Monarchos (Phoenix Tower – Sugar Mint, Manjri Stud) put in a strong finishing run to down popular fancy California, overwhelming the favourite in the final furlong. California showed good early speed as she kicked off well from the gates and was away well in front. Monarchos settled in second until into the straight, with the rest not too far behind, except for Southern Frontier.

California looked on course as she had a handy lead with less than two furlongs to go, however, jockey CS Jodha astride Monarchos started to get the gelding accelerate and cover ground briskly. It did take too long for Monarchos to close in on California and once he drew level, it was curtains for California. Though the filly and her rider were going all out, the overbearing presence of Monarchos was obvious. Monarchos rushed past California to score an emphatic victory and bag the MD Mehta trophy with a good measure of comfort. California didn’t do too badly and will have her day sooner than later. Isle of Skye and La Teste filled the frame.

Fleur De Lys (Arazan – Priceless Moments, Poonawalla Stud) scored a clinical start to finish victory and looked very assured all the way and pocket the Mayor’s Cup in style. Hot favourite Notoriety, who was a slight upward swing in the odds at race time, struggled through to keep up with the winner. The Imtiaz Sait ward galloped freely right from the start and at a decent pace as well. Notoriety chased the leader until into the straight and then had to tussle with Gdansk for the minor slot causing no trouble to Fleur De Lys at any stage. Fleur De Lys shaped well early in the straight and galloped strongly all the way past the post. Notoriety ended a tame second just about managing to beat Gdansk narrowly for the runner-up berth.  

Nicollini (Australia – Jacqueline, Nanoli Stud) made her mark with a facile victory and opened her account in her second start. She went about her business in a matter of fact manner and she settled in fourth early on, as Thunderclap, It’s a Deal and Athulya were racing just ahead of her. Leigh Roach nursed the daughter of the famous Jacqueline patiently but the moment he saw a small opening along the rails, he guided the Pesi Shroff trained filly through to slip into the lead. Once she saw the daylight, Nicollini picked up speed and stretched fluently to build up a good lead. Athulya tried hard to stay in contention, but found the winner too good. Nicollini won easing up and this win should do her a lot of good. It’s a promising victory and Nicollini is bound to improve further. Arrecife rallied well to pip Athulya for the runner-up berth.  

Grand Architect (Dean’s Kitten – Sacred Law, Sohna Stud) galloped to his maiden win on his eighth start and this despite an outward drift in the final 150 meters. He took charge slipping in through the rails with American Odessey and Regal Shot putting up a tough fight. Grand Architect, however, accelerated well and has a handy lead in the final furlong. Neither American Odessey nor Regal Shot were fast enough to get at Grand Architect who won fairly comfortably. The only possible threat would have come from Shapath, but he was badly positioned for a sprint early on. Jockey PS Chouhan had left too much to do in the straight, but Shapath did cover ground briskly to end just over a length behind the winner. A little more competence in the early stages and Shapath could possibly have had a keener finish.  

Barack (Multidimensional – Fond Fantasy, Usha Stud) won well justifying the strong support he received in the betting ring. Taking over from Bunting soon on entering the homestretch, Barack with jockey Leigh Roche in the saddle, galloped on gamely to stay clearly ahead in the final furlong. Dazzling Star did look a threat for a brief while, but he failed to sustain. Ebony ran well to rally late, but by then Barack was home and dry. Ebony had to be content with the second spot, finishing just Ahead of Dazzling Star and Auspicious.  

Rank outsider Classicus (Arazan – Classic Sky, Exhilaration Stud) created a flutter as the seven year old from trainer Zadmal Singh’s yard showed a fiery turn of foot in the final furlong and half to stun his opponents and pick up a smart victory.

Laburnum shaped well early on as he galloped swiftly to lead the field and had a handy cushion turning for home. However, he lasted only another 100 meters or so as the others were catching up quickly. Power of Thor was gaining on the leader when Classicus arrived with a terrific burst of speed that he hasn’t shown for a long while now. He came in charging at the fighting duo and zipped past to pile up and two-and-half lengths lead in quick time and seal the issue without any dispute. His final flourish was just too dazzling for the others to match. Power of Thor has been showing good consistency and did well to take the runner-up spot edging out Laburnum and the fast finishing Odessa.

Maestro (Phoenix Tower – Xtreme, Manjri Stud) escaped to victory, holding off a late but determined bid from Officer In Command. Maestro looked good entering the homestretch  as he quickened well and those close behind him were struggling to keep pace. Officer In Command warmed up late and started to devour ground at a quick rate. Had Maestro not amassed that cushion in the kitty, it may have gone against him. But the winning post came a touch too early for the Officer and Maestro clung on by a nose to clinch the verdict. Cray Cray who was chasing Maestro most of the way did well to finish with the money. 

For the professionals, trainer Pesi Shroff saddled a double while jockeys CS Jodha and Leigh Roche scored a double each.