B Fifty Two (Phoenix Tower – Bailey’s On Line, Manjri Stud) built well on his consistency to etch out a narrow victory to claim the Hyderabad Race Club Trophy, the opening race of the evening races at Mumbai. Jockey Trevor held B Fifty Two in second as Square Moon led them all the way into the straight. B Fifty Two made quick headway in the straight and had Gloriosus tagging along for a while. Vulcan made his move from the outside while Frivolous, who was at the rear end of the field all through, moved up along the inner rails to make a fight of it. While Gloriosus bowed out midway in the straight, B Fifty was ridden out hard to stay ahead. Frivolous covered good ground along the rails but all he could do was stretch the winner.  Eventually, the Imtiaz trained B Fifty Two held on by a narrow margin as Frivolous, Vulcan and Square Moon finished on close behind the winner. 

Juno’s Guest (Arazan – Queen’s Guest, Poonawalla Stud) had it easy as he ambled away in the final furlong to score a comfortable victory and clinch the Rustomji Byramji Trophy. The Vinesh trained filly raced in close third as Jaipar Honey and Run Forest Run raced up in front. 

Run Forest Run too charge early in the straight and soon Juno’s Guest pounced on the new leader. Run Forest Run surrendered meekly as Juno’s Guest cruised ahead approaching the distance post and sailed away to make it a no-contest. Juno’s Guest looked the winner long way from home as none of her rivals could match her speed. Transform made some headway in the straight to snatch the runner up berth from Run Forest Run, the later faring well below par this time out and was lucky to save place money as Quail Hollow just failed to pip him on the post. With this impressive win, the connections of Juno’s Guest may be tempted to run him again before the end of the season and if judiciously placed, Juno’s Guest can win again. 

Deepesh Narredu trained Kingsman (Phoenix Tower – Marquisa, Nanoli Stud) scored yet another victory but this time he had to stretch all the way. Apprentice jockey AS Peter had Kingsman in the third spot as Star Comrade guided them into the straight with Relentless Pursuit in second. Kingsman shifted out smartly at the turn and soon collared the duo in front. He picked up speed and dashed ahead to establish a good lead and that came in handy towards the finish. Kingsman didn’t let his guard down coming inside the final 100 meters; Questionable was covering ground briskly and was inching closer to Kingsman with every stride. Kingsman just managed to smother the challenge and notched up his fourth victory for the season. 

For young trainer Deepesh Narredu, it was a commendable achievement. For one who is on his first ‘Mumbai Mission,’ getting his ward Kingsman to win four races is a feat that is laudable considering the tough competition around. Questionable was a gallant second as he didn’t miss by much. Arch Shine took a while to get going and her finishing charge was far too late, finishing just over a length away for the third spot. 

Mirabilis (Multidimensional – You Are My Miracle, Usha Stud) opened her account in a thriller. The prime favourite was made to earn her maiden victory by Dream who was equally charge up at the finish. Their battle began soon on entering the straight as Mirabilis and Dream got past the front runners and fought it out stride for stride. Dream got past Mirabilis but only just as Mirabilis, with jockey Neeraj Rawal in the saddle, kept the Pesi Shroff trained filly going. The pair fought fiercely all the way to the wire and the bob of the head clinched the issue for Mirabilis in an absolutely close finish. Hidden Gold weaved his way between horses and finished on well to edge out Cipher for the third place. 

Trainer C Rajendra’s ward Bhaktawar (Multidimensional – Almandine, Usha Stud) scored his third win of his career all of which he recorded this season. He made steady progress after his first run this season and has done well in all his subsequent five outings, placing twice and winning three. This one too was a good effort and he rallied well from the third spot to slip through the inner railings and launch his attack in the final 100 meters. Until then Hodson’s Horse was at the helm right from the start and it looked like he would pull it off at one stage. Even inside the final furlong, Hodson’s Horse seemed to be going well as Strong Storm and the others making little impact. Bhaktawar, with Neeraj Rawal atop, was forceful in the final 100 and managed to collar Hodson’s Horse closer home and notch up another win by just under a length. Gold Medalist kicked on well to finish third. 

HJ Antia trained Deccan King (Chevalier – izwah, Ruia Stud) scored an encore with a determined run in the straight to win the concluding race of the day in the hands of jockey PS Chouhan. Deccan King made his move soon on entering the straight and had no difficulty in zipping past Whoopsidaisy with about 300 to go. Once in the lead, Deccan King galloped on gamely to steer clear of the rest. Shivalik Skies covered ground briskly, yet could not catch up with Deccan King. The Antia ward kicked on to score by over a length from Shivalik Skies. Tianjin Honey improved well in the homestretch ending a good third. 

Jockey Neeraj Rawal was the lone pro to score a double.