Chef D’Oeuvre (Iffraaj – Aliwiya, Equss Stud) pulled off a clean start-to-finish triumph and accounted for the hot favourite Myrtlewoon with surprising ease. She got off to a quick start and forged ahead to lead them from the early stages.

Myrtlewood jumped off even but she looked a pale shadow of her glorious past, never really looking strong enough to make a race of it. Chef D’Oeuvre, ridden by Neeraj Rawal, led them into the straight setting her own pace all the way and then increased the tempo at the business end. She looked the winner as soon as she charged ahead and sped away leaving the others struggling to catch up. Cameron labored to beat Melinda for the runner up berth, while Myrtlewood let down a large following without as much as putting up in a semblance of a challenge. Myrtlewood’s downward curve is a cause for concern particularly after her dazzling performances in Mumbai and the onus will now be on her trainer Pesi Shroff to figure out her stunning loss of form and to get her back to show her true mettle again.   

Arlene (Multidimensional – Allaire, Usha Stud) ran true to expectations and walloped her opponents winning with ease and a widening margin. After chasing Arak for the first couple of furlongs, Arlene surged past Arak to dictate the pace and galloped on leisurely all the way into the homestretch and then picked up speed without any cue from her jockey Trevor. She galloped on her own once in the straight and extended the margin of victory without being extended. She won easing up and looks a candidate for the bigger races ahead in Mumbai. Samba Warrior did well to beat Jordana for the runner-up slot.

Serenita (Whatsthescript – Serenity, Nakul Stud) made ample amends to notch up her first victory in Pune and taking her tally to three wins and as many seconds in six career starts. She jumped out smartly and Trevor guided her to join Mind of Madness and this pair was just ahead of Abbey, Rock In Rio and Zahrazan.

Serenita picked up speed soon on turning for home and galloped away from Mind of Madness. She looked good enough to win pulling away but Abbey covered some ground in the final furlong, not letting Trevor to ease up at any stage. Serenita galloped on to stay ahead and bag the Kejriwal Trophy beating Abbey by just over a length. Rock In Rio held on for the place money, while Jimbo improved well to finish in the frame.

Charming (Stern Opinion – Woodchick, Pratap Stud) lived up to his impressive debut run and scored his maiden victory with a good start-to-finish effort. Taking off well from the gates, Charming with Neeraj Rawal in the saddle, set up a fast pace and led them into the straight with a handy lead. Once into the straight, Charming shot ahead and sailed clear of Jolfa who was always chasing the winner. Snowy Peaks did look like gaining ground, but she just managed to finish close behind Jolfa to finish third.

Double Nine (Stern Opinion – Chiquelle, Pratap Stud) also notched up his maiden success with a strong finishing effort and he had to haul all his resources to get past Flight of Phoenix who had the first run into the straight. Flight of Phoenix did give the winner something to be concerned about as he rallied well until past the final furlong marker after which it was all Double Nine.

Scarlet of Hope (Alnasr Alwasheek – Arabian Lady, Yeravada Stud) pulled a back-to-back double with another fine showing to win the Janardhan Trophy over a scurry. Speed is her forte and the six-year-old mare galloped into the lead after a quick start and led them into the straight with Mt Tianmen, Wind Craft and Spear of Trium, in chase. Once into the straight, Scarlet of Hope showed no signs of letting up and galloped on determinedly even as the others started to close in. She held on grimly to win her second race in succession. Spear of Trium ended second, while B8ullion Express arrived with a big late run to end a notable third.

Mathaiyus flattered to deceive as after shaping up well in the straight, he found no answer when Adhirajsingh trained Godsent (Multidimensional- Congrats, Usha Stud) arrived on the scene.

Mathaiyus galloped smoothly around the front runners to grab the lead soon on turning for home. Godsent was also improving positions and he brushed up fluently to be in a prominent position at the mouth of the homestretch. Mathaiyus went up ahead and had a lead of a couple of lengths when Godsent warmed up to inch closer. The pair fought out a few strides and then Godsent surged ahead to score by about a length. Rapid Girl sprung from the rear to end a good third.

Super Icon (Noverre – Arhaajj, Sohna Stud) won the opening race of the the day, The Glasnost Plate Div I with a well thought out strategy. Ridden by apprentice SA Amit, Super Icon stayed in touch with the front running Tennessee, Top Wizard and Wildhorn right from the start and spurted through the rails to earn a hard fought victory. The Upper division of the race was claimed by hard-ridden Royal Passion (Kitten’s Joy – Resound, Jai Govind Stud) in a  similar fashion switching out from the rails to collar Samurai who had sprinted ahead soon on turning for home.  Royal Passion worked his way around horses to tackle Samurai in the final furlong and finish on better to win the battle.   

For the professionals, trainers Pesi Shroff, Adhirajsingh Jodha and noshir Cama saddled a double each, while jockeys P Trevor, Neeraj Rawal and apprentice SA Amit scored a double each as well.