Arlene’s run of success was halted by stable-mate Commodore (Danehill Dancer – Antioquia, Manjri Stud) the latter, making amends for his loss earlier this season. It seemed a day in office as Arlene shot into the lead soon on start in her usual start to finish tactics she is so familiar with. Jack Frost was up with the pace settling close behind Arlene and Commodore followed a good five lengths away with Remember Me behind him.

Arlene was off the bridle soon on entering the straight, something not so common, going by her performances in her previous three winning runs where she pulled away effortlessly. Commodore improved steadily around the final bend and was ready to unleash his known turn of foot as they straightened up for home. Arlene fought hard and stayed ahead until the distance post, while Commodore had come past Jack Frost to pose his challenge. Commodore produced a sustained finishing gallop and surged past Arlene with ease and bounded away to score an emphatic victory. Arlene had to fight off Jack Frost to finish runner up. Jack Frost was a revelation, conceding chunks of weight to younger rivals and then finishing on strongly ending a nose behind Arlene.

The Race of Hope run in aid of the Indian Cancer Society proved to be a thriller with Trevor having to dig deep to ensure Ancient Glory (Noverre – Golda Seek, Sohna Stud) held on from the fast finishing Franz Ferdinand. Ancient Glory improved from third at the turn to take charge soon on turning for home. Beach game moved up along the rails to tail the new leader. Front running Motherland and Bidstone Hill failed to quicken and fell out. Franz Ferdinand sprung his challenge in the final furlong and looked in the striking more but Trevor rode his heart out to carve out a narrow win. Franz Ferdinand ended a close second ahead of Beach Game who too ran a good race.

Ancient Glory’s success was a memorable one for trainer Shazaan Shah who had earlier led in his first career win with Dancing Lord (Phoenix Tower – Ovation, Star Born Stud) in the hands of jockey Sandesh. Dancing Lord won much the same way that Ancient Glory did later in the day doubling the joy of having secured his first winner for Shazaan.  Dancing Lord worked his way up to tackle leader Speed of Sound midway up the straight, but he had to be on guard as others were snapping at his tail. The one to pose a serious threat was Sawgrass, who had made steady progress from the rear to launch his attack in the final furlong. Sandesh pushed Dancing Lord vigorously even as Sawgrass was gaining on him with every stride. The duo battled hard for the final 100 meters but Dancing Lord held on stubbornly to win by a neck.

Spiridon (Arazan – Timely One, Poona Stud) had promised a lot in his last outing when he found one better in Classicus, and this time he left nothing to chance and gained his maiden win in his fourth attempt. The field of 11 was reduced to 8 runners as Dishoom and Allegria were withdrawn on vet grounds, while the heavily backed Sweet Temptation was withdrawn at the gates.

Pacific Dunes made the early running with Wild Jack in second, the rest followed the front runners with Spiridon closer to the rear. Into the straight, Wild Jack easily surged past the tiring pacific Dunes and galloped on to lead them by a couple of lengths. Spiridon picked up momentum and soon arrived with a scorching gallop. Spiridon, with CS Jodha in the saddle, worked up terrific pace at the finish to dash past Wild Jack and score a comfortable win. Wild Jack finished on second yet again and will look to go one better the next time out, preferably over a shorter sprint. Signor had a good educative run and ended third and this augurs well for his progress ahead in the season.

Fashionable Gait (Diffident – Perfect Attraction, Yeravada Stud), trained by veteran SS Shah,  put in a fierce final burst to clinch the issue close home and secure her maiden victory in style. Settling fifth as Knight At Arms led them into the straight, it was Bohemian who accelerated nicely to take the lead, with Padmakosa and Country’s Empress right behind, Fashionable gates, with CS Jodha in the saddle, picked up speed past the final furlong and finished on with showing quick acceleration to get past Bohemian in the last few strides and win comfortably. Bohemian looked in control until beaten. Padmakosa edged out Country’s Empress for place money. Favourite Pure Sin ended tamely, one off the frame, without raising any hope.

 Top Wizard (Chevalier – Alhuda, Ruia Stud) essayed safer tactics this time after encountering  traffic problems last time out and went for it from the word go.  He entered the straight with a handy lead and jockey R Ajinkya rode out the long straight with vigour. Resilient produced a lively challenge and arrived with a big finishing effort, but The Wizard held his own and warded off the challenger snatching a close verdict. Pre race favourite Cristo Boss was withdrawn.

Angel of Love (Oath – Renaissance, Pratap Stud) wore down the more fancied Hunting Pleasure managing to pip the leader on the post. Hunting Pleasure took charge in the straight and surged well ahead even shaping like a winner in the final furlong. Angel of Love, with SS Baria atop started to inch closer in the last 100 meters and pushed for it in the last few strides to time her run to perfection, snatching victory on the last stride.

For the professionals, trainer Shazaan did well leading in a double, while jockeys A Sandesh and CS Jodha scored a double each.