Alaindair (Multidimensional – God’s Grace, Usha Stud) proved too good for his rivals as he stretched away to score yet another fluent win, this time claiming the feature event, The Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia Trophy (Gr2). The Altamash Ahmed trainee ambled leisurely closer to the rear of the bunch most of the way in the seventh position with just two behind him.

The Unicorn set the pace with Booker Jones in chase and B Fifty Two in third, with the rest of the field not too far behind. Jockey YS Srinath, who perhaps knows Alaindair best, made an early move and improved positions to strike as soon as they turned for home. Srinath boldly stuck to the inner rails and shot through a narrow gap just in time to avoid being stuck behind the tiring leader The Unicorn. That proved a master move as Alaindair stepped up pace and under some strong handling darted away to win outclassing a fairly competitive set of horses. Jack Frost did well to cover good ground briskly to take the runner up spot ahead of B Fifty Two and Booker Jones. Colombiana yet again was slowly off and finished one off the frame.

Imtiaz Sait trained debutante Summer Rays (Phoenix Tower – Donttellmewhattodo, Manjri Stud) powered her way to a facile victory making her first run memorable. Settling in second behind Stallone, Summer Rays got going soon on turning for home and within a matter of strides surged past Stallone to win drawing away. Cerrado was sluggish after the start and tailed the field before focusing to the task. Cerrado warmed up nicely in the end and did well to end second, though far away from the winner.

Jockey Neeraj Rawal has struck rich form and yet again rode out sweetly to win two on the day. He started off with a well-planned run astride Katrak’s Prince of Heart (Dancing Forever – Private Collection, Hazara Stud). Sansa led them all the way into the straight with Dance Debonaire and Country’s Empress in tow. Prince of Heart made rapid progress at the turn to be in striking position, and then accelerated well to build up a handy lead. Sansa fought briefly but never looked convincing nor did Vitesse. Windhoek and Oscillation made progress but not fast enough. Prince of Heart looked in complete control and eventually won the race, however, the one who caught the eye was Winter Renaissance, who stumbled at the jump and fell back to run fairly detached from the field, yet managed to finishing on the haunches of the winner. Oscillation did just enough to cover place money.

Neeraj Rawal struck again to kill it with Judicious (Dancing Forever – Choose Wisely, Hazara Stud) again for trainer katrak. This time Neeraj was up with the pace and stuck alongside Jazzmyn and the pair shot ahead early in the straight to gain a four length lead with 400 to go. Jazzmyn wilted under pressure and Neeraj quickened well to leave his companion behind. Judicious had to be ridden hard to keep going and the lead proved handy as the others were gaining rapidly in the final run to the post. Glorious Eyes was the one to finish with a dazzle and Beach Game too put in a spirited run. However, both fell short and Judicious just ablut managed to nose the wire in time.

Korol (Whipper – Kaliyna, Hazara Stud) created a flutter winning in a fashion not common with his style of running. The Faisal Abbas ward usually accustomed to hitting the front on start, found himself at the tail end until into the straight!

Rider On the Storm led them into the straight, but soon Traherne took charge approaching the distance post. Korol worked up a scorching finishing gallop and swooped past the front runners to draw away in the final furlong and post a nippy win, swamping the opposition with surprising ease. Eternal inspiration ran on to beat Rider On The Storm for the third.

She Is Special (Ace – Rain Splasher, Poona Stud) fought what looked a losing battle just a furlong away from home. San Martino led all the way and had what seemed a good enough lead even as they came into the final furlong. Jockey A Sandesh is one not to give up easily, was persistent with the Altaf Hussain trained filly and She Is Special started to respond rather too close from home. She however raised a sizzling gallop at the finish to pip San Martino on the post, with Sandesh providing her the best assistance. San Martino was unlucky to miss out narrowly. Et Voila had an educative run and finished a decent third.

Flamboyant Flame (Arazan – Yutai, Poonawalla Stud) scored a long pending win this time representing the Malesh Narredu stables. Taking off from the gates, Flamboyant Flame with Suraj Narredu in the saddle, led the big field with Gran Paradiso and Speedo close behind. On turning for home, Flamboyant Flame toyed with the two in chase and then once Suraj gave him the go, Flamboyant Flame darted away to score a thumping victory with a good margin. Gran Paradiso ended a faraway second ahead of Speedo and Naumee.  

For the professionals, trainer CD Katrak and jockey Neeraj Rawal combined to score a neat nourishing double.