Brahmachari (Chevalier – Avec Plaisir, Ruia Stud) opened his Pune campaign with a bang, winning the Tattersalls Million, beating a good set of opponents. The 8/1 shot, had won on debut in Mumbai and then ended a decent fourth to Another Conquest ending his Mumbai stint in April. Trainer Imtiaz Sait had patiently waited with him and the good rest obviously had worked for the bay gelding. He looked impressive in the paddock, which is why perhaps, he garnered stray bets. Jockey DK Ashish contributed his bit to guide Brahmachari  deftly and pull off an exciting victory.

Shivalik Story led them on settling down and galloped at a good clip. Cannonball Run was up with the leader with Speed of Sound, Benezeer, Brahmachari and Itscaro following closely, with the rest not too far away.

Shivalik Story ended his tryst soon on turning for home, while Cannonball Run surged forward and Brahmachari too making headway, taking the gap between the two. Brahmachari found his touch when it mattered most and soon got into the lead. Cannonball run gave it all, but found it hard to keep on. Speed of Sound was galloping along, but could not find the extra gear; she too was making her first appearance this season. Itscaro was gaining ground and looked a lvie threat within the final furlong, but Brahmachari galloped on resolutely to hold his ground and win by over a length to spare. Brahmachari and Itscaro were the pick of the lot, with Speed of Sound probably needing this run. Benezeer finished on close behind fourth placed Cannonball Run, but would have done better had jockey Cs Jodha not changed course and go for the rails at a time when Benezeer had a clear run for the asking early in the straight.

Jockey Trevor Patel continued on his sublime form booting home an impressive treble from his five mounts for the day. He started off on a winning note partnering Shroff trained Pune Derby hope Rigoletto to a resounding win for the Amazing Bay Double Stakes. Rigoletto (Kingda Ka – Highland Ghillie, Nanoli Stud) dropped no sweat as she took off smoothly to lead the four horse field early at the start over the 2000m journey.

Into the backstretch, Sweeping Star took over from Rigoletto with Sahdowfax, who had his share of supporters, improving rapidly after a tardy start to be a close third with His Highness right behind.

Rigoletto took charge at the turn and went sailing clear in the straight with jockey Trevor having little to do. Rigoletto won drawing away and looked the winner from the moment they entered the straight. His Highness improved to beat the other two for the second. Shadowfax was simply not firing and ended a dismal last.

Trevor they scored another fashionable victory with Mine forever (Placerville – You Are The One, Villoo’s Greenfield Stud) again on tight rein. Mine Forever had stumbled at the start nearing dislodging Trevor last time. This time around, Trevor got her off to a steady start, however, owner-mate Polished Chrome lost considerable ground at the gates.

Mine Forever settled smoothly and soon improved to get past Deep Diver to lead the field. Rio and Brave Vision came next with Tap Dance following them. Polished Chrome suffered even further as rookie apprentice Raghveer in trying to make up for lost ground, hurried to catch up and in doing so Polished Chrome drifted outside at an alarming rate.

ON entering the straight, Mine Forever looked well in command and travelling nicely too. Trevor yet again had an easy ride with his mount doing everything required to gallop on. Mine Forever won on a tight rein with two-and-half lengths to spare from Valentino grabbing the runner-up berth with a good finishing run. This is the fourth second notched up by Valentino in as many starts this season. His consistency should pay off sooner than later.

Sunderji trained Magnificence (Arazan – Burning Fire, Exhilaration Stud) was the third ride that Trevor guided home with a measure of comfort. This time though, he was some distance behind the front action for the mile race.

Majestic Light took over the running with Wajood moving into second, Jorell came next with Top Bracket in fourth and Magnificence fairly far behind the leader in fifth. Trevor made his move precisely at the right juncture at the turn as he slipped in from the rails and surged into the lead on turning for home. Once in front, a couple of cracks was all that was needed and Magnificence was accelerating purposefully posting good lead and then extended the margin past the distance post. Trevor eased up his mount with some distance still to go, winning most convincingly. Top Bracket improved positions and ran a good second pegging back Rain Dance in the process.

Commander (Noverre – Momentarily, Sohna Stud) showed his class while beating in-form Remember Me in a close finish for the Mysore Race Club Trophy. Falcon set the pace and faded away when the race took a serious turn. Remember Me, who was keen all through the back stretch, was sent into the lead soon on entering the homestretch. Commander began his chase and was inching closer to Remember Me, the latter searching for his third successive victory. Rodeo looked the part for a very brief while, but then showed that the lay off had done him in.

Remember Me fought hard to keep to the lead, however, Commander dug deep to surface at just the right moment to come on strongly and snatch victory close home. Class alone got Commander his well fought victory.

Stardom Calling failed his large number of followers yet again and jst could not justify the overwhelming support he received despite a poor show last time out. Desert Lily did all the front running chore and fell back tamely when challenged. Jockey HG Rathod came alive atop Hirohama (Roi Maudit – Evia, Country Stud) to go sailing clear in the straight and post a runaway victory. The B Prakash trainee looked far superior to the rest as he galloped away to a thumping win.

Trainer B Prakash sent out another winner at nourishing odds in the last race of the day, with his ward Sunny Sea providing an encore to win in an emphatic fashion. Palace Girl was backed with convinction and was the firm favourite. She did not get the best of starts as Star forced his way to the front. Stat had established a hany lead once into the straight and looked on course to run away with the race. However, this time, she ran out gas and ended poorly. Sunny Sea warmed up at right juncture and accelerate to cut down the lead rapidly. Born to Win too had his chance, but failed to quicken. Once Sunny Sea shot ahead, it was all over. Jockey Kishore Kadam sent Sunny Sea darting ahead to another resounding victory. Palace Girl made up ground but had too much to do in the straight, but improved to finish one behind the winner.

Huracan (Arazan – Singtia, Poona Stud) earned a maiden success, showing marked improvement over his previous runs. With Warpath commanding most of the betting, Huracan was neglected in the betting. Warpath was off on a start to finish mission and he led them all the way into the straight.

Huracan poked through as the bunch of horses spread out at the turn. Jockey Dashrath Singh made his move quickly and dashed forward past Warpath. Huracan responded with a good quick burst and soon established a decisive lead. The Way I Am and Kayla were struggling to make progress, but Vitesse, who was the last one all the way, started to improve positions. He did well to come around and snatch the runner-up berth, pegging back The Way I Am and Kayla.

Joy of Life (Chevalier – Fabulous Fortune, Ruia Stud) pulled off a closely fought victory with Polar Zone. The duo, in fact, was batting right from the start. Favorite Victory Dancer for once had Trevor found wanting as she fell back after a quick start. Trevor then dropped positions and in recovery too had to travel wide, thereby losing all chances.

Up in front, Polar Zone was fighting hard to maintain his slender lead with Joy of Life threatening to take way his lead all the way into the straight. The inevitable finally occurred in the final 100 meters as jockey TS Jodha rode out relentlessly to deliver the killer blow close home. Victory Dancer ended third little over a length behind.

For the professionals, trainers Pesi Shroff, Imtiaz Sait and B Prakash logged a double each, while Jockey P Trevor scored a treble.