It was a brief afternoon of difficult racing (in so far as punters were concerned) as fancied runners fell by the wayside in a majority of cases. Only two first favourites obliged in a card of six races. The feature of the day, The Maltese Prince Cup, saw Bath-trained Secret Gloss (Quest Star-Park Petard) win in  the final stride as ‘part-time’ veteran Vikash Tamang made a rare appearance this season to fetch home the bacon for his elated connections. Not many may be aware that the same rider has an affinity for this seven-year-old and this was in fact his third-win astride this very horse.

Lexi appeared to have stolen a march at the distance post while the eventual winner was still trying to find her galloping shoes on the wide outside. The hot favourite Fashion Icon was also making his move but his effort was pathetic compared to Bath’s ward. That Secret Gloss eventually won by the proverbial whisker was partly due to Tamang’s resolve and in part to ‘Lady Luck’. But that hardly counts! In the tricky yet wonderful game of horse-racing, it’s the result that matters – and well, she won, didn’t she!

The Supreme Princess Handicap saw the favourite Sole Power finish in the ruck. Vijay Singh-trained Amorino (Chevalier-Arnatta/ Ruia Stud) was the first to shoot out of the gates and then permitted No Politics Please to take over the running. Shyam Habbu’s Stand Apart was always maintained in striking position while Sole Power gradually dropped back from fifth position to be second last. After heads turned for home, Amorino and Shailesh Shinde went hell for leather with Stand Apart joining him on the outside but the latter ruined his chances as he drifted out to the outer rails.

The afternoon commenced on a happy note for punters as the 17/10 public choice Desert Fox came good in the hands of Md Islam. Argalia was permitted to set the pace till the distance post where Moonlit Sky was struggling to overhaul her. Lying fourth of five, Desert Fox was put into top gear by his rider and the son of Burden Of Proof out of Arabian Rose (Kunigal Stud) responded gamely to win fairly comfortably in the end.

Suspended trainer Vikash Jaiswal continues to remote control his wards successfully. His Secret Builder (Arabian Gulf-Sanskara/ Manjri Stud) lapped up the 2000 metres race for the Topspin Handicap and makes one wonder why he was not tried over a trip earlier – especially since his dam Sanskara edged out Rasalas in the Monsoon Derby here some years ago. Sandeep Rajput enjoyed an armchair ride as the top-weight collared Sunshine Dancer and won as he liked. The gross disappointment was the on-money public choice Auberon who was possibly the worst performed horse in the field – a real dud if there was one.

The race for youngsters, The Ming Dynasty Plate, saw Habbu-schooled Ship Rock come good in the hands of apprentice Jorawar Singh who was not entitled to claim an allowance in this maidens’ race. The son of Kingda ka out of Giacosa (Nanoli Stud) was in mid-division till the straight where he showed a marvellous turn of foot. The filly Isle Of Avalon went all over the place before ending up a poor second. Crixus is obviously an over-rated colt and will keep on helping bookies fill up their satchels. High time punters and the media left him alone and let him win in his own time.

The curtain came down with Patrick Quinn-trained Silver Silver (Senure-Mystique Smile/ Manjri Stud) winning his third race in four outings in the hands of apprentice Zarar Alam. Fancied runners Xipen and Mister Positive filled up the minor placings. Earlier known as Pronto Star, the winner seems to have blossomed late under Quinn who deserves a pat on the back for his endeavour.