The Southern Command day has a significant tone to it and Pune’s is the only racecourse in the world that gets a special demonstration of realistic war drills. The center of the racecourse is cordoned off as ‘War Zone’ with the Southern Commnad unit of the Indian Army displaying some breathtaking air and ground battle mocks. The 20 minutes of various combat action was riveting and had the crowds bewildered by the brave young men in army gear showcasing the skills and courage to smother the enemy effectively. The final act of hoisting the tricolor was touching as well as delighting with the crowd responding with thunderous applause acknowledging the might and acumen of the Armed forces.

The day began with the running of the previous day’s feature, the Idar Gold Trophy (Gr3). Shivalik Showers (Dancing Forever – Sun Shower, Hazara Stud) galloped on to a clinical victory. Aquamarine drifted under pressure and that caused her downfall.

Tiger Tops showed off his early pace as he surged into the lead and established a sizable lead early over the 2400 m race. Shivalik Showers and the rest followed her all the way into the straight. Shivalik showers encountered no resistance as he galloped past Tiger Tops and stormed into the lead. Aquamarine quickened soon on straightening up and made her move from the outside. Tatiana and the rest were completely outpaced.

Shivalik Showers, with Kamlesh in the saddle, had a handy lead approaching the distance post; however, Aquamarine was seen bridging the gap and closing in on the leader. While Shivalik Showers was marching on ahead close on the inner rails, Aquamarine started to drift out under pressure. That may have cost her dearly as she could not produce her best at the most important juncture. Shivalik Showers, to his credit, never let his guard down, nor did he even look tiring at the business end. Eventually, the CD Katrak ward stayed ahead sparing just over a length to Aquamarine. Tiger Tops ended a decent third, even though she ended a good four lengths behind.

Katrak and Kamlesh combined once again with Exodus (Arazan – Strawberry fields, Poonawalla Stud) to win the lower division of the Juventus Trophy. Exodus needed just a debut run to get in shape and over the extended nine-furlong race, he came into his own. He settled beautifully and found a nice rhythm all through. He settled in second behind Isinit and took charge soon on turning for home. Once in the lead, Exodus picked up speed to keep the chasing Flying Dragon at bay. Verbier was off to a slow start, but she warmed up well to take the third spot. This was a good educative run for Verbier and she should have a say the next time out.

Peter Deubet doesn’t ‘bet’ but is as passionate about racing as anyone. He is the person instrumental in bringing the popular Oktoberfest to Pune during the Nanoli Pune Derby weekend and the IGCC Christmas fest in Mumbai. He loves his racing and a win surely gets him going and his horse Jack Frost gave him ample joy when he unleashed a dazzling run in the final furlong to pass them all with ease and notch up an impressive victory by over two lengths.

Nuray led a closely huddled bunch into the straight, with Knight of Ke Silver Streak, Booker Jones jostling alongside. Maximus skirted around these horses but found Shivalik Storm improving on his outside and his passage was shut. That check cost him and he simply could not resurface. Jack Frost too was hampered for space, but Neeraj Rawal deftly made his run from the outside and Jack Frost too showed tremendous speed when put on top gear.  The final dash that Jack Frost produced floored them all and Jack Frost’s victory was simply top class.

Booker Jones did well to take the runner-up slot from Knight of Ke and Shivalik Storm took the fourth place.

Adhirajsingh Jodha trained sprinting star Gold Bag (Sedgefield – Blue Jay, Jai Govind Stud) maintained a clean slate over the 1200 m distance willing all the six races she ran over the sprint. She claimed the Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw Memorial Trophy showing a smart turn of foot and this was her fifth successive victory on the trot, while compiling an impressive hat-trick this season.

Ravello led them into the straight with Gold Bag in hot pursuit. Greek God was flanked by Victorious March and Moon Shadow. Suraj Narredu had sweated it out only off the track to bring down his weight, and carried an over-weight of just a kilo. Gold Bag compensated him on that and gave him the easiest of rides as he had little to do right through the race. Gold Bag was off quickly in the straight and none could catch up or match her speed. She won drawing away. Her closest rival Greek God did not even get to pose a challenge and ended a tame second.

Grenadine (Amadeus Wolf – Hekayaat, Nanoli Stud) proved over superiority over the 2400m trip and carried the top weight to victory, overpowering Zazou in the straight. Sitting last of four as Manakel dictated the early pace, Grenadine had to move up from the last position on entering the straight. Honest Pleasure got past Manakel on turning for home, but soon Zazou stormed ahead. Grenadine didn’t wait too long and jockey DK Ashish got her going after taking the turn slightly wide. Grenadine responded effectively and collared Zazou past the distance post. He went clear in the last 100 meters to win comfortably.

BIG made trainer Narendra Lagad, saddled a lucrative double and it could have been three but for Aeolus Maximus falling close home. He dropped a usual bombshell with Gaabrrio (Phoenix Tower – Balimaya, Manjri Stud) a long shot offered in double figures.  Jockey Joy Chinoy has struck a decent form and has been in the winning for weeks now. He had Gaabrrio in the second last position all through until the straight. Up in front, Saker and Pink Panther had just gotten past early leaders Alectar and Danse Debonaire with ease and were soon challenged my Jager Bomb. Just when it looked that Jager Bomb was finishing fast enough to go all the way, Gaabrrio arrived with a flourish. He swooped upon the trio and stunned them all with a brilliance that got him the race with a comfortable margin.

Narendra Lagad had deftly opted for five-kilo claimer Raghuveer Singh for his charge You’re The Boss (papal Bull – Heather Heath, Rolli Stud) in the day’s concluding race. The bottom weight advantage was exploited to the hilt as You’re The Boss stormed past El Wonder soon on turning for home. He surged further ahead and his handy lead held him in good stead. Pepe Senior warmed up rather late, but he came down heavily on the leader. However, Raghuveer kept You’re The Boss going and held on by a length to win it comfortably in the end. Basic Life improved to take the place money.

Running Storm (Oiseau de Feu – Running Beauty, Samra Stud) trained by Sandeep Manglorkar spoilt the party for Aeolus Maximus as the bay gelding had done all the hard work and assumed command in the homestretch. Aeolus Maximus looked comfortably clear past the final furlong when Running Storm started to bridge the gap briskly. Running Storm with NS Parmar in the saddle finished on strongly to get past Aeolus Maximus a couple of strides from the winning post to register his maiden success by a narrow margin. Jarama improved to finish a notable third.

Trainer HJ Antia struck in the first race of the day with Speed Baby (Gaswar – Boreal, Galloping Stud).Speed Baby, partnered by five-kilo claiming jockey N Nadeem, stepped up speed soon on turning for home and was quickly away with a cushion of about two-lengths. That held him in good stead as Grand March and Mr Morrison finished on with a good final burst to hit the wire in a three-horse-finish. Spped Baby had just managed to keep her nose in front at the wire.