“Bravo Suraj Narredu,” could easily have been the chant form the stands as the ace jockey pulled off a sensational last stride victory atop Ashwa Bravo to snatch the Alcock Arabian Million (Gr3) from the clasp of Good Connection. The feature event was a fitting finale on the last day of the season.

Good Connection was lightning fast at the gates and grabbed the lead in a flash. She was comfortably ahead taking the turn and had Horus and Bisate a couple of lengths behind, with Ashwa Bravo going for the ‘inside’ run.

Good Connection stretched her lead and was about four lengths the better of her rivals past the 400 m marker. Ashwa Bravo started to make headway soon after and began to chase down the leader. It was no mean task ahead as even at the distance post, Good Connection looked hard to down what with a handy lead of over two lengths still in her clasp. However, Suraj Narredu egged the Srinivas Reddy ward on and the colt responded with a burst of brilliance and nailed Good Connection on the post displaying dazzling speed to cover the leeway and etch out a ‘head’ verdict on the post. Ashwa Bravo was the on-money favourite thus delighting his huge number of followers who had all but given up hope just a couple of seconds earlier. Bisate ended third some distance away.

Reno Star (Royal Gladiator – Glenviews Purchase) had been consistent for a while now and converted this one to land the spoils in the upper division of the Nawab Mir Mushtaq Ali Khan Memorial Cup.  

Reno Star raced up in front settling a close second behind Nova Scotia. Reno Star went a bit too wide while taking the turn however, jockey David Allan took control and got going with Reno Star. Artistryy moved alongside too, but David had Reno Star in top gear and soon they went hurtling towards the winning post. Reno Star won by close to three lengths without encountering any challenge. Artistryy kicked on to take the runner-up berth. Miss Marvellous got better in the straight and beat the long-time leader Nova Scotia for the third spot.   

Srinivas Reddy’s Mahashakti (Speaking of Which – Allaire) won the lower division of the race also graduating to win in the higher class after notching up victory in her last start as well. Jockey Ashhad Asbar made an early move as he surged ahead of Red Snaper and Alliston soon on turning for home. Once in the lead, Mahashakti progressed well and things seemed easy until Ayur Shakti warmed up to the task and started to bridge the gap at a good clip. Mahashakti however, galloped on relentlessly all the way and thwarted the game challenge posed by Ayur Shakti to carve out a narrow victory. Lockhart too arrived with a late but fast dash to finish in the money.

Southern Princess (Excellent Art – Southern Bay) from trainer Laxman Singh’s yard fought well in the hands of David Egan to earn her first winning bracket in a thrilling finish. Look of Love led them into the straight and quickened well to dart further ahead, leaving the rest to chase her down. She was clear in front coming into the final furlong too, but the task was to stay on for another furlong. That proved a bit too tough as Fashion Universe was threatening to wear her down. Southern Princess too was warming up and jockey David Egan soon started to build the filly up for a final flourish. Southern Princess produced a terrific finishing gallop to floor the fighting duo in front and zipped ahead just in time to pull off a neck verdict at the wire. Fashion Universe also beat Look of Love but only just, in an exciting three-way finish.

Royal Romance (Tazahum – Elenor) progressed step by step, building up from a third place on debut, second in her next and finally striking it rich on her third attempt. The prime fancy justified the faith of the punters to win by more than three lengths. She was right behind leader Blink of an Eye until into the straight with the rest not looking good enough to pose any threat. Blink of an Eye stuck by the D Netto ward for the next few strides, however, jockey Kiran Naidu opened throttle approaching the distance post and Royal Romance was away in a trice. She raised a fluent gallop in the final furlong to stretch away nicely and score an emphatic victory. Blink of an Eye did well to finish second. Vijays Simha improved in the last part to finish a head behind the runner-up.

Spice Up (Saamidd Mille – Grazie) posted an easy victory in the lower division of the KR Arvind Reddy Memorial Cup. Spice was in fourth when Secretary turned for home leading the pack in. Jockey Nakhat Singh didn’t wait too long and hurried off with Spice Up who responded well to take charge past the 400 m mark. Buzz Light Year took the turn wide but was close enough to keep Spice Up on her toes. Spice Up never let her guard down and kicked on gamely all the way to pick up her second career victory with a measure of comfort. Buzz Light Year ended chasing the winner, while Heaven Can Wait and Tough Lady finished on to occupy the minor slots.

Sreekant trained Gladstone (Chinese Whisper – Feet of Flames) made ample amends over his last failure to produce a winning galloping this time round. It was hard work right through alright as there was a big bunch of horses spread across the turf midway down the straight. Gladstone was in third and he quickened in the final furlong to hold the slight advantage. Gladstone had to keep going without a let up and he did so to earn his victory the hard way, jockey Irvan Singh playing his part well in ensuring there were no last stride shocks. Top Saga made a desperate dash but could only get to the haunches of the winner. Aibak, who was in front when Gladstone surged past, did well to finish in the money, while Human Touch improved position to take the last slot in the frame.  

Arjun Anne saddled A Hundred Echoes (Dean’s Kitten – Isabellas Treasure) scored her maiden win on eighth start and had to fight off favourite London Bridge to do so. London Bridge shaped well when he took charge in the homestretch as he got past front running Golden Faraska with ease. He had a handy lead inside the final furlong, however, A Hundred Echoes was beginning to look good. Sure enough, the filly came charging in and London Bridge despite going full on, fell to the late dasher a stride from the winning post. A Hundred Echoes had produced her best effort to date to achieve her memorable moment. London Bridge was a tad unlucky to go down so narrowly.  Valee Tiger managed to peg back Golden Faraska for the third spot.  

Best Friend (Charmo – Love Me Tender) from trainer Sateesh’s yard, created a flutter in the last race of the day and the season, pulling off a stunning victory. He had Starboy for company all the way into the straight and these two were well ahead of the rest. Best Friend kicked on purposefully and left Starboy to do the chasing. Starboy took a tad too long to warm up and he did pick up momentum late in the straight, but with Best Friend not relenting all Starboy could do was narrow down the margin. Best Friend won in the hands of app Jitendra Singh by 3/4L while Curcumin finished on fastest to finish a close third.

For the professionals, trainer Srinivas Reddy saddled a fine treble.