The Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby partnered by Signature had a long list of starry guests, but the ones to draw the attention most were Saif Ali khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan who were invited by the Rattonsey family to mark the running of the BK Rattonsey Memorial Maiden Multi-Million.

The six-furlong race saw M Narredu trained Shivalik Shine (Rebuttal – Sweeping Story, Hazara Stud) take charge soon on start and then accelerate nicely to extend her dominance all the way. She led them into the straight with Lord Darlington in chase. However, it was over all too quick as Shivalik Shine picked up speed instantly and started working up a good pace. She cut loose in the final 300to draw away from Lord Darlington leaving no chance to any of her rivals. She was impressive while winning in under 1:11 seconds in only her third start while scoring her maiden victory with Yash astride. Ladislaus and Safdar warmed up closer home and ended in a dead-heat for the runner-up slot, sending the favourite to fourth position at the end.

Jockey P Trevor sizzled in the saddle scoring a fine treble on the big day. He started off with a splendid win top Uncle Scrooge (Authorized – Yesteryear, Nanoli Stud) coming from way back to skip away in the final furlong and post an emphatic win.

Diablo looked in good touch entering the straight and he soon left long time leader Oscillation behind. Diablo’s handy lead was soon in danger when Uncle Scrooge responded to the couple of hard cracks from Trevor. He swooped on the runners in front Diablo included and in the final 150 simply cantered away to score a victory with widening margin showing plenty of speed. Uncle Scrooge justified the support and now looks in good touch to dish out more. Jibuti and Diablo ran on to take the place money.

The Champ (Kodiac – Mink Glove, Sohna Stud) was the universal choice and Trevor handled the on-money favorite astute to do just enough to land the spoils. Sitting in the sixth or seventh position at the turn, The Champ started to improve around the bend and was soon in striking position one behind Wind Craft. Trevor collard the leader soon past the 200 and then toyed with the leader scoring his second victory on the trot by just about a length. Captain Abdon covered a lot of ground briskly to take the third spot from Via Amoris.

Trevor finished the day scoring a facile win atop Harvey (Arazan – Only For Gold, Villoo’s Greenfield) in the concluding race of the day. Harvey warmed up nicely to take on front running Korol and Magnum Opus soon on turning for home. Neither resisted the challenge and Harvey sailed smoothly ahead and in no time was elusive to his opponents. Trevor eased up his mount winning convincingly. Stand And Dance and Eternal Royalty came on to the scene well after the issue had been sewn up by Harvey.

Jockey Sandesh chipped in with a double scoring first up with one race maiden Highland Breeze from Rehanullah Khan’s yard. At the start, Wild Horn veered outside and lost all his chances. Imitation Game too was guilty of a tardy start.

Warlock hit the front and held the fort well into the straight. Highland Breeze (Ace – Fervent Wish, Villoo’s Greenfield) settled in second then fell back to fourth before charging in with a good burst.

Into the straight, Warlock was galloping at one pace and was not building on that. Soon Trombone got past him and shaped well to last the straight out. He almost did so until Highland Breeze arrived in the final 100 and collared the second favourite close home. Comic Timing kicked on to take the place money. Favorite Imitation Game never was prominent and this run is best ignored.

Sandesh then carved out a narrow victory partnering Karthik’s Flashing Honour (Arazan – Leave it to Me, Villoo’s Greenfield). Settling in the fifth spot, Flashing Honour and Arsenal the two top fancies made their move at the same juncture soon on turning for home.     

Flashing Honour and Arsenal matched stride for stride once they got past the front runners. Arsenal had barely but her nose in front when Sandesh rode out vigorously. Charged by his rider’s strong urging, Flashing Honour started to respond well and eventually wore down Arsenal to win it by a little to spare. Sanam ended a good third, not too far away.

Papakura (Senure – Autocop, Manjri Stud) pulled off a sensational upset with a terrific last furlong spurt. Mine Forever led them into the straight with Zander on her tail. Just when Zander seemed to head Mine Forever, Papakura, with a furlong to go, started to charge in at high speed. Rule Downunder also made a bold bid, jockey TS Jodha had gotten Papakura to storm to the front and that short blaze was enough to carry them through. Veteran trainer SS Shah should be complimented for tuning the seven-year-old perfectly and Papakura clocked a nippy 1:10:26 for the six furlong sprint.

Sabiq (Kingda Ka – Elementto Angel, Manju Meadows) had been knocking on the door for a few runs now and this time his trade mark come-from-behind style paid rich dividends. Sabiq was not sighted in the front until they turned for home.  

Verbier and Romantic Beauty brought the field homewards with Savage Garden trying to work hard and get to the front. Personify then came charging in to grab the lead, but soon Sabiq arrived with a blazing turn of foot to pip Personify on the post. Olly Boy who was always in the top three, held on gamely to finish in the money.

For th professionals, jockey P Trevor rode out a treble while Sandesh scored a neat double.