Dancing Prances (Ace – Dancing Greens, Poonawalla Stud) has struck a purple patch and also struck a successful partnership with jockey Sandesh. The Noshir & Dolly Dhunjibhoy Sprint Million, the perfect precursor to the Nanoli Derby seemed like a re-run of the Maharaj Akkasaheb with the five contenders facing off on identical terms. The result too, at least the first two placing, were similar with the ‘Dancing duo’ taking the top positions. Only Deja Vu showed good improvement this time, and the timing too was remarkably superior.

Dancing Phoenix led them soon on start with Dancing Prances on his tail. Rosie Sunshine, Victorious March and Deja Vu followed in that order.

Dancing Phoenix lingered longer this time offering stiff resistance when Dancing Prances challenged his lead. The pair was involved in a grim battle, Sandesh however, seemed confident to getting past. He did eventually within the last furlong and this is when Deja Vu produced a brief sizzle. He covered ground from the last spot and got to the haunches of the fighting pair. However, he could not sustain that momentum long enough to force his way to victory. Dancing Prances showed who the boss was and won it clocking 1:09:02.

Al Shamsheer (Yeats – Prize Magic, Nanoli Stud) was a big revelation and few expected him to win the way he did. Attraction bolted to the front and had a runaway lead and she petered out as quickly as he had assumed command. Al Shamsheer, who was in chase all the while until Attraction faded out past the 1000, was travelling comfortably all the while, himself well ahead of the more fancied trio comprising Fleetwood Mac, Dixie Delight and Starry Moment.  

Jockey Darren Williams entered the straight still holding Al Shasheer travelling easy and there was no one throwing a serious challenge. Al Shamsheer galloped on to win the Volkswagen India Trophy with a measure of comfort. Double or Quits improved notably to end a good second two lengths from the winner.

Arizona Sun (Phoenix Tower – Romantic Heights, Manjri Stud) earned his maiden win without having to toil too hard. He was out quickly and up in front along with Flynn on his inside, with Chase the Ace not too far behind. Flynn hung around until the distance post trying his best to resist favourite Arizona Sun looming large on his outside. However, when push came to a shove, Flynn had little to offer and Arizona Sun won drawing away to bag the Roedl & Partner Trophy in style. Chase The Ace kicked on to earn place money ahead of Spanish Saga.

Miss Pearl (Rakti – Timah, Capricorn Stud) picked up the Vinayak Trophy with a scintillating stretch run without encountering any threat. She settled in the mid-bunch some distance from the front runners early on and made steady progress past the 1000. Star Prince and Wind of the Hills had a handy lead coming into the straight, but neither could capitalize.

Wind of the Hillls led them in and soon Miss Pearl arrived with a strong run to take charge. Once ahead, jockey P Trevor had little to do as Miss Pearl picked up speed and stretched away from them all. Sir Song ran on to finish second, while Maalik snatched the third spot edging out Straight Six.

Trainer Rehanullah Khan picked up both the divisions of the Pune Police Commissioner’s Trophy with Doc Holliday (Senure – Autocop, Manjri Stud) and Pepe Senior (Gaswar – Sangam. Chhatari Stud).

Doc Holliday had it easy taking off well from the gates to dictate the terms right from the start. Jockey Sandesh had him going at a good clip and once he unleashed the colt, Doc Holliday built a useful lead on entering the straight. Basic Life was right there, but found nothing extra. Nature Boy gained ground in the final furlong and Targetmaster finished on full of steam. Sandesh however, rode out Doc Holiday to his second successive victory warding off the dual threat. Targetmaster perhaps had left too much to do in too little time and needs watching if he runs again this season.

Pepe Senior, in contrast, rose from behind to put in a determined effort to down a spirited Angel in the Sky who was looking for an encore.  Angel in the Sky looked right on course as she sprang ahead at the distance post. Pepe Senior found his touch and began to unleash a powerful finishing run. Jockey PS Chouhan finally managed to nail the leader and score a decisive win sparing just under two lengths at the wire. Oriental Rocky ran on to end in the money, while favourite Wings of Glory ended a tame fourth.

Incandescent (Tariq – Eye View, Equus Stud) won a thrilling involving two other rivals in Aleta and Saporelli to earn her maiden win in an exciting manner.  Jockey Neeraj Rawal kept her in the mid-bunch not too far away from Discourse and Aleta the pair that held the front positions.

The race came to a boil in the straight as Aleta took over to dart ahead. Incandescent too started to chase down the deficit. Saporelli made a late bid to join the fight. Aleta shaped like a winner going into the final 100 however, Incandescent spoilt her party with a timely dash to pip Aleta on the post. Saporelli was a tad too late and finished a close third.

Brynhill went down fighting yet again and this time it was Wild Waves to snatch the race from him. Brynhill shot ahead on entering the homestretch and was galloping determinedly. Ultrasonic, Fortune Hunter and One Kept Secret were struggling to catch up with Brynhill when Wild Waves (Arabian Gulf – Nightlife, Manjri) made his bid from the outside. Young Yash Narredu rode out with all his might and got to Brynhill in front of the stands. Brynhill resisted strongly too but in the end, Wild Waves finished on better to score a narrow win.

For the professionals, trainers Rehanullah Khan and Altaf Hussain saddled a double each, while jockey Sandesh scored a double.