Vishal Gaekwad trained Masterofbalantrae (Multidimensional – Botswana, Usha Stud) won his second career start after making a winning debut just three weeks back.  The manner of his debut win had shown that he would like more galloping ground as he had warmed up well from the rear to finish with a flourish. The extra furlong this time was just what the doctor ordered and Masterofbalantrae moved up from fourth to spin off a much easier win.

Grande Vitesse had come into the straight with a handy lead and even seemed to be going well inside the 400. Bay of Love was in second and Cicitalia in third but neither was able to show any dash. Masterofbalantrae, with Neeraj Rawal in the saddle, started to accelerate and soon picked up speed to surge past the front runners. Once in the lead, Masterofbalantrae looked on his way and unstoppable. Star Comrade did try to pose a fight, but simply could not match up in the last few strides as Masterofbalantrae grew stronger at the finishing, implying he could even better over the mile as well.

Debutante Rotterdam (Phoenix Tower – Anmol, Manjri Stud) made it a memorable one as he romped home building on a quick start to win almost unchallenged. The Dalllas Todywalla ward shot into the lead soon on jumping out of the gates and galloped smartly working up a fine rhythm. Sereno, the second in demand after Rotterdam, was in chase close alongside until the turn, with Gazino also looking sharp in third.

Sereno however, needed the run as he failed to quicken and fell back. Gazino showed some zip as he drew closer to Rotterdam with 300 to go. Pretty Peach too was seen improving positions and at that moment it appeared that the trio was heading for a showdown. Rotterdam, ridden by Suraj Narredu, found the extra gear and soon stretched out nicely to steer clear of the two in chase and bounded further away in the final furlong to notch up a stylish win, though the timing was not exceptionally quick. Pretty Peach did well to nudge Gazino to third by a length and the rest of the pack was way to far behind.

Jockey Joy Chinoy partnered favourite Exodus (Arazan – Strawberry Fields, Poonawalla Stud) to a clinical start to finish victory. Exodus took off quickly and settled into a comfortable pace with Shadowfax close behind. Traherne and Papakura followed the pair in front. Shadowfax tailed Exodus until the turn but could find little to make a race of it thereafter. Exodus surged ahead and galloped strongly in the straight and stretched his lead approaching the distance post. Traherne improved somewhat but by then Exodus had sewn up the race bounding ahead to notch up another fashionable victory.

Golden Eclipse (Aqlaam – Dream Dancer, Nanoli Stud) put in a fiery finish to snatch victory in the last couple of strides, coming from way behind to seize a dramatic win cross the stands. Triple Threat was right up there in front with Great Artist and accelerated well soon on turning for home. At this stage Golden Eclipse was nowhere in sight, languishing in the eight spot with a bunch of horses in front.

Triple Threat did looking threatening as he shot into the lead and was galloping away towards the winning post. Petronius and Kookaburra who were right behind failed to match up to Triple Threat, nor could Honey Dew who too could not find much to make a race of it. Golden Eclipse arrived from between horses and flew in the last 150 meters to zip past Triple Threat and finish with a powerful gallop to win with commendable ease in the end. Triple Threat was a gallant runner-up and will bide his time.  Kookaburra did well to rake in place money and would do well later this season.  Golden Eclipse was simply too good and proved a cut above the rest.

Texas Gold (Chinese Whisper – Oceanic Wisdom) tore through a bunch of horses in the final furlong to better on his debut run couple of weeks back to bring about his maiden win with a sizzling finish. Majestical brought the field homewards with Big Sur improving on the outside, Excellent Heart and Texas Gold came up next with Cerrado being switched out from the rails past the 400. They were abreast approaching the distance post when Texas Gold broke away from the bunch to fly towards the winning post. Cerrado, the joint favourite along with Texas Gold was just starting to warm up, but by then Texas Gold, ridden by J Chinoy and trained by Hosidar Daji, had put the issue beyond anyone’s reach. Texas Gold duly compiled a comfortable victory and Cerrado fell short by over two lengths. Big Sur finished on well to take the third spot.

Beneficial (Varenar – Concept, Ruia Stud) showed that he had benefitted from his last start to go one better and achieve his maiden success this time. After seven unsuccessful attempts in the maidens’ set, Beneficial finally secured his first win in a handicap race and looked good for more as he romped home, taking charge early in the straight. Beneficial, trained by Sunderji and ridden by S Zervan, progress to one behind leader Shinning Noon soon on straightening up and kicked on gamely producing a sustained gallop all through the straight. Romantic Warrior and New England were close behind with a furlong to go, but neither could question Beneficial’s command on the race. Beneficial won well and left them to fight for the runner up berth which New England snatched by a short-head.   

The Other Song (Ace – Singtia, Poona Stud) scored a sensational win coming from the dead literally to shock Care Free on the last stride. Care Free shaped like a winner as he started to devour ground rapidly past the 300 to wear down Sir Desmond and Knight’s Quest with ease. Sir Song produced a good gallop to improve positions and set about to chase the new leader. Just when it looked like Care Free may just about last it out, The Other Song came with a strong finish and jockey Bhawami Singh had timed his run to perfection to get the Zadmal trainee to cross the line on the last stride. Care Free was floored at the last moment and was unlucky to go down after nearly pulling it off. Sir Song ended a good third.

Mt Tianmen (Sedgefield – Totally Stormin, Shri Ram Stud) was another one who came from well behind to notch up a fighting win in the final few strides. Baryshnikov had just taken charge and had a bunch of horses snapping at his tail. Rock In Rio, Alpine Express, Zadora were fighting it out when Mt Tianmen ridden by apprentice Prabat Singh arrived with a power=packed finish. He darted to the front and shot head in the final 100 to peg back Baryshnikov by a length. Locarno managed to pip Rock in Rio for place money.

Jockey Joy Chinoy was the lone pro to score a double.