The excitement and the anticipation for the Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby (Gr1) building up was evident on the eve of the mega race and the Mahalaxmi racecourse wore a festive look with an array of entertaining performances, music and dance, exotic food and beverage counters et al. Famed Bollywood singer Lucky Ali capped the evening with his brand of soulful rendering of popular songs - a perfect evening to usher in the biggest race day of the land.

The Kunigal Stud Breeders’ Produce Stakes (Gr3), the feature of the eight-race-card had rich stakes to offer and a field of ten faced the starter. Bangalore based Tutankhamun (Phoenix Tower – Dancerllon, Manjri Stud) justified the faith of the majority and kept his reputation intact following up his debut win at his home center with another  comfortable victory on his first outing here in Mumbai.  Jockey Suraj Narredu sailed in smoothly from the outside draw to settle in second behind Rotterdam until past the 800 and then cruised into the lead to stay in command all the way home. He got stronger once into the straight and stayed clear of the rest despite drifting outward in the final furlong. The dazzle of the giant  LED screen across the stands may have been the reason for Tutankhamun to veer out, but he was always well in control of the race winning by a good margin. Tutankhamun looked good to add to his two victories from two starts and is one to be persisted with. Timeless ran on to beat Rotterdam for the runner-up berth.

It was a day to remember for at least one professional, jockey Neeraj Rawal. The soft spoken lad reaped a rich haul of four winners through the day and is enjoying his biggest career high of late. Neeraj started the day on a positive note partnering Lincoln (Excelebration – Evelyn May, Highgrove Stud) to a big win in the day’s opener, the Sohna Stud Million. Lincoln was off in a flash and surged into the lead for the scurry and built on his lead to dominate all through. Neeraj rode out the Shroff trained bay colt confidently and was soon out of reach to his rivals, bouncing away to notch up the ‘Million’ race by over four lengths. Ascension worked his way up to take the second spot ahead of Princess P and Stallone.

Neeraj got another home in the very next race, the Usha Stud Million, arriving with a late burst astride Star of Harmony to collar favourite Nelsons Blood in the final 100 meters. Nelsons Blood settled to lead the field all the way into the straight with Star of Harmony a couple of lengths behind.

Nelsons Blood kicked on coming into the straight and was in command even with a furlong to go. Neeraj Rawal pushed and plodded Star of Harmony (Multidimensional – Veena’s Pet, Mehra Stud) and got the Malesh Narredu ward to accelerate just at the right time to knock off Nelsons Blood inside the final 100 and cruise away to log in her maiden victory with a measure of comfort. Nelsons Blood was a trifle unlucky to go down after looking good for most of the journey. He surely lives to fight another day.

Denny Crane (Arazan – Blue Horizon, Poonawalla Stud) stretched his winning run scoring his third straight win this season thrilling his large number of supporters with another emphatic victory. Denny Crane settled behind Nascar with the rest huddled close behind. Nascar surrendered his lead as Denny Crane worked up a fiery challenge and once he got past the leader, Denny Crane quickened smoothly to stay well ahead. The Champ was ridden hard but Denny Crane proved too good to his rivals and rattled off yet another win, remaining unbeaten in his three starts so far this season. The Champ had to be content with the second spot; Rule Downunder finished on fastest and did well to grab the third from Champagne.

Neeraj Rawal finished off on a high with an exceptional ride atop Pesi Shroff’s Zinfandelle (Burden of Proof – Bobcat Greely, Alpha Stud) emerging victories in a blanket finish, rising from a difficult position to time his run to perfection.

Rock In Rio looked good once he got past leader Baryshnikov early in the straight and was kicking on hurtling towards the winning post. A battery of horses was in chase and with a 100 to go the scamper was getting thicker and closer. Fringe Benefit, Grey Flannel, Cyclone, Zinfandelle and Poets Song were all in a cluster, in full flight to nose the wire. Neeraj shot through between a crowd of horses to get Zinfandelle to poke through and carve out a sensational victory on the last stride. Grey Flannel, Cyclone and Fringe Benefit all finished alongside in a heap to make it the most thrilling finish of the day.

Multiglory (Multidimensional – Reflected Glory, Greentree Farm) persevered in his chase and was rewarded handsomely as he wore down Star Comrade to justify the support he received in the ring. Star Comrade was off on a start-to-finish mission and he shaped well to last it out as they turned for home. Multiglory was inching closer but with Star Comrade not showing signs of slowing down, it appeared he would hang on, until Multiglory picked up speed in the last few strides. Multiglory, ridden by Dashrath Singh picked up speed just in time to peg back Star Comrade a stride or two from the winning post to post a well-fought victory.

Tough Enough (Ontario – Thorns of Life, Bhaktawar Stud) pulled off a good gamble and improved upon his last outing to bring up his maiden success in his eight outing. Generous Lady brought the field home and had a handy lead too, but she faded away quickly. Tough Enough warmed up well and shot into the lead with a furlong and half to go and once ahead, he marched on ahead leaving no chance whatsoever to his rivals. He won drawing away and could pull off an encore. Samurai galloped on to take the runner up spot and King of Killen managed to just about take the place money.

Imperial Heritage (Ace – Priceless Memories) put in a spirited run to upset all calculations and post a stunning victory close home. Signor, the prime fancy, looked on his way as Petronius found it hard to close in on the leader. Signor was in command until into the final furlong but failed to sustain as Gloriana arrived with a fiery dash to get past and just when Gloriana was being hailed, Imperial Heritage with Dashrath Singh in the saddle flashed on with a blinding finish to snatch the verdict with a scorching finish. The Waheed trainee was impressive in his finish and can repeat.

For the professionals, trainer Pesi Shroff saddled a treble, while Jockey Neeraj Rawal was the star of the day riding home four winners. Jockey Dashrath Singh chipped in a double.