Another Classic aspirant from ace trainer Pesi Shroff’s yard limbered up for bigger glories with a victory. Manifold (Multidimensional –Dhaawiah, Usha Stud) enjoyed a positive first feel of the season while bagging the Maharaja Sir Pratapsingh Gaekwad Trophy for Class II horses. Manifold though, had to put in some effort unlike Ruffina who won with a lot more dazzle on the opening day. Manifold, ridden by Neeraj Rawal, settled nice and early, keeping close to the inner rails all along until the turn. Neeraj then deftly moved aside at the turn ensuring a clear passage in the tightly packed bunch.

Nelsons Blood guided them into the straight and galloped on forcing Manifold to quicken earlier than she would have liked. Manifold however, picked up speed and soon trounced Nelsons Blood and skipped away to win drawing away. Themis got a lovely opening along the rails and Trevor gave her a couple of cracks to try to offer a challenge, but just could not match her finishing speed to that of Manifold. Neeraj Rawal rode out confidently and accomplished the first task for the filly – getting her back into the winning groove early in the season.

Intrepid (Intense Focus – Requested Pleasure, Highgrove Stud) from trainer Vishal Gaikwad’s yard put in a commendable stretch-run, surfacing from the rear bunch to put in a sustained run in the final furlong to spoil Arc Shine’s party. Arc Shine had shaped to win as she got past Rincon at the distance post. Arc Shine shot ahead and seemed to be going well but when Intrepid got going Arc Shine could not add the finishing touches and caved in tamely. Intrepid covered ground briskly and zipped past them all impressively making it a memorable and successful debut.

Vishal had earlier saddled a winner with Shamwari (Excellent Art – Rosalind, Exhilaration Stud) scurrying home in the hands of apprentice Zeeshan, the young lad doing a pretty good job fighting against tougher boys like Trevor at the finish. Alpine Express led early and until into the straight wherefrom Beneficial took over briefly. Zeeshan started riding out Shamwari approaching the distance post and the filly surge past the two in front easily, and carried on with the tempo to ward off Wise Child and Double Nine who at one stage were getting too close for comfort. Shamwari held on well to score her first win at Mumbai compiling an impressive three-in-a-row following her back to back wins at Pune.

Trainer Dallas Todywalla’s Zanara (Arazan – Aemilia, Villoo’s Greenfield Farm) strode out majestically to notch up a clinical start to finish victory in the hands of P Trevor. Taking off from the gates Zanara dictated her own pace as she settled comfortably leading them right from the start. Once in the straight, Trevor eased her into top gear and Zanara thundered further ahead from her rivals. Pacific Dunes was going all out, but even that didn’t make any impact on Zanara who got stronger at the finish and won handsomely. Grande Vitesse improved positions and did well to get past Pacific Dunes to snatch the
runner-up berth.

Philadelphia (Varenar – Oh So Romantic, Equus Stud) finally got the sweet taste of victory in her 11th start and in a thrilling fashion. She was in striking third position as Furiosa led them into the straight. Furiosa had a handy lead inside the final two furlongs but Rare Silver soon started to bridge the gap steadily. Good Thing, although going all out, was not gaining much. Rare Silver had barely taken charge when Philadelphia came with a menacing run to challenge Rare Silver. The duo battled hard and a pretty long way in the final furlong. Neeraj Rawal got it right at the wire in a very close finish.

Nirad Karanjawala ward Jeena (Chevalier – Saytarra, Pratap Stud) held on stubbornly making them all run all the way to the winning post. Jockey SJ Sunil eased Jeena into the lead and settled to a decent pace. Magical Script was up close with Xoxo moving up on the outside. Jeena led them into the straight and had a slender lead over Xoxo who was looking to strike any moment. Jeena was deceptive in her gallop and her rivals also felt they had a chance. Xoxo however, was frustratingly close behind Jeena but never could get past or join alongside. Jeena kept the tempo going, galloping resolutely until the very end. Dusky Siren arrived with a scorching run but was way too late to get Jeena, but she did well to pip Xoxo for the second slot.

Dragonmoss (Girolamo – Banja Luka, Jai Govind Stud) won his maiden race on his eight start in the hands of jockey Nirmal Jodha. The Adhirajsingh Jodha ward was confidently backed despite failing to run on board even once in his previous seven outings. More apprehension was on the cards as he was at the wrong end of the field at the start. Nirmal however, made steady progress through the early half of the race and was in striking position once they turned for home.

Into the straight, it was Lucky Strike who was in charge with Alfonso struggling to stay in contention. Dragonmoss switched lanes from the inner rails and took charge past the 200m mark. He drifted out in the last 100 meters, yet held on to win comfortably from Star Ace and the fast finishing Goldsmith.

For the professionals, Dallas Todywalla & Vishal Gaikwad saddled a double each, while jockey Neeraj Rawal rode out a fine treble.