Phoenix Tiger ended his Mumbai campaign on a high note, bagging the Lighting Technologies Maharaja Sir Harisinghji Trophy (Gr2) in an emphatic fashion. The classy son of Phoenix Tiger out of Tigress Noire bred at the Manjri Stud, won untroubled, coming through a tightly packed bunch from the inner rails and then accelerating fluently to stretch out nicely in the final furlong.

Apache headed the field with Colombiana, Jefferson, Phoenix Tiger and Alaindair following close behind. The five runners had little separating them as they turned for home with Apache at the helm. Jockey Zervan guided Phoenix Tiger through the narrow gap on the inside of Apache and shot through working up a quality finishing gallop. No sooner Zervan gave him the go, the Dallas Todywalla ward charged ahead and soon left them behind, winning with authority. Apache did well to stay put in second. Colombiana looked beat rather too early and would look forward to a much needed rest. Alaindair looked a shadow of his past and would need time to get back to his glorious days. Jefferson disappointed while competing with high quality opposition.

Zervan had earlier piloted hot favourite Commodore (Danehill Dancer – Antioquia, Manjri Stud) to a facile victory, winning as they say ‘armchair ride to victory’ with plenty in the saddle. Settling in second, Commodore followed Sabiq all the way into the straight, with Cha Cha Cha, His Highness and Glorious Opinion following in that order.

Once they turned for home, Commodore swiftly took charge and then cruised ahead effortlessly to seal the issue the moment he surged ahead. There was no challenge in the offing and Commodore won in a canter. Glorious Opinion did well to beat Sabiq for the runner-up berth.

Cheerleader (Phoenix Tower – Closing Speed, Manjri Stud) opened her campaign late in the season made did make an impact with an impressive debut win. Even at the turn, Cheerleader was not sighted as she was languishing in the eighth spot well behind to the front running pair of Negara and Cigrello. Memory was up third with Eternal Inspiration and Double Nine looking in contention. Cheerleader took a while to warm up and when Neeraj Rawal pulled her out from behind horses, Cheerleader started to devour ground rapidly. Double Nine had just managed to get past the bunch and into the lead when Cheerleader arrived with a bullish run. She simply tore away from them all to log her first win in her first outing and surely promises more for her future campaigns.

Shivalik Heroine (Orpen – Infi, Hazara Stud) picked up her second win for the season with a superlative start-to-finish run. Apprentice jockey Santosh eased her into the lead and galloped at a nippy pace all through. She entered the straight with a slender lead and kicked on gamely right through. Shadow Fax was improving in the straight, but simply could not quicken well enough to go for the kill. Few Dollars More arrived with a late run and although he covered ground briskly, he had too much to do with too little ground. However, he finished on fast to end just a short-head behind Shadow Fax.

Sparkling Eyes (Multidimensional – Almarina, Usha Stud) with Sandesh atop battled a bit before getting the better of close rival Flamboyant Flame. The latter was up and ahead soon on start and Sparkling Eyes joined alongside to stick along all the way into the straight.

Sparkling Eyes started to inch ahead with less than 400 to go, while Flamboyant Flame was fighting hard to ensure the challenger would not slip away. The pair fought it out stride for stride, Sparkling Eyes enjoying a slight upper hand. However, in the final 100, Sparkling Eyes finished on strongly to spare a length to Flamboyant Flame and pick up her second win. Rainbow Dash ran on to end third and surely has had a good educative run.

Bay Of Love (Noverre – Livardi, Sohna Stud) justified the wide support he received and apprentice DS Daman held his nerve and rode out giving it his all. Gold Streak was off to a quick start and led the field comfortably with Bay of Love about 3 lengths behind. The rest were not too far away and galloping in a huddle.

Gold Streak with Sandesh on board stole a march soon on entering the straight and it takes a lot from any to topple Sandesh once he is truly ahead. Daman started to egg Bay of Love on and the Hormuz Antia trained gelding started to inch closer. Gold Streak still had a handy lead past the distance post, but Daman and Bay of Love nailed it in the last couple of strides to get past Gold Streak and carve out a narrow win. Rocking improved commendably in the straight, emerging from the last position to end in the money.

A terrible mishap occurred when The Big Revival and Royal Concert collided and dislodged jockeys I Pasha and Shrikant Kamble. It is learnt that Jockey I Pasha suffered serious injury to his spine and is in critical condition. He will be undergoing a major surgery late this evening. Jockey Malesh Narredu who was at the hospital by his side, said, “Pasha is in a bad shape having injured his spine as also his lungs. He is to undergo surgery at around 8 pm this evening. It is extremely disturbing and such incidents leave a mark on the mind. We are still mourning DK Ashish’s loss and to have another serious fall in front of our eyes is extremely tragic. Pasha is such a lively and good natured individual, seeing him struggle is intolerable. I spoke to Pasha and he is fighting bravely. He is paralyzed, but he is talking. I just hope and pray he recovers soon & completely.” Srikant Kamble is believed to have suffered a fracture of his collar bone and will be out of action for a few weeks.

Arakawah (Rebuttal – Lambency, Hazara Stud) pulled off a win when it mattered to his connections as he was backed down at race time. Jockey Arshad Alam is quickly earning a reputation of being a reliable jockey as he once again rode with aplomb to steer the well-backed gelding to a comfortable victory. Arakawah sailed into the lead soon on start and kept a good momentum going. He entered the straight with a handy lead and Arshad Alam capitalized on the early advantage and kept Arakawah going at a good clip all the way. Tote favourite Merabella chased the winner all the way but at no point did she look threatening. Arakawah simply trounced the opposition to post an impressive maiden win by close to five lengths. Merabella ended a tame second with Indus Prince earning the place money.

For the professionals, jockey S Zervan was the lone pro to score a double.