It was basically a form-oriented afternoon at RCTC with a rather fine accent on ‘money-flow’ – after all, we are at the fag end of the season and everyone wants to have a share of the pie before it’s too late. Very much in the limelight was jockey Shezad Khan with a well-backed treble and trainer Errol Bhungard, whose visiting apprentice Sarvan Kumar pulled off a marvellous double.

The main event, The Indian Air Force Cup, saw Bharath Singh-trained Astaire (Shezad Khan up) put his best foot forward and collar front-runners Impressive Glory and Divine Symphony  with 300 metres to go. Thereafter, there was no looking back as the minor placings were the only berths at stake. The winner was spotted a long way from home. Second favourite Stand Apart did not show the sparkle she was expected to while Gallop To Glory was a fairly decent second.

The Eastern Air Command Cup saw Javed Khan-trained Paras Mani make it a start-to-finish affair over her pet distance of seven furlongs. Javed had rather astutely declared apprentice Azharuddin in the Class III event after three forward runs in the upper class. The most eye-catching preparatory run was the one with Multimagic and Fire Falcon and that stood the filly in good stead on this occasion. The colt Copernicus had all the chances but failed to accelerate in the straight. Apprentice Waheed is not exactly the best choice of rider for horses who need forceful handling in the final furlong, not that it would have made any difference on this occasion, as  Paras Mani simply outclassed the field.

Fortune favours the brave and trainer Errol Bhungard can count himself rather fortuitous as he rather ‘bravely’ declared an outstation apprentice Sarvan Kumar on Romancer and Black Caviour to pull off a marvellous brace at lucrative odds. Romancer won the Nikita Handicap by the skin of his teeth from Greased Lightnin while top-weight Black Caviour showed plenty of zeal to run away from the field in the straight and bag the Retained Asset Handicap. The favourite Bond Girl was a disappointment.

Quite a few apprentices had their moments during the afternoon. Among them was Jorawar Singh who rode Vijay Singh-trained Jalapeno Pepper in the Liberty Handicap. The 12/10 filly by Ikhtyar out of Jalapeno outclassed the Class ‘B’ field while second favourite Lovely Magic (6/1) was never in it. Her trainer was apprehensive prior to the race as he felt she may be running a little too frequently. But none can beat Dance In China to the ‘frequent flier’ prize as he once again finished fourth to fetch his oats money.

Shezad Khan opened his account for the day with Javed Khan-trained Asian Rocket who won the 2000 metres race for the  So Amazing Handicap as he liked. The confidence of the connections was reflected in the odds as the six-year-old middle distance runner was backed down to 5/2 from 5/1. The Jaiswal runners juggled the odds before settling at 16/10 against the favourite Stiling Veil (who was never in it). It was in fact River Pride who edged out Promissory Note for the runner-up berth.

Shezad completed his treble with Bharath Singh-trained Santos (Burden Of Proof-Flaming Fan) in the day’s final event. The chestnut colt won the six-furlong sprint without ever being off the bridle.

The other youngster who broke out of the maiden ranks in great style was Arti Doctor’s Confidence. The big boned bay with Rathore astride made every post, of the upper division of The Star Angel Handicap, a winning one, in formidable timing. Sired by Glory Of Dancer out of Confluence, he is certain to notch up quite a few more wins during the year. Experienced commentator Cyrus Madan (who was calling the race), commented just afterwards  “ we have just seen the best youngster at this centre”.