Aquadisiac (Storm Trooper – Innocent Pleasures) justified the first favourite tag and won The Chakori Trophy living up to the expectations of his strong number of supporters. Nitrous, who garnered quite some last minute wagers that pushed the odds on Aquadisiac from on money to 1 ¼ close to the start of the race, could not sustain to the final blitz of the Shroff trainee and ended a tame second. Nitrous shot into the lead a furlong after they jumped out and was closely followed by World War three, Hugo Boss and Aquadisiac. Silver Tern was never into it. The closely bunched foursome entered the straight almost together, Nitrous having a slender lead. No sooner that they turned, Aquadisiac quickened nicely to challenge the authority of Nitrous. Nitrous fought hard to stay ahead, but when the push from Aquadisiac came to a shove, Nitrous was clearly found wanting. Aquadisiac completely dominated the final furlong and finished it off in a polished manner. Hugo Boss tried to come into prominence and even looked like putting up a fight early in the straight, but the weight told and he lost even the third place to World War Three. Warcraft was the first choice to win the DNA Trophy. The odds on Star Luxurious drifted alarmingly, in fact doubled to 5/1 from 5/2. As they jumped out, Warcraft, American Idol, Star Luxurious and Hidden Danger were quickly engaged in disputing the lead. Following close behind were Ares, Phosphor and Black Sapphire (Tirol – White Magic). Statjford bumped Victory Star pushing the latter to go wide and the duo were detached from the bunch. As the race for the DNA Trophy entered the business stretch, Warcraft held a slender advantage and Star Luxurious was gaining on him. However, approaching the distance post Black Sapphire who was tailing the duo, put in his challenge and bounded past the pair easily to post a well earned victory. Warcraft returned second best and this run should do him good in the near future. I reckon his next outing would be a much better run and I suggest Warcraft may be persisted with. Star Luxurious was needs watching. Ares though running a bit green came in to claim a place in the frame despite not galloping fluently at any stage. A couple of runs more and he could be in business as well. Couldn't help but notice Statjford who covered a lot of ground from the rear end to finish one off the frame. Legendary (Major Impact – Sunspangled) kicked off the day in style. The heavily backed favourite left nothing to chance and Srinath wasted no time after the starter's orders and quickly took charge. He was closely followed till the turn by Amberley, Zarzaitine. Once they turned into the straight, Legendary simply drew away to win unextended and adding distance with every stride. Red Dawn came well from the rear to claim the runner up berth from Festive Light. Legendary should do well again. Dynamite and polar Glow hogged the market trends and both would have rued the turn of events during the race. Dynamite's saddle shifted during the race and lost out on all chances. Polar Glow was affected by some really poor handling by Nadeem Alam, who was grossly incompetent at a crucial stage. He whipped the horse and was perched awkwardly, never in balance and hampered the rhythm of the horse. One's error is another's advantage and Sparrow hawk didn't protest this folly at all. The Robert D'Mellow gelding received the largesse and held his nose high at the all important winning post. To Sparrow Hawks credit, the gelding set the tone all the way and traveled well till the turn. Here, he worked up a handy 2-3 length lead and with some vigorous riding from Baria held on a fiercely fought race by the skin of his teeth. Baria was fined and cautioned for excessive use of the whip. Polar Glow, in fact should have picked the race. Lechwe (Daggers Drawn – Border Mirage) had to encounter tense moments before managing to stay ahead and the margin of 1 -1/4L didn't look as comfortable with a furlong to go. Rajendra had hit the front early and in the straight grasped the upper hand when Bella from way to far back began to warm up. At the distance post Bella was fast cutting down the lead and even looked like pulling off a surprise, however, Bella could not sustain the momentum and could not finish it off. Lechwe kicked on much to the relief of her supporters. Catalyst came through the mid-bunch to peg back Cameo and claim the place money. Lechwe looked good but for the brief moment when Bella threatened to create a flutter. Excellent Gift was installed the hot favourite but never justified the status. Although she was a close third behind Rising Princess and Bu Attifel the top weight could do no better in the straight and ended a tame third. The 'Battle Royale' came from the leading duo who were stuck together right from the start. Both had their share of supporters who were seen screaming themselves hoarse as the battle continued in a prolonged climax. The pair left the struggling favourite well behind in the straight as they began to fight every inch of the turf. They were inseparable at the distance post from where Rising Princess (Tirol – False Look) got stronger and wrested the issue from Bu Attifel in the last couple of strides. Full marks to jockey Akash Agarwal for keeping his cool and bringing out the best from the Antia filly. If one had asked for an action replay of the earlier race, he would not have been disappointed. Sepia Tone and Need For Speed provided an equally thrilling battle in the very next race sending race goers home with the adrenalin flowing. Sepia Tone (Case Law – Pussy Cat) shot in the lead in her customary style and Need For Speed and Rave On followed close behind. In the straight, Sepia Tone had a handy two length lead but Need For Speed mounted her challenge soon and joined the leader. It looked like the favourite would easily pass the leader, but Appu failed to go for the kill and Sepia Tone never gave up. Need For Speed fell short by ¾ L and one would have expected a lot better finishing effort from Appu. Rumours were rife that Need For Speed doesn't pass her rival and looking back I don't reckon they were unfounded.