Prime fancy Ageless suffered a narrow loss more due to misfortune when she lost a stride or two nearing the turn and then simply not getting a clear passage when she needed to switch to top gear.

Papakura brought the field home with Quick Fire galloping strongly to take charge with less than 400 to go. Ageless was stuck behind the two and then Providence (Alnasr Alwasheek – Dancing Image, Exhilaration Stud) arrived with a big run. Providence shot ahead with Quick Fire fighting hard along the inside. Ageless shifted lanes to make a late but purposeful dash and started to close in. By the time Ageless broke free, Providence had stolen a march. Ageless arrived with a terrific late dash, only to fall short by a whisker.

Saker (Arazan – Glorious Fantasy, Cyza Stud) pulled off a minor upset with a prolific run to beat two strongly fancied rivals with surprising ease. Prime favourite Jigsaw failed to put pieces together, while Phenomenal Memory could not capitalize on a good start, leading them right into the homestretch.

Saker made a quick forward surge past the 400 and once he got past Phenomenal Memory, there was no catching him Saker with Sandesh up romped home by a widening margin and surely looks to relish the Mumbai track a lot better.

Maleficent (Iffraaj – Mufradat, Exhilaration Stud) was made to work hard for victory as long-shot Wind And Stars put up a bold shot in her start to finish mission. Apprentice jockey Akshay Gaikwad had the 30-1 shot led them into the straight and galloped on gamely to steer clear coming into the final furlong. Maleficent took a little longer to quicken but when she did, it looked a tough task to cover the deficit. Jockey PS Chouhan rode his heart out and got the Shroff trained filly going in the final few yards to just about crane her neck out in the nick of time. Alderley Edge ran a good race too and did well to finish in the money.

Heather (Champs Elysees – Mooring, Nanoli Stud) earned her maiden victory with a good performance, making ample amends for her last start Pune loss. Heather was off to a quick start and settled behind in second as Striking Story went into the lead. Sou’wester galloped about four horses wide but stayed with the front bunch.

Heather skipped into the lead and galloped ahead to build a handy lead. Flying Dragon started to inch forward but found Heather too good to tackle. Jockey Suraj Narredu ensured that Heather was well ahead coming into the final furlong and won easing up. Sabiq arrived with a late burst and ended a notable second. Flying Dragon too would come out with some pluses finishing a decent third. Dem Sao took the remaining slot in the frame. Jordana languished at the tail end but improved in the straight to finish one off the frame.

Phoenix Cat (Phoenix Tower – Tigress Noire, Manjri Stud) had been knocking on the door and struck in her first start this season. Jockey Dashrath Singh settled in the mid pack until the turn. Then And Now fell back after leading them home and Phoenix Cat was quick to move into the lead between horses. Sentimental too made a forward surge about the same juncture. The duo fought for a few strides before Phoenix Cat drew away to score comfortably. Sentimental did well to ward off Jacknife for the runner up berth.

Veni Vidi Veci  (Moon Prospect – Fathing, Doaba Stud) put in a spirited home run to score a second career win after a long gap of close to two years. She sprang from the mid-bunch to take charge passing the 400 with a bunch of horses breathing down her neck. Jockey Amyn Merchant rode out confidently and got the Antia ward galloping at a good pace. It was clear at the distance post, that Veni Vidi Vici had it all covered and she duly compiled a fairly comfortable victory. Fast Future finished on strongest to end a notable second. She is the one to watch for in her next outing. Joy of Life worked hard for the place money.

Cut Diamond (Warrshan – Leit Motif, Ruia Stud) won the opening race of the day without encountering any resistance. Jockey Shirkant Kamble got into action soon on turning for home. He zipped past Polar one to surge into the lead and Cut diamond, trained by Vijay Kasbekar, produced a fluent gallop to draw away from Polar Zone. Cut Diamond won with a measure of comfort and may do well again. Queen of Venus warmed up far too late after being prominent, but could only manage to finish ahead of the consistent Polar Zone.

For the professionals, trainer Pesi Shroff and jockey Dashrath Singh scored a double each.