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CHA CHA CHA PUTS HIS BEST FOOT FORWARD

By Mahendra Mallya | 21 Feb 2016 | MUMBAI


Trainer Narendra Lagad leading Cha Cha Cha (Dashrath Singh Up), winner of The Dr Govind R Gurbaxani Memorial Trophy

The Dr Govind R Gurbaxani Memorial Trophy was the feature of the day and Narendra Lagad’s charge Cha Cha Cha (Verglas – Chibcha, Nanoli Stud) pulled off a sensational win, putting up a grim battle to down favourite Khayyam in the final few strides.

Khayyam had a good lead coming into the straight with Just By Chance, Cha Cha Cha and Charging Tigress all hard at work a couple of lengths behind the leader. Cha Cha Cha got going with less than a furlong to go and Dashrtath Singh went all out managing to surge past Khayyam meters from the winning post to score a well-fought victory.

Krieger (Arazan – Refresh, Poonawalla Astonish Stud) was neglected in the betting but proved a tough customer when the race came to a boil. He took off at the start and was well in command entering the homestretch. He kicked on once they turned for home and left it to the others to try and take him down. Sandesh rode his heart out particularly in the final few meters as tote fancy Serenita and longshot Eternal Sunshine started breathing down his neck. The trio was involved in a close finish, but Sandesh’s strong handling and Krieger’s valiant effort saw them prevail in a thrilling finish.

Severus (Cockney Rebel – Love Emerald, Nanoli Stud) kept up to his debut promise and dished out an impressive win in only his second run. Severus was going over an extended trip and in his last run had come from way behind to finish runner up. The extended two-furlongs was right u his alley and he raced in the rear bunch for most of the 1800m journey.

Jordana squandered a good lead as he could not sustain after being well ahead in the straight. Verbier was second, but failed to accelerate. Jazzmyn improved slightly to go ahead with 400 to go but didn’t look too convincing. Sans Peur made good progress but it was Severus who caught the eye even before he had come to the fore. He galloped resolutely to sail ahead and compile an impressive maiden victory. Sans Peur too did well to end second and would do better this season.

Hosidar Daji trained Egyptiana (Chinese Whisper – Natouchka, Paramvir Stud) put in a scorching gallop to clinch a close four-way finish in a most thrilling fashion. Himalayan Queen was in the lead with about 400 to go and was challenged by Wild Waves first. With favorite Itscaro not finding much, Egyptiana and Joshua entered the scene. Egyptiana with app SJ Sunil in the saddle came charging in and headed Himalayan Queen in the final furlong. Joshua took time to get into top gear missed his chance. Himalayan Queen fought back bravely, but Egyptiana had enough legs to carry her through to carve out a narrow win, with Himalayan Queen, Joshua and Wild Waves all finishing on together in a heap.

Shivalik Story (Acclamation – Sweeping Story, Hazara Stud) has been in rousing form winning three of her four starts this season and narrowly missing once. This time her victory (her third for the season) was even more laudable as not only did she win in with authority but she also achieved it despite breaking a blood vessel.

Shivalik Story was off to a quick start and settled in third behind Arizona Sun and El Wonder. She looked even better once they entered the straight as she cruised past Arizona Sun and El Wonder with ease. Once into the lead, Sandesh drove the Dallas Todywalla ward without encountering any challenge. She won easing up. Arizona Sun did well to stay in second ahead of Hirohama.

Dancing Prince (Ace – Dancing Greens, Poonawalla Stud) fought off a gritty challenger in Phoenix Knight. The pair were stuck together from the mouth of the homestretch and battled all the way to the winning post. Both looked determined and it could have gone either way as they squared up for the final 100. Yash Narredu rode out astutely to wear down phoenix Knight by a narrow margin. Marcus Aurelius and Aliboxer came charging in to finish on well to take the third and fourth spots respectively.

Himalaya (Sir Percy – She of the Moon, Manjri Stud) earned his maiden victory with a determined effort and jockey Zervan had to put in all his energy to fight off a stubborn effort from Eiger’s Tiger. Favorite Star Comrade did all the early running, but slipped out badly when it mattered. Soon Eiger’s tiger got past him but was joined by Himalaya. His pair fought on stride for stride, with Himalaya enjoying a very slight advantage. Zervan helped convert the effort to a successful one by urging the Imtiaz Sait ward relentlessly to prevail by a neck.

Heart of the City (Phonix tower – Woman on Top, Manjri Stud) with apprentice Joseph in the saddle worked his way up in the straight to get the better of his rivals. Sugar Bay surrendered th lead to Enthralling soon on turning for home. Heart of the City kept improving positions and was up with the front running Enthralling at the distance post. Cannonball Run was ridden hard but was late in responding to his rider’s call. Joleene too was beginning to accelerate but by then Heart of the City was pulling all plugs and galloping away. Cannonball run responded a tad too late but covered ground to finish alongside the winner Heart of the City with Joleene close behind.

Altus (Hymn – Star Alydar, Jai Govind Stud) galloped resolutely in the homestretch to score a comfortable victory in the concluding race of the day. Altus pounced on leader Elektra King soon on turning for home and got a good gallop going all the way through. Speed of Sound tried hard to catch up but his effort went in vain. Commitment ran on to finish third.

For the professionals, jockey A Sandesh scored a treble.