The compact Thursday card saw fancied horses rule and the jackpot hunters had their bankers coming through. Both Jefferson, the shortest priced runner on the day, and Sydney Harbour, the only other on-money favourite, obliged in a convincing manner.

Jefferson (Ravel – Crystal Slipper, Chhatari Stud) was ridden off the pace by jockey Dashrath Singh, lying last of five until into the straight. Ostwind led them in the early stages with Illidan close behind, Kandinsky raced along the rails having Wentworth for company and Jefferson galloped at the tail end of the field.

Ostwind kicked on once they straightened for home. Kandinsky tried hard but could not get past Ostwind. Dashrath poked his way between horses and soon started to close in on the front runners. The SK Sunderji ward, skipped away on cruise mode in the final furlong to score a facile win with a lot left in the tank. Illidan bled and finished way behind Kandinsky and Wentworth.

Sydney Harbour (Phoenix Tower – Star Qualities, Manjri Stud) also dished out a fluent win and if you have to discount her slight stumble closer home. Jockey Zervan got straight down to business guiding the Dallas Todywalla filly to the front and galloping at a good pace. Captain, who looked much sharper in the paddock this time, was up with the leader as they turned for home.

Sydney Harbour galloped gracefully and easily kept Captain at bay. Debutante Fury tied to slip through the rails, but could not quicken well enough to do so. Approaching the winning post, Sydney Harbour was well on her way to victory, when she probably brushed the inner railing and wobbled a stride. However, she looked in no danger and won easing up.

Jockey A Sandesh was at his best astride Vice Admiral (Lord Admiral – Go Out Backwards, Sans Craintes Stud) and kudos too trainer Rehanullah Khan too for preparing the dark bay colt to his current fitness after two ordinary outings and a short lay-off.

Simona led them well into the straight and faded away. Kaleidoscope soon took charge and was accelerating well. Streetjammer tried to catch up but was not making much impact on Zervan ridden Kaleidoscope. Sandesh was hard at work a couple of lengths away in third and his persistent efforts were getting Vice Admiral going. Even in the last 100 meters it appeared that Kaleidoscope had the race in his pocket, but Sandesh got Vice Admiral to finish with a flourish with a perfectly timed run to snatch victory from what looked a certain defeat. Zervan was left ruing a missed chance, only had he been as aggressive as Sandesh! This certainly was a peach of a ride coming from Sandesh.

Stardom Calling (Noverre – Pescara, Sohna Stud) justified the heavy support she received and toyed around with Evidence, Sandesh yet again riding with confidence he is known for.

Scarlet of Hope did all the early running and once they got down to serious business, Stardom Calling surged to the front. Evidence, the joint favourite soon appeared to pose a challenge. Both runners had equal number of supporters and expected another heart-pounding, thrilling finish. Sandesh waited for Evidence to get to his tail and then with a crack or two had Stardom Calling speed away from Evidence. The CD Katrak filly stretched out wonderfully to leave Evidence panting. June ended a decent third and would improve after this run. As for Evidence, he too ran a good race, but Stardom Calling was a cut above. She’s An Ace (Ace – Amber Windsor, Poona Stud) from trainer Faisal Abbas’s yard found the top gear when it mattered and fought off her opponents to score her maiden victory on her sixth start. Jezebel looked good as she galloped ahead in the straight and was up for a fight when She’s An Ace came up to challenge. Sanam moved out from the rails and appeared to be in serious contention with about a furlong and half to go. Tote favourite Mythical Sunrise was in fourth but not really finding much.

She’s An Ace with S Sunil atop quickened well to finish fastest and sealed the issue a few strides from the winning post. Sanam’s good effort was not good enough, but she managed to beat Jezebel from the runner-up spot.

Narendra Lagad’s Queen Thea (Top Class – Barcelona, Mukteshwar Stud) helped pull off a big gamble in the day’s first race. Backed down to the threes from fives ante post, Queen Thea swopped upon the front runners, improving well in the straight from fifth. Golden Glory and Generous Lady had brought the field home and soon Sensex took charge. Queen Thea switched out from the rails by jockey Dashrath arrived with a resolute gallop to easily knock each of her rivals before finally accounting for Sensex and marching on ahead to win handsomely. Sensex seems to be coming to terms and this run will spur him on.

Abigail (Multidimensional – Violetta, Usha Stud) put in an inspired and stubborn gallop to win in a photo finish from the consistent Undisputed. Abigail swung into action soon on start and worked her way into the lead with a bunch of horses in chase close behind.

Once they turned for home, Abigail had a good momentum going. Magnum Opus was close behind but couldn’t generate the speed required. Soon Undisputed came on the scene and inched closer to Abigail with each stride. They fought hard in the last 100m with Undisputed looming large. Pearl Secret too started to move closer to the two, but in the end, Abigail, trained by Shroff and ridden by Chouhan prevailed in a very close finish.

For the professionals, jockeys A Sandesh and Dashrath Singh scored a double each.