The eight-race card threw few surprises although some of the winners offered rich returns. Commander (Noverre – Momentarily, Sohna Stud) was one of those among the longer odds that returned victorious giving young lady trainer Nazak Chenoy a lot to beam about. The Nanoli Pune Derby winner was an 8/1 shot in the betting ring, yet not without his share of supporters. He settled quickly and stayed in the fifth position as more fancied runners Janis Jay and Reynolds  were ahead of him until the turn.

Janis Jay, sent out on a start to finish mission, looked good coming into the straight and kicked on even as Reynolds started to close in. Zoraavar, who was on the tail of Janis Janis jay wilted under pressure and dropped back. Approaching the distance post, Janis Jay was fighting off a stiff challenge posed by Reynolds and as these two were involved in a grim battle, Commander assisted by jockey CS Jodha arrived with a sustained bid from the outside. It did not take too long now too much effort for Commander to pass the fighting duo by and he soon assumed command to emerge a clear winner. Janis jay ended runner up, while Reynolds may have needed this run and would relish a longer trip.

Highlander (Ivory Touch – Happy Queen, Mare Haven Stud) avenged his defeat at the hands of The General booting home the weight advantage and showcasing his staying abilities to the full. Al Shamsheer ran all over the breath of the turf as jockey Dashrath Singh simply could not get a grip over his mount right through the early half of the Indian Derby trip. He was running on the centre of the backstretch as he charged ahead to take a massive lead, only to surrender meekly past the 800.

The General made quick progress improving from the third position to lead them into the straight. Holy Bull disappointed as he could not drive home the weight advantage that he had over the top two fancies. Highlander with jockey Trevor in the saddle progressed gradually and soon began his forward charge. The Rehanullah Khan trainee caught up with The General without fuss and was speeding past with long strides. He however, moved inwards giving enough reason for Yash Narredu to try and take the race on a technical note. Highlander forged ahead comfortably and won easing up. The General cut the margin to end second by just one length. The objection however, was overruled as there seemed little merit in it.

Trevor enjoyed another good day at office scoring a fine treble on the day. After guiding Highlander to victory, he partnered top weight Cha Cha Cha (Verglas – Chibcha, Nanoli Stud) to win in a big field, from an outside draw (18). He started off on the right note, easing Cha Cha Cha to the front and with the most difficult task done with, he had the Narendra Lagad ward well in command coming into the straight.

Trevor shot ahead with Cha Cha Cha and was well clear of the rest past the distance post. It appeared that he would pull it off without difficulty; however, Staying Alive arrived with a scintillating run covering considerable ground.  Staying Alive had too much to do and with too little ground to do it was simply not possible. In the end, Cha Cha Cha held on and saved the blushes. Izarra who had stuck alongside Cha Cha Cha right from the start, did well to stay in the third spot and earn place money, smothering a late but good finishing effort brought in by Dia.

Trevor’s third for the day came atop the well-backed Nature Boy (Mull of Kintyre – Atmosphere, Sohna Stud) and here too he had to ward off a very late challenge after overcoming traffic issues. It was not the easiest of victories, but Trevor played his hand well and managed to get several punters punch the air in joy over the narrow win.

Wind Craft and Song of Africa led the field into the straight with Stiletto also coming into the equation. On straightening up, Stiletto and Capilano tussled for command. Nature Boy was hemmed in between horses and Trevor had to switch lanes to make his bid. Nature Boy responded soon on getting a clear run and progressed quickly to get past the fighting pair. He accelerated well to draw Nature Boy just ahead at the wire. Abderus was a sizzling second and Shygirl a good third. Stiletto was shocked by this storming in and ended fourth. 

Shivalik View (Dancing Forever – Kabubina, Hazara Stud) scored an encore as expected and won in a manner befitting an on-money favourite (6/10 on). She was out quick and settled nice and early just behind Made to Measure with the rest following in a close bunch.

Jockey CS Jodha let Made to Measure enjoy his lead for a few strides inside the straight and made his move to surge forward with about 300 to go. Once into the lead he sailed ahead and away leaving no chance for the others to catch up. He eased the Bezan Chenoy trained filly in the final 100 to romp home in style and win comfortably. Just By Chance improved positions to take the runner-up slot pegging back Ace Fantasy. Glorious Opinion too finished on to take the remaining slot in the frame.

Debutante Romantic Lass (Varenar – Oh So Romantic, Equus Stud) proved too good for her rivals as she stormed in to win impressively on her first outing. Jockey Darren Williams got straight down to business as he guided the Dallas Todywalla filly into the lead after a good jump and led all the way into the winning post.

Romantic Lass shook off her nearest rival Tap it Rich who had tagged along from the start once they entered the homestretch. Romantic Lass picked up speed and was out of range for the others as early as the distance post. Favorite Multinational went wide and was never in the hunt. Allee Bleue too looked underdone and was running green in the early stages. Aeolus Maximus moved up and kicked on to finish second ahead of Tap It Rich.

Siddhi was the favourite to win the first race, but she faltered at the start and did not make much impact on the race. Dishkyaon led them into the straight but soon Seacaucus moved along the inner rails and grabbed the lead. Jockey Bhawani Singh rode out well in the final furlong to thwart the bid of Speed Up who was rallying on from the outside. In the end, Seacaucus (Chatham Strait – Over The Ocean, Ruia Stud), saddled by Damodaran Pillay kicked on to win from Speed Up and Dishkyaon.

Beach Game (Noverre – Bibi Karam, Sohna Stud) who had shaped like a winner before going down to Fast Lady last time out, made ample mends winning it this time in a thrilling finish at nourishing odds.

Favourite Soothsayer looked on course to oblige as he took charge midway in the straight and was in command. Earth Tamer and Beach Game came to the fore with a strong bid. Beac Ashish astride, sustained his momentum all the way which was just enough for his to topple the favorite. Affirmation came on the scene with a flourishing run but the bid came far too late and Beach Game was not bothered by the late charge of Affirmation. The later’s run was eye-catching though and Affirmation bears watching the next time out.

For the professionals, jockey P Trevor scored a fine treble and CS Jodha chipped in with a good double.