The invitation Cup day was a memorable one especially for new trainer Vishal, whose first representative was Zachary. Vishal has honed his skills under Pesi Shroff as assistant for a number of years. The burly, jovial bloke looked calm as his ward opened the favourite for the PK Mehra Super mile and seemed to have soaked in the situation and if there was any pressure or butterflies, he didn’t show any sign of it.

Zachary (Kingda Ka – Yantai, Capricorn Stud) lived up to the top billing and won like a true champ. Trevor had him in the mid-bunch most of the way, travelling close on the fence. Field Marshal cut the early pace with Shivalik Storm in second leading them into the straight.

Field Marshal faded out and just as Shivalik Storm was aspiring to make a run of it. Zachary zipped to the front with such alacrity that the other classy rivals all looked pedestrian. Zachary stormed ahead like a bullet and it was an awesome turn of foot that saw Zachary pull away to win with shocking ease. This was without doubt Zachary’s best performance and his final burst was so dazzling that he even clocked the best ever timing for a mile at the Mahalaxmi 1:33:96. It ought to be a world record – New trainer, first runner, Group I race, first favourite and winning in record timing! Autonomy held the best timing at 1:34:10.

Vishal could not have asked for a better start to his career. Over his joy he managed to say “I feel completely blessed and i am delighted to have such a start. I have to thank my owners, particularly Mr Dhunjibhoy for his encouragement. This is highly motivating and the benchmark is high from the outset for me. This should give me on my toes and I intend to keep the high standards going. A special thanks to Mr Shroff. It has been a learning experience for me and it is with mixed feelings that i begin another phase of my career. The long tenure with Mr Shroff has been educative and the experience has been rich. Zachary is the real champ and he is etched in my memory for life!” 

Zachary no doubt put in a heroic performance and deserves high praise for taking his game notches higher and beating a tough set of opponents with such ease. Arrogant Approach although not in the hunt for a win, galloped gamely to end beating all but the winner. Shivalik Storm ran a cracker too and was a commendable third ahead of Acclaimed.

The Stayers’ Cup was the curtain drop for the Invitation Cup card and last year’s winner Astapi (Placerville – Blurr, Poona Stud) defended his title successfully as he finished on full of steam to down favourite Tiger Tops close home. Tiger Tops looked in command as he fought his way ahead of Authentic, the latter resisting stubbornly all the time. With a furlong to go, Tiger Tops grabbed the lead and soon Astapi launched his attack. He inched closer with every stride and jockey Sandesh was persuasive throughout the final furlong and finally galloped his way past Tiger Tops to carve out a comfortable victory. An Acquired Taste rose to the occasion and fought off Authentic to take the place money.

Your Royal Majesty (Multidimensional – You Are My Miracle, Usha Stud) was classy in his victory while claiming the Suresh Mahindra Multi-Million (Gr2). Zervan settled the Shroff-trained colt close behind leader Silver Streak until into the straight and then squeezed through the gap on the inner rails to take charge with about 300 to go. Once in the lead, Your Royal Majesty kept the momentum going and had no difficulty in staying clear of the rest. IM Different finished on fastest and although he could not get to Your Royal Majesty, the Bangalore challenger was a game second and was a gallant runner-up. Plenipotent, Adam and Keturah were involved in a close finish for the minor places.

Dramarama (Phoenix Tower – Dramatikos, Manjri Stud) was sent out the firm favourite and received more support at race time. Jockey Colm O’Donoghue played his hand well to ensure the victory. Settled in fifth until the turn, Colm could have got stuck for room. However, he timed his surge forward precisely as he aggressively shot through a very narrow gap between Victory Dancer and Spades and that proved vital. Dramarama responded with a cracking gallop and shook off Act of Valour with ease, but Lancelot posed a new threat. However, Dramarama sustained her speed and successfully thwarted the the challenger’s bid. Lancelot made an all out attempt but failed to nail the winner. Attraction quietly slipped into the third spot, coming from behind to earn place money.

Blue Bay (Mull of Kintyre – Prelude to a Kiss, Amanali Stud) reserved his best for the occasion and notched up his third career victory on the Invitation Cup day. Jjockey DK Ashish took his chances at the right time and reaped rich rewards.

Plan B had set off at a good pace and entered the straight with a handy lead. Padmakosa, the firm favourite, just could not find her feet or rhythm of her last run and Trevor was struggling to get her going. Blue Bay picked up momentum and darted ahead of Plan B approaching the distance post. Once in the lead, Blue Bay kicked on ahead and built a safe cushion. Pretty Hot and Tahrir arrived with a strong finish, but neither could catch either the winner or even Plan B who ran a good second.

Pesi Shroff trained youngster Admirality (Admiralofthefleet-Caprese, Kunigal Stud) scored a very impressive win in the Percept Million, the opener of the day. As the five horses started off for the mile trip there was a rush for the lead and Admirality decided to settle at the back while Master Of Trinity set the ball rolling. Mid-way up the straight Admirality made his bid and the bay colt went past the four in front with utmost ease with jockey Trevor Patel not having to move a nerve. The rider looked still even as Admirality went past the winning post almost five lengths ahead of Master Of Trinity. This is the second successive win for Admirality from as many starts and going by the manner of this victory it would be prudent to follow him in his future runs immaterial of the distance.  

Trainer Nirad Karanjawala’s juvenile filly Calissa (Multidimensional-Wave Of Bliss, Mehra Stud) was impressive while scoring her maiden win in the Hyderabad Race Club Million. Calissa rushed to take over the front running as the field of eight were despatched for the 1000 metres scurry and the race favourite Abigail joined up from the outside quickly. Into the straight the duo were almost four lengths ahead of the rest and the favourite from the outside looked to get a slender advantage inside the last 400 metres but with the forceful riding of A.Sandesh Calissa regained the lead and kicked on gallantly til the winning post. Abigail lost out the runner-up berth to Spring Loaded in the shadow of the winning post. Corabella was a non-starter in the race.

Tap Dance (Glory Of Dancer-Splash Of Class, Nanoli Stud) wrapped up the Bangalore Turf Club Million. The 5 year old dark bay gelding from trainer Rehanullah Khan’s yard, a winner of its last start over six furlongs in lower class over was neglected in the betting completely over the shorter sprint. Chasing the leading pair of Shania and Zarbarwan about three lengths adrift till entering the final furlong, Tap Dance picked up momentum when given a couple of cracks by jockey Kishore Kadam and flashed on to win by two lengths. Himalayan Queen came in late to take the second spot ahead of Shania and Zabarwan. 

In the aftermath of the loss of Be Safe in the hands of stable companion Quasar in the Omkar Indian Invitation Cup, Dr.MAM Ramaswamy has moved all his horses out of trainer Malesh Narredu’s stables. “I am disgusted the way the boy rode the race,” said Dr.MAM speaking to Indiarace. “It was he who claimed Be Safe to be of International class” added Dr.Ramaswamy while expressing his anguish over the entire ‘cloud’ surrounding the race.

For The professionals, trainer P Shroff saddled a double while jockeys P Trevor and A Sandesh rode a double each.