The pre-race notion of an engaging finish for the Godrej Properties Turf Championship (Gr3) lived up to expectations. It was forecast that the fight was confined to the two top contenders Costa Del Sol and Colombiana and what unfolded was a fierce battle indeed. Two top jockeys, Suraj Narredu and P Trevor at their best astride old foes, fight all the way to the wire and the verdict is a short-head! No matter which of the two camps one supported, the exhibition on the turf was admirable and exciting for all. This is what makes racing one of the most thrilling sports.

The first casualty was Remember Me who yet again missed the kick and lost a lot of ground at the start. Shivalik Showers set a friendly pace initially for the 1800m race with Colombiana in second, Costa Del Sol came next with Remember Me a couple of lengths away.

Colombiana (Noverre – Wonder Smile, Sohna Stud) took charge early in the straight and swung into a two length lead with 400 to go. Costa Del Sol moved up to second and set about chasing down the new leader, while the other two just couldn’t keep up.

The battle erupted approaching the distance post as Costa Del Sol made good ground at a nippy clip to join Colombiana and even momentarily head the colt. Jockey Suraj Narredu had to dig deep for Colombiana to counter the challenge and the Malesh Narredu trainee responded with a brave, refreshed gallop. He stuck by Costa Del Sol not letting him slip away and produced that extra effort to wrest back the slight initiative to gain on Costa Del Sol with just meters to go. Trevor too rode his heart out and eventually, they hit the wire together! Colombiana prevailed by a short-head.

The battle was not over there. Trevor felt that Colombiana had moved outward and even bumped him more than once and duly lodged an objection. Though there was a slight drift and the ‘touch’ that Trevor was protesting against, the stewards rightly felt that Costa Del Sol was never hindered in any manner and it would not have had any impact on Costa del Sol’s chances of winning. The objection was overruled terming it an accidental occurrence.   

It was trainer SS Shah’s day out and the good-natured veteran had a field day sending out three winners including a back-to-back double bagging the first two races.  

Hidden Soul (Phoenix Tower – Sail By Rools, Manjri Stud) was the top fancy for the six furlong race and she thrilled her supporters with a game gallop that floored her rivals. Settling in third behind the two Mehta horses Locarno and Fringe Benefit, Hidden Soul was spotted soon on turning for home. She joined the pair in front at 300 and then unleashed a flowing gallop to sail away from the rest. Fringe Benefit did well enough not to allow any other contender get past him. Bulldozer tried hard but could only save the place money.

In the very next race, Shah struck again with Flying Dragon (Tariq – Divine Elegance, Yervada Stud) who earned his first winning bracket on his 11^th start. Flying Dragon had gone close a couple of times but a win was elusive for a frustratingly long time and this one never came too soon.

Jeena hit the front with She’s An Ace and Baker Street in close attendance, Flying Dragon settled in fourth with favourite Vice Admiral even further behind. Flying Dragon made quick progress at the turn and was in striking position as they straightened for home.

Jeena caved in easily when She’s An Ace challenged her for the lead. Flying Dragon was breathing fire and closing in on the new leader rapidly. Vice Admiral had to cover considerable ground and Sandesh for once was found wanting. Flying Dragon with the talented T S Jodha astride was galloping and gamely assisted in the saddle. He had to counter a dual challenge coming from either side with She’s An Ace looking as determined as any and Vice Admiral inching closer with each stride. TS Jodha held his nerve and Flying Dragon didn’t let up either and they edged out She’s An Ace and Vice Admiral in a close, three-way finish.

Shah capped the day with another narrow win with Turf Dancer (Diffident – Encouragement, Yervada Stud), this one a last stride clincher. Lucky Strike looked in command almost all the way as he strode ahead right from the start and had a firm grip on the race, all through, until of course the final stride.

Entering the straight with a handy lead, Lucky Strike was kicking on gamely and held sway approaching the Grand stands. Zabisco looked the one capable of producing a challenging run. Favorite Merabella was there, but was taking time to quicken. Turf Dancer, ridden by apprentice boy Santosh, waited patiently along the rails. When he got the passage between horses, he came charging in, yet it looked he could be a tad too late as Lucky Strike still had the upper hand. However, Turf Dancer threw a last ditch effort and managed to pip Lucky Strike on the post. Zabisco, Merabella and Star One finished in a heap. One needs to keep an eye on Star One.

Severus (Cockney Rebel – Love Emerald, Nanoli Stud) continued his admirable winning streak with yet another superlative performance. Sitting last of the seven runners, Severus timed his run to perfection with Sandesh guiding him astutely to bring about a well compiled hat-trick of victories. This one was as good as any of those.

Starry Brooke led them into the straight and then could not sustain. Dancing Lord showed some good paces but he too could do only that much. Severus arrived under the stick, but was covering ground steadily and looked forceful in the final furlong. He simply zipped past them all to draw away in the final 100. Samba Warrior showed a bit of zip and ended a good second.

The Karl Umrigar Trophy had only eight runners yet the field looked a competitive one. The odds too were liberal and Fury at just under 2/1 commanded maximum support. Kings Canyon looked a touch gross in the paddock yet was also well supported in the ring.

Kings Canyon galloped fluently to the front and entered the straight enjoying a handy lead. Celestial Light warmed up nicely with Joy Chinoy in the saddle and started to draw closer to the leader approaching the distance post. Fury went wide under pressure and that cost her dearly. In the end, Celestial Light shot away to score an emphatic victory with Fury and Kings Canyon taking the minor placing.

Serenita (Whatsthescript – Serenity, Nakul Stud) won as easily as was expected to clinch the Bahrain Trophy in style. She jumped out well from the outside draw and cruised into the lead with Lady Danehill and Shivalik Shine following close behind.

Into the straight, Serenita worked up a fluent gallop and sailed further ahead. A couple of cracks and she was away and out of reach of Lady Danehill and Shivalik Shine. Serenita looks a good speedy type and is worth persisting with in future as well.

Rider on the Storm (Glory of Dancer – Reflectance, Nanoli Stud) justified the heavy support he received and won in even better style than he did last time out. Sitting in the front bunch until into the homestretch, Rider On The Storm flew in towards the finish to polish off his opponents at the business end of the straight to romp home authoritatively, leaving the field cold. He won drawing away and his third win was perhaps his best to date. Born To Win who led them into the straight, held on but Cezanne arrived late to finish alongside in a rare dead-heat for the second.

For the professionals, trainer SS Shah was the shining star with a fine treble jockey P Trevor scored a double.