Paso Robles (Arazan – Mawaheb) trained by L D’Silva, showed a clean pair of heels and justified the strong support of the masses to run away with the upper division of the 1 Eme Centre Rolling Trophy. Jockey Suraj Narredu chose to settle in the mid-bunch as his main rival -The Great Gatsby dictated the terms from the start.

The Great Gatsby was off the bridle just before the turn and came into the straight under pressure. Sporting Smile, who was in second, faded out gradually, while City of Wisdom kicked on to stay in contention. Paso Robles moved sweetly between horses to storm past the leader approaching the distance post. Jockey Suraj Narredu had to do precious little as Paso Robles picked up speed and left the rest far behind to score an emphatic victory with five lengths to spare. The Great Gatsby held on to the runner-up berth. City of Wisdom just about managed to save place money as Gusty Look finished on well, coming from the last position to end a close fourth.

D Netto trained Havelock Cruise (Chinese Whisper – Yughanni) won the lower division of the race with a lesser margin but with a measure of comfort. Jockey Akshay Kumar urged Havelock Cruise to the front soon on start and maintained a firm grip on the race right through.

He entered the straight with Ruletheworld close behind. Favourite No Compromise got stuck between horses at a crucial stage and could never break free. That did hamper his chances to an extent, but he never really looked a threat as he was under pressure. Moreover, No Compromise had to cover considerable leeway to Havelock Cruise as it is, hence Havelock Cruise had it sewn up long way from home. Ruletheworld battled hard and ended a decent second. NRI Heights improved well to take the third spot.

Jockey Akshay Kumar had struck in the earlier race too astride trainer Sequeira’s ward Reno Star (Royal Gladiator- Glenviews Purchase) who was the hot favourite to win the Adolfito Plate Division 1. Flamingo Flame led them all the way into the straight and galloped gamely establishing a handy lead coming into the final furlong. Akshay Kumar had a task on hand as Reno Star was taking his time to shift into top gear. Once he did, Reno Star started chasing down the leader at a fast clip and then zipped ahead with less than 100 meters to go. Reno Star won by one length; Flamingo Fame fought well until the end to return a good second, well ahead of City of blossom.

Sequeira trained Soviet Pride (Air Support – Sovetskaya) covered a lot of ground in the homestretch to peg back Giethorn close home to score a dramatic victory. Giethorn led them all the way into the straight and stayed ahead until into the final furlong. At that moment, Soviet Pride was at the rear end of the field and jockey Koushik had to take the filly to the wider out. Giethorn shaped well as those close behind, Spice Up, Top Saga and Monte Rei were making no impact on the leader. Soviet Pride arrived with a scorching burst of speed in the final 100 meters to breeze past Giethorn to score a thrilling win. Giethorn did most things right, but feel to the fine onslaught that was too good to handle. Monte Rei ended a tame third.

Semira (Varenar – Sun Absolute) saddled by Faiyaz Khan created a flutter in the opening race of the day.  The 20/1 shot found renewed energy soon on turning for home and shot ahead from the fifth position at the turn to go streaking ahead blowing away the front bunch. Semira, ridden by jockey Aneel, accelerated fluently and was out of bounds within a matter of a few strides. Favourite Swiss Castle never looked like making a race of it at any stage and Semira dominated all the way past the post, winning by over three lengths. Swiss Castle held on narrowly for the second slot from Royal Dancer.

Soul Empress (Juniper – Silver Girl) showed dazzling speed picking up momentum with about 300meters to go. The Sreekant-trainee was not in the picture when Loch Stella was busy warding off Man Apart and company inside the final furlong and trying desperately to reach the post. Soul Empress, with jockey Kiran Naidu in the saddle, was getting closer with every stride and in the final few meters, flew past them all to snatch victory by half a length. Loch Stella fell short eventually and a good effort was thwarted by the late blitz of Soul Empress. Southern Meteor did very well to finish in the money.

For the professionals, trainer RH Sequeira and jockey Akshay Kumar scored a double each.