clocked under the minute for the scurry without spending too much and wiil be sharper after this run. Artiste yet again ended runner-up, doing so for the third time in a row.

Moon Shadow (Noverre – Racy Description) won the Indian Navy Trophy authoritatively and once again apprentice jockey SG Prasad showing good saddle artistry in pulling off the victory in a tough bunch. Trisara was the prime fancy and Moon Shadow next in demand. The second favourite arrived with a scorching gallop midway in the homestretch to sail past long time leader Myla Rose and Remember Me. Once in the lead, Moon Shadow stormed ahead and won running away. Bombardier came with a fast finishing effort to surface from the rear end of the field to take the second spot, pegging back One Wish comfortably. Trisara disappointed and made no impact on the race.

Sherlock Holmes (Warrshan – Associate) pulled off a fighting win to deny favourite Brynhill an encore. Sitting fifth until the turn, Sherlock Holmes made rapid progress to join the front bunch comprising leader Clesius, Brynhill, Relic Hunter and Que Sera Sera nearing the distance post. Brynhill lost his chances getting himself stuck on the inner railings. By the time he could squeeze himself out, Sherlock Holmes had sealed the issue with a fine show of acceleration. He moved past them all inside the final furlong and Brynhill had to be content with the second spot. Celsius fought off the late finishing Fortune Hunter and Que Sera Sera to finish in the money.

Beau Royale (New Famous – Striking Beauty) scored a resounding victory giving his rivals no chance at any stage. He got off to a good start and soon emerged from the bunch to take the lead in quick time. Once into the straight, Beau Royale bounded forward and the rest were left panting behind. Eau Royale found himself all alone in front as Princess Love and Dark William made no impact on him. Jaipur Gem could only hope for the second spot as he too, although improving position was too far away from Beau Royale. The Narendra Lagad trainee did not give even a ghost of a chance to any of them and compiled a solid victory justifying the heavy amount of betting that was wagered on him. He looked the winner the moment they turned for home.

For the professionals, trainer Rehanullah Khan and jockey A Sandesh combined to score a treble.