The grueling 2800 meters trip for the Byculla Club Trophy attracted only four runners but ensured a keen finish all right. The trend in the betting ring was interesting as well. Star Luminary, the initial favorite had the odds drifting alarmingly and Magic Touch attracting popular bets suddenly cornered the maximum support. Money also came on Gaea (Tograllu) in fact a lot of it just before the horses got to the gates. As the starter flagged off the four runners, none seemed eager to hit the front and a reluctant Silver tern found himself leading them past the grand stands and takes the first turn. Past the 2000 meters, Gaea took over from Silver tern (Chouhan), Star Luminary came next about three adrift and Magic Touch was a couple of lengths behind. The same order prevailed until they turned homewards. Gaea started to veer out in the straight causing Silver Tern to move out with her and Magic Tern who had just began to put in her best chose to come from the outside. The Razeen – Magic Fountain mare was traveling so well at this stage that jockey boldly ame around the duo in front when he could have easily opted for an inside run. Soon Magic Touch sped ahead and looked good doing so. However, in the last couple of strides Silver Tern suddenly woke up to catch up when all was over and ended almost alongside the winner. Star Luminary clearly looked out of sorts and finished a distance behind last. Calling The Shots (Rajendra) opened the day’s proceedings with a convincing victory thus putting behind the last start heart-breaking loss. Hitting the front early Calling The Shots (Placerville – Destiny Calling) true to his name raced in front and in the straight stamped his authority by widening the gap and winning convincingly. Catalyst (Fargeat) who was chasing the leader all through the straight, ended so while Thundering Tan (SN Chavan) fought hard for the third. Calling The Shots looks good for an encore. Black Hussar (Chouhan) and True Elegance (Fargeat) were the joint favorites available at 3 -1 each. Solid Black cornered some late bets others were at longer odds. As they jumped out, Sepia Tone set the tone followed by Solid Black, Johnny Brave, Northern Warrior, True Elegance was close with them. Black Hussar lost a little ground at start and had to be kept niggling to keep up. In the straight, Sepia Tone shook off Solid Black (Bandaal) but that was when True Elegence warmed up and when he did, it was all over. True Elegence (Brave Act – Antonietta) was assertive in his final effort and won with ease. San Jose (Rupesh) covered good ground to finish runner-up while Sepia Tone (Belose) held on grimly to hold on to place money. Solid Black was pushed back only to complete the frame. Secret Admirer (Warrshan – Molten Gold) showed what wonders a benefit of a run can work. Coming out well from an outside draw, Secret Admirer (O’Donnoghue) got nicely into the front bunch traveling on the outside. Secret Affair brought them homewards, but surrendered the lead at 300 meters to Secret Admirer; Babeinthewoods (Narredu) & Rohans Glory were right there but could do nothing to stop the Karthik ward from storming ahead. Secret Admirer got past them all including the favorite Rohans Glory (Grant). Once in the lead, Secret Admirer went into top gear and had them all in futile chase. Rohans Glory found the winner too good, but should be given another chance. Babeinthewoods too will improve with this run. With the early withdrawal of Star Gesture, the betting honors were shared between Almarina (Grant) and Spirituall (Narredu). Almarina (China Visit – Afilado), with an impressive victory behind her held a slight edge over rivals and this unfolded with unexpected ease in the race. Coming out well from the widest draw (16), Almarina sprinted alongside the leaders – Clean Sweep & Surmount to be in striking position at the turn. Spirituall was not far behind the front-runners. As they straightened for home, Clean Sweep on the rails could not accelerate any better and was soon passed by Almarina. At the distance post, Almarina had a handy 2 L lead, for a moment it looked like Spirituall would get closer for a fight, but Almarina carried on and left no chance for any last minute flutter. Grant had her striding exceedingly well and Almarina like during her last start showed a clean pair of heels to score a telling encore. Game Of Power (Merchant) warmed up late to wrest the second spot from Spirituall and should be noted over an extended trip. Spirituall needed the run and should come into his own before long Almarina dazzled. Fourteen three year olds faced the starter for the Div – I of the April Blossom plate. Pocket Rocket (Major Impact – Speed Of Light) was the hot favorite. Mypethoney was the early leader and was joined by Aegina very close behind were Chimerique (Rajendra) Warcraft (Chavan), Pocket Rocket (Grant) was right with them and so was Raghuvansh (Fargeat). Both the leaders packed up on entering the straight, and Chimerique looked in command. A furlong from home, Pocket Rocket came alongside and the duo contest the rest of the turf inch for inch. Pocket Rocket got the nod right at the winning post and the camera separated the duo. Not only was this pair impressive, but I thought even Raghuvansh was a gallant third. He was catching up fast suggesting that he needed a little more ground to converge upon the winner. Warcraft also ran a good race and will be more prominent before long. The Indian Air Force Trophy saw Rockefeller (Razeen – Roccobarocco) garnering the maximum support. Settling 6th all through Rockerfeller (Rajendra) improved in the straight and produced a fine spell of speed to win drawing away. Almandine who led when the Rockefeller hurricane hit her, held on to the third spot as Regal Reform beat all but the winner in the stretch. The winner was too good and Regal Reform will have to wait before striking a winning note. Rockefeller, on this show will take a lot of beating the next time out. He simply made light of the heavy 61 kg impost and looked good for more. The combination of Owners, the Thakurs, trainer Faisal & Jockey Fargeat landed a lucrative double with Gypsy Queen following up the victory of True Elegance in the second race. Polar Glow and Phi weer in front as Gypsy Queen preferred the rails run and in close attendance was Rage Of Angels (Bandaal). Phi petered out of contention while Polar Glow carried on. Nearing 300 m, Fargeat pulled Gypsy Queen to the outside and asked the filly who responded very well to bound forward. Rage Of Angels tried her best but just couldn’t match up to the finishing of Gypsy Queen (Greensmith – Innara). Polar Glow ended a good third while House Prefect covered ground to figure in the frame. Jockeys C. Rajendra and Daniel Grant were the professionals to score a double on the day.