Trainer LVR Deshmukh’s ward Prince Valiant (Varenar – Alma Meter) had to come through a rough passage and then survive an objection to bag the Chief Justice Trophy. All this happened in a jiffy inside the final furlong, but once in the clear, Prince Valiant stepped on the pedal to stretch away for an easy win.

Her Legacy led them into the straight with Flamboyant Lady and Galloping Gangster ready to pounce on the leader. Prince Valiant was along the inside right behind Her Legacy and with the other two on the outside had to switch lanes desperately as Her Legacy was slowing down. Jockey Ajeeth Kumar saw a slight opening between Flamboyant Lady and Galloping Gangster and impulsively went for it. In doing so he brushed past Galloping Gangster and there was a jostle. However, once he came through, Prince Valiant accelerated strongly and left the fighting pair well behind to win by two and half lengths. Jockey Robbie Downey did well to steady Galloping Gangster and rallied to go after the winner. However, Prince Valiant had sped away and Galloping Gangster got past Flamboyant Lady to secure the runner-up berth.

Robblie Downey expectedly lodged an objection against Ajeeth Kumar which after due deliberations was overruled by the stewards. There was good reason for Downey to object, however the manner and margin of victory tilted the scales in favour of the winner.

Phenomenal Cruise (Declaration of War – Firebird) saddled by D Netto, etched out a narrow one length victory to clinch the Ghulam Ahmed Memorial Cup in an exciting finish. Highly Acclaimed tried the runaway tactics but it petered out way too early. His lead was cut down to almost nothing as they turned for home. Phenomenal Cruise, ridden by Vikrant, powered his way to the front and picked up good speed in the homestretch. One One One started to inch closer, but had to put in mighty effort to close the gap. Favourite Isabella looked in distress and was not even a patch on what one is used to see her in any of her earlier runs. She simply could not raise a gallop and surely was not up to her best.

Phenomenal Cruise enjoyed his reign in front and kept the pressure going on One One One all the way to hold on by a length. One One One went down fighting; Be Sure finished third ahead of Air Strike.

News O’ Star (Surfrider – Outtostealthescene) dished out a power-packed performance to win in an emphatic manner. The Ravindra Singh trained mare was quick to dart into the lead with Starlight and PLatts Tour in chase; Pontius Pilate came in next with the rest not too far behind.

News O’ Star continued her reign in front and stole a march approaching the final furlong. Platts Tour was not up to it and gave up a lot sooner. Pontius Pilate too couldn’t measure up as he progressed, but at a much slower rate than what was needed with News O’ Star going great guns. News O’ Star, partnered by young apprentice Gaurav Singh, romped home in style to shut the opposition out with a healthy margin. Pontius Pilate ended a tame second ahead of the fast-finishing Tootsie Roll, the latter rallying nicely to rise from the rear.

Jockey Akshay Kumar scored his only win for the day astride L D’Silva trained Asteria (Green Coast – Alero) to bag the Sri Shamlal Gupta Memorial Cup.  It was not smooth sailing though as Akshay had to work a lot of sweat to fight his way to victory.

Arc of History was well in front as they turned for home and she quickened further past the 400 to build a cushion. Royal Dynamite was struggling to keep up when Asteria started to claw her way up. Proud Warrior too was flexing his muscles on the outside. Yet Arc of History was shaping well and looked a task to peg her back with a furlong to go. However, Arc of History started to tire and Asteria as well as Proud Warrior were all over her in the next few strides. Akshay Kumar was forceful and when he gets going he gets it right more often than not. He pushed Asteria strongly to edge out Proud Warrior to snatch victory in a fiercely fought battle. Proud Warrior fought well too but found one better. Arc of History managed stay ahead of Top Contender.

Lancashire (Arazan – Meohmy) played the waiting game and reserved his best for the last. He was a couple of lengths behind the bunch at the tail end of the field all the way into the straight. Blue Empress made quick progress along the turn to get past early leaders Alexanderthegreat and Glendale. Once he the lead, she stretched further ahead to compile what looked like a winning lead. None closest behind her looked threatening and Blue Empress seemed to be going on course to victory. However, Lancashire started to respond well with jockey Irvan Singh starting to ride him out, urging him forcefully to bridge the gap. With less than 100 to go, Blue Empress looked in danger as Lancashire picked up great momentum. It was an edge-of-the-seat thrill when Lancashire caught up with Blue Empress and just managed stretch his nose in front on the last stride. Unstoppable improved positions but ended a faraway third.

Shehzad Abbas’ Portstewart (Burden of Proof – Dan’s Delight) carved out a hard fought victory to secure a memorable debut win in the hands of jockey Imran Khan. Favourite Aintree did most things right as she hit the front showing good early speed and led them into the straight. Aintree kicked away nicely making one believe she would pull it off with a bit to spare as she worked up good pace and was a couple of length ahead. Portstewart and Coastal Cruise were ridden all out and were taking time in picking up momentum, which was another reason why Aintree was being hailed even inside the final furlong. However, jockey Imran Khan literally persuaded Portstewart to find that bit extra and the two-year-old first timer produced what was asked in the nick of time to lunge forward and get Aintree on the post by a neck. Coastal Cruise too had a wonderful outing, finishing on fast to end up a close third, despite drifting out slightly in the last part.

Hurricane (Green Coast – Destiny) final notched up his maiden win on his 20th attempt. He was stalking leader Ursula all the way into the straight and then started to cover ground briskly. Ursula fought hard to keep her lead but ultimately gave in as there was no stopping Hurricane.  The Robin Reddy trained colt finished on fastest of the lot to collar Ursula inside the final furlong and then draw away to score by three lengths. Ursula ended second, well ahead to Blazing Speed.

Beyond Limits (Tazahum – Magical Night) saddled by Laxman Singh scored an impressive debut win making light of the more experienced competition. What makes his victory even more commendable is that Beyond Limits was way behind in the rear pack and some distance away from the action. Jockey Robbie Downey was patient with the debutante and once they turned for home stuck by the rails and made progress gradually. He also had to manoeuver his way between horses and then unleash his mount for the final finish. Red Snaper by then had a handy lead, but when Beyond Limits opened throttle, it was all over. Beyond Limits couldn’t have got better assistance from the saddle and Downey’s patience in handling the rookie was praiseworthy. Beyond Limits will surely benefit from this victorious debut and certainly promises to delight his supporters again when he is out next.