Owned and trained by the same connections as the favourite Admiral Hatsu, Manvendra Singh-schooled Hartnell (Western Aristocrat – Mother’s Pride) pipped his stablemate at the wire, thanks to Christopher Alford’s optimism and perseverance. In contrast, Mohit Singh astride the public choice appeared to lose heart about 100m from home. When the verdict is this narrow, superior riding skills matter. The sceptics may however banish any thought of foul play as both riders did their utmost. The trip was considered a trifle sharp for the winner, but the rain-soaked track probably helped his cause.

Jockey Suraj Narredu notched up a treble while trainer Vijay Singh went one better with a quadruple. They combined successfully on three winners (Jaivant, Cold Frontier and Shivalik Sight) to fetch home the honours. Vijay’s other winner was Inca (Nikhil Naidu up). The Unknown Warrior Cup saw Suraj at his best atop Cold Frontier. Trainer Vijay Singh seems to have worked wonders the last named – sired by Admiralofthefleet out of Cool Jazz. He was looking a picture in the paddock and was first out of the gates. But Suraj cleverly dropped him to the rear of the field. Stablemate of the winner – Smith and Wesson – shot ahead at the distance post and looked to be heading for a comfortable victory before Suraj turned on the heat and coaxed a thunderous gallop out of his mount. One race earlier, Suraj had executed a regulation ride atop Jaivant (Win Legend-Validate) flawlessly. Following pacemaker Sullivan till the top of the straight, Jaivant shot ahead and won as he liked. Kantai and Arakawah filled the minor placings. Suraj completed his treble with the filly Shivalik Sight (Saamidd-Seasahm)who made every post of the Amar Jawan Handicap a winning one. Aggression was outpaced by the three-year-old sprinter. The surprise closing favourite Othello burst his blood vessel, not that it would have otherwise made a difference to the result on this day. The winner was galloping fluently right through the race and may take a tilt at fillies’ trial in early September.

After a veterinary examination, the favourite Poras was withdrawn from the day’s opening event – The Armed Forces Handicap run over 2000m. The race seemed restricted to Constance and Beatrix thereafter but Ajeeta ran a surprisingly good race to finish a good second to Constance (Admiralofthefleet-Constantina). It was good to see C. Alford back among the winners with this opening triumph. The veteran completed his double with Hartnell.

Averbury tried to run away with the Ex-Servicemen’s Plate run over the metric mile but came unstuck when challenged by Inca (Air Support-Systematic). Trevor Patel took no chances with the favourite Shimmering Star (Strong Suit-Shining Glory) as he made every post of the Helping Hand Handicap a winning one without any cause for concern. Jockey Neeraj Rawal continued to maintain a blank sheet after nine race-days, though he was declared on five mounts. All professionals pass through a dry spell and one can only wish him the best for the remainder of the season.