The first weekend of February brings a different air at the Mahalaxmi racecourse and the electrifying vibes of anticipation with the running of the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby (Gr1) partnered by Signature is surely ‘felt’ in the atmosphere. Maybe it is because the non-regulars too may enjoy a ‘dry run’ on the eve of the D Day and get familiar with the surroundings and perhaps mark out the vantage points to root themselves on the following day.   

The card was tricky and the super jackpot and both jackpot pools went unsolved. Favorites tumbled and long-shots came to the fore in most races, however, the ‘hedge bets’ may have saved those punters who are smart to cover their main bets.

The Kunigal Stud Breeders’ Produce Stakes (Gr3), the feature event of the day was a thriller. Lesser fancied Siobhan cut a good pace leading all the way into the straight. He held his ground for most of the way into the homestretch. The melee began approaching the distance post as Emperador, Bold March and Germanicus started their forward surge. Star Councillor was not finding anything and dropped after being prominent for a brief while.

Meanwhile, In My Dream who fell back to the last position after being in the mid-bunch saw a desperate Zervan pulling out from the rails to make his bid from the widest out. Once she got a clear run, In My Dream picked up speed and was moving the fastest of the lot in the final 100 meters only to find the winning post come a stride early. By then Bold March (Arazan – Warsaw Pact, Exhilaration Stud) had stretched his neck to nose the wire ahead of the heap of horses finishing together. In My Dream grabbed the second spot edging out Emperador and Siobhan. Sandesh once again showing his brilliance in the saddle at the finish to snatch a close win for the Karthik ward.

Sandesh had earlier guided Rehanullah Khan’s Daishonin (Kingda Ka – Sonatina, Nanoli Stud) to a thrilling victory, pegging back favorite Magnolia. Magnolia got a dream run coming into the straight and she got past a wayward Annie soon on turning for home. Magnolia appeared to be heading for an expected win as she was well ahead with a furlong to go. Sandesh produced Daishonin from the inner rails and was always inching closer, cutting down the lead with each stride. Magnolia failed to sustain and paid a heavy price as Daishonin scraped through to spoil her party to clinch the race close home.

Shroff trained Persian Prince (Arazan – Elouana, Astonish Stud) put his last race defeat behind him and was most impressive on the day. He stormed ahead in the homestretch to pull away from the rest. Melinda, who was in striking distance early in the straight, watched haplessly as Persian Prince skipped away from her and disappear into the horizon. Jockey PS Chouhan had little to do and he enjoyed the massive victory without much effort. Melinda ended a far away second.

The Bagpiper Soda Trophy was full of fizz and ended in a nail-biting finish. Makino entered the straight with a slender lead but he pushed on to stay in contention almost all the way. Captain, Voulez Vous and Mikayla were jostling along when Sydney Harbour slipped in through the inner rails. Sydney Harbour sped ahead of the fighting bunch and just when it looked she would prevail, Queen Credible (China Visit – Brushed Aside, Usha stud) with jockey SJ Sunil on board to stud her rivals with a final blitzkrieg finish. IN fact, the Rehanullah Khan ward had jumped out a tad slow and had to weave through the big field even after turning for him. Jockey Sunil did exceptionally well to find his own passage and then getting the filly going when it mattered.

Jockey P Trevor had to make his presence felt and did so in the day’s concluding race atop Siddhi (Princely Heir – Career Collection, Dashmesh Stud). Mind of Madness was quick at start but retired once they turned for home. Stardom Calling and Siddhi then matched strides for a bit. All along, debutante Commodore was improving along the rails. He got to the fighting duo inside the final furlong and he managed to get past Stardom Calling, but Trevor egged Siddhi on to stay ahead by ¾ L at the finish. Commodore ended a good second and with this run under his belt it would be worth watching his progress.

S.S.Shah trained Born To Win (Senure – Autocop, Manjri Stud) who had not shown any form in its two starts this season turned out to be a speedy customer in the division I of the Kingfisher BUZZ  - Life is Delicious Cup. Tracking Plan B till turning for home, Born To Win surged ahead and held on to the lead gamely. Noble Lady from the inside and Clouds of Glory from the outside were in hot chase but just couldn’t collar the ultimate winner and ended up second and third respectively.

Rider On The Storm (Glory Of Dancer - Reflectance, Nanoli Stud) pulled it off in the lower division. Racing a handy fourth till the top of the straight Rider On The Storm was pulled on the outside even as Chase The Ace grabbed the lead and went for it. Jockey Shrikant Kamble kept riding out Rider On The Storm and the gelding responded well to streak into the lead within the last 100 metres. Deltin warmed up late to get her neck in front of Chase The Ace at the finish for the runner-up berth.

Mansoor Shah trained 4 years old gelding Ancient Glory (Noverre – Golda Seek, Sohna Stud) scored its maiden win in the Kingfisher Ultra MAX Challenge. With jockey P.S.Chouhan astride the gelding was sent off as the favourite at 16-10 in the packed field of eighteen runners. Jumping out smartly from 11 draw, Ancient Glory rushed towards the fence quickly to get to the front. Leading all the way Ancient Glory started to extend the lead inside the last 400 metres and won by a big margin of eight lengths. Jezebel, She’s An Ace and Pezzonovante filled the judge’s frame in that order in a close finish.

Dallas Todywalla’s Streetjammer (Arabian Gulf – La Premiere, Amanali Stud) pulled off a surprise from the favourite Alisha’s Pet on the last stride in the lower division of the McDowell’s No.1 Soda Trophy. Alishas Pet had streaked to the lead approaching the last furlong and was looking good when Streetjammer was set alight from the rear by J Chinoy. The gelding started to devour ground from behind and pinned down Alishas Pet on the post. Frankest was third many lengths behind.

For the professionals trainer Rehanullah Khan and jockeys P.S.Chouhan and A.Sandesh scored a brace each.