The Byram N Jeejeebhoy Trophy culminated in an exciting three-way finish and that came as no surprise. Three of the six runners finished almost abreast with Mystic Bay clawing his way back after seemingly being collared by both Gazino and St Andrews just seconds earlier. 

Mystic Bay (Leitir Mor – Memory Bay, Poonawalla Stud), on a start-to-finish mission, was on course leading them into the homestretch with a slender lead Silver Flames tried hard to get past but could only get to his haunches when Gazino poked through between them. Gazino put up a stiff challenge and drew almost level with Mystic Bay. Just when it looked like Gazino would quicken and seal the issue, up came St Andrews with a spirited run. St Andrews was detached last until well into the straight and when he picked up speed and joined the fighting duo, it appeared that St Andrews was going to snatch it from them. That was not to be, as Mystic Bay was not done yet; the Malesh Narredu trained gelding powered on, thriving under some astute handling by jockey CS Jodha, who rode his heart out and ensured that the live threats were smothered deftly. Mystic Bay eventually prevailed by half a length. Gazino held off St Andrews by a nose to finish a gallant second, while St Andrews too ran a good race keeping the interest alive and adrenaline flowing until the last stride. 

Malesh Narredu had earlier led-in rank outsider Historian (Phoenix Tower – Dolce Vita, Manjri Stud) to an upset victory beating sizzling hot favourite Forever Together with surprising ease.  Forever Together was at a disadvantage even before the race, having to carry an overweight of four kilos. That said, Forever Together was also racing on the Mumbai track for the first time and it is not unusual for outstation horses needing a bit of acclimatization to produce their best. However, being a classic aspirant who was taking on lesser mortals was what made him one of the shortest priced favourites seen in recent times.  

Dallas Todywalla trained filly Viktorina (Excellent Art – Polished Chrome, Poonawalla Stud) stood out on her debut and scored a facile victory, beating her rivals convincingly and by a comfortable margin. She was off to a quick start leading from the word go with her main rival Narakamicie close behind. Once they entered the homestretch, Viktorina, ridden by Trevor, accelerated smoothly and within strides she stretched ahead at a good clip to snuff out any challenge. She won without being extended, galloping fluently all through. Narakamicie chased the winner home, while Executive Decision improved to take the third spot. 

Altaf Hussain trained Sultan Suleiman (Arazan – Saffron Dancer, Poonawalla Stud) showed up late in the race, rallying from the last position to arrive with a big gallop to collar the front runners with a perfectly timed finish. Majestic Warrior led them into the straight with Mount Moriah waiting to pounce on the leader. Before long, Mount Moriah took charge but had Enid Blyton getting too close for comfort. With a furlong to go, Sultan Suleiman was still last of six, but was just starting to warm up. UP in front Mount Moriah was desperately trying to keep Enid Blyton and Revelator at bay. Jockey Sandesh then unleashed Sultan Suleiman and the big made gelding produced enough torque to peg back Enid Blyton and Mount Moriah to land the spoils, thereby avenging his defeat to Enid Blyton - his only loss in four outings this season. 

Pesi Shroff trained Exotique (Speaking of Which – Victoria Falls, Usha Stud) added to her solitary win which had come over a year back, with a fine display while clinching the FK Vakil Trophy. 

Exotique jumped out in a flash with apprentice jockey PS Kavraj soon settling her in third behind Beejay and Chancellor until the turn. Once they straightened up for home, Kavraj shot through a narrow gap to spring into the lead past the 400 m and stole a march, leaving the rest to try and catch her. Flaming Lamborgini tried hard to match her speed but failed to do so. Chancellor fell back alarmingly and faded out. Wayin came with a purposeful run, but his bid came a bit too late. Exotique stayed ahead clear by more than a length to post her second victory. Wayin managed to pip Flaming Lamborgini and In contention for the runner up slot. 

Imtiaz Sait’s Endeavour (Strong Suit – Starring, Manjri Stud) justified the strong support he garnered as he thumped his opponents to win by close to two lengths. He did drift out in the final stages and that diluted his superiority marginally, considering the way he was moving while stepping up to take the lead from Wild Fire earlier in the straight. Spring Groove made a dash for it, but just could not tackle the winner. Endeavour finished on close to the outer railing yet was comfortably ahead. This was his maiden win coming on his third start. World Is One improved in the straight to beat early leader Wild Fire for the third spot.   

Adhiraj Jodha’s Speculator (Multidimensional – Prolific, Usha Stud) also brought up his maiden win on his fifth start. He was close behind the front running Lambretta but had to labour hard to catch the leader. Jockey CS Jodha had to urge Speculator all through and also use his whip hand. Lambretta put up stiff resistance and stuck by Speculator, conceding only in the last few strides as Speculator sustained his gallop all the way past the post to carve out a narrow victory. Caesar was right with them, but could not quicken well enough, hence had to be content with the third spot. 

Karthik trained Blazing Bay (Saamidd – Maria T, Hazara Stud) won the last race of the day holding on from the late finishing Fencing. Blazing Bay had  handy lead in the straight and apprentice jockey Prakash drove home the advantage to stay ahead all the way. Fencing covered ground and got as close as ¾ lengths but Blazing Bay had enough legs to stay on and ward off Fencing to win in a close finish. Arrecife ran on to finish in the money. 

For the professionals, trainer Malesh Narredu saddled a double, while jockeys Trevor and CS Jodha scored a double each.