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FINAL ENCOUNTER WINS AIR FORCE CUP

By Mahendra Mallya | 14 Jan 2016 | MUMBAI


Final Encounter (P Trevor Up), winner of The Indian Air Force Cup

Final Encounter (Ace – Amazing queen, Exhilaration Stud) lived up to expectations and justified the short odds to win the Air Force Cup warding off a hunting pack.

Sitting in the fourth spot behind leaders Sugar Ball and Cannonball Run, Trevor guided Final Encounter past Magnum Opus at the turn. Cannonball Run fought off Sugar Bay and just when he had the lead, Final Encounter galloped resolutely to take charge. He had still a furlong to sustain when Phoenix Fire started breathing down his neck. Jockey Trevor put all his skills to test as he urged Final encounter on to stay put. Eternal Royalty came with a long stretch run to put in a scare, however, Trevor had it covered and held on to win with a length to spare.

Debutante Carbonara (china Visit – Al Dente, Usha Stud) scored a sensation victory coming from way behind to time his finish to a nicety. At the start, Finest Moment missed the jump and lost a distance. Good Thing was quickest out and kept a steady pace to lead them into the straight. He took off once into the homestretch and looked good approaching the final furlong.

Sam Martino fight his way all through but inside the final furlong had to concede to the strong assault from Star Councillor who put in a strong run. Carbonara was closer to the rear at the turn but once he moved out from the rails, he accelerated tremendously and covered a lot of ground to pip star councilor on the post. San Martino too ended a good third pegging back Good Thing.

Congressional (Razeen – Kerataka, Usha Stud) left nothing to chance and scored an impressive victory winning untroubled. Zervan settled his mount in second behind Spirit of Mercy until they turned for home and then sped away effortlessly to score a big win. Remember Me came from behind to beat the other two to take the runner-up spot. Congressional looked much better and fitter and can be expected to score again.

Solange (Teofilo – shadow Roll, Nanoli stud) had it easy with a start to finish victory. Jockey PS Chouhan hit the front soon on start and maintained a healthy lead all through.

Once into the straight, Solange kept galloping at a good clip and none from the rear could catch up. Multiglory tried hard but found the winner too good. Solange’s effortless victory should see her pull off an encore as this one was far too effortless and showed her in very good nick.

Bold Appeal (Arazan – Bold Bird, Poona Stud) won the opening race of the day with ease. Going over the mile and half trip for the first time, Bold Appeal was comfortable with the easy pace set by Savage Beauty and chased the leader until the turn, with main threat Square Moon a good three lengths behind.

Once they turned for home Bold Appeal with Sandesh in the saddle, surged ahead and galloped on gamely to stretch away from his two rivals. He looked solid in his finish and gave no hope to either of his opponents to romp home to score a comfortable victory, his second career win.

Sawgrass (Diktat – Moi, Hazara Stud) reproduced her last winning effort and scored another come-from-behind victory to make it look sensational this time too. Korol looked on course to justify the strong support he enjoyed as he built up a handy lead once he had led them into the straight. Streetjammner was not getting anywhere and that made Korol look the winner at that stage. However, Sawgrass warmed up approaching the distance post and when he arrived, Korol looked beaten with another 50 to go. Sawgrass won it alright, but rookie Severus impressed a touch more. He was way down the field at the turn and on the inside rails. Jockey Sandesh had to switch lanes and he finally got to make the cler run in the last 200 or so. Severus devoured ground quickly and did extremely well to end up on the haunches of the winner. He took time initially but when he found his rhythm he looked completely focused. His first half was all at sea but at the business end, Severus was completely different. With the benefit of this outing, I would be surprised if Severus didn’t open his account soon.

Deltin (Chevalier – Delta’s Glory, Sans Craintes) improved on his last start second to win his maiden race with a thrilling finishing gallop. Bright halo and Loveable Locks were striding together disputing the lead. The latter took charge with a furlong to go, but just as he was shaping up well, Starry image dashed on to the scene. Starry Image surged ahead, but was shocked by the last stride assault mounted by Yash Narredu ridden Deltin. Deltin put in a strong finishing run to collar the fighting duo and score in a three way thriller.

For the professionals, trainer Bezan Chenoy and jockey S Zervan scored a double each.