Pesi Shroff trained Theon (Multidimensional – Fontainebleau, Usha Stud) displayed oodles of stamina, the most potent prowess for the gruelling 2800 meters journey, to bring home his first ‘Classic’ trophy. Even the multi-classic winner Lagarde was decisively humbled in the process, with Theon returning triumphant by a huge margin of more than five lengths, in what was expected to be a two-horse contest. Enriched by his commendable runner-up finish in the stayers’ Cup just a month ago, Theon was flawless this time and ensured he was within range with his sights on his main rival Lagarde all through the race.

Lagarde led from the start and stayed in front for the first six furlongs and then let Apsara Star take over. Theon gradually closed-in to race right behind Lagarde with less than 1000 meters to go. Apsara Star bowed out soon in the straight and just when Lagarde got ahead, jockey PS Chouhan arrived with Theon charging forward with ease. Theon proved just too good on the day as he romped home a clear winner beating Lagarde comprehensively.

A race earlier, Shroff led-in The Bawaji (Dawn Approach – Caught On Camera, Equus Stud) who won the Sonny Brar Trophy warding off Mandeville comfortably. Jockey Neeraj Rawal made steady progress to pass them all and go for the lead within the first three furlongs and once in the lead he never looked back.

The Bawaji had to fight off Treasure Gold and Mandeville through the homestretch and galloped determinedly showing commendable depth and resolve to keep the dual presence of Treasure Gold and Mandeville at bay. The Bawaji won convincingly even though the margin was narrow as he neither looked imposing enough to topple The Bawaji. Sun Lord, who was too far back even in the straight, finished on full steam and did well to finish close behind the third placed Treasure Gold.

Joaquin (Saamidd – Phoenix, Hazara Stud) justified the short price on him and easily tackled the front running Hidden Gold early in the homestretch. Joaquin quickened well past the 400m mark and then didn’t find any difficulty in getting past Hidden Gold. Once in the lead, jockey Zeeshan gave the Shahzaan Shah ward a couple cracks and Joaquin was away leaving his three rivals squabble for the minor slots. Joaquin won by over three lengths clocking a sharp 58:06 for the scurry. Sharareh battled hard to beat Aegon for the runner-up berth.

Shazaan Shah trained Rambler (Leitir Mor – Stravella, Poonawalla Stud) amply justified the strong support and pulled off an easy win in the Jehangir Dubash Trophy Division 1. Settling in the mid-bunch until into the straight, Rambler was confidently ridden by jockey Kaviraj, who made his move early in the straight. Rambler raced ahead of leader Fleur Des Lys and Chancellor and then marched on ahead all the way to the winning post without encountering a single threat. Ron moved up nicely in the straight to beat the rest comfortably. Fleur Des Lys ended a fair third, well ahead of Chancellor.

Evangeline (Kingda Ka – Smoke Ring, Nanoli Stud) won the lower division of the race in much the similar fashion, only he won it start to finish. Jockey Zervan pushed the Vishal Gaikwad trainee to the front and kept the momentum going all the way. Sergio tagged along with the leader until well into the straight, but soon fell back thereafter. Winter Storm looked like posing a threat, but she failed to quicken and also ran erratically in the final furlong and that didn’t help her cause. Dreams took her own time to warm up and her progress was stemmed in the final 100 meters as she had to be checked as Winter Storm cut across her while veering inwards. Evangeline won clean as a whistle and looked in great touch while doing so.

Divine Thoughts (Roderic O’connor – Thoughts of You, Villoo’s Greenfield) delighted his connections and his fair number of supporters with a clinical performance scoring a fluent victory on debut. Jockey Trevor got the Altaf Hussain trained filly to a flashy start and dictated the pace all the way. She traveled extremely well and once in the straight, she got even better, striding clear of favourite Balenciaga. Brave Beauty improved well midway in the straight to push past Balenciaga and snatch the second place without troubling Divine Thoughts.

Debutante Rodrigo (Roderic O’connor – Rays of Light, Poonawalla Stud) thumped the opposition flying away to score an impressive win on debut. Carrying the top weight of 62 kilos, Rodrigo took a flying jump and led them all the way. Once in the straight, the Dallas Todywalla rookie galloped powerfully and left them all far behind within the first half of the homestretch. He won easing up in the hands of jockey Trevor by a good margin of over five lengths. Brilliant Light came with a late dash to beat Chastity for the runner-up berth.

Dallas Todywalla trained Key To The Mint (Roderic O’connor – Priceless Glory, Poonawalla Stud) after a sedate two outings, perked up well to score his maiden win on his third outing, over the longer trip of 2000 meters. Jockey Trevor was off with Key To The Mint soon on start and led comfortably with the field a couple of lengths behind. He stole a march at the turn and that got the debutante hurrying up, but the filly had a big leeway to clear. Even with the last furlong to go, Key to the Mint had a handy lead with Trevor riding out hard. Irrepressible covered a lot of ground and was galloping full of steam, yet could not peg back Key to the Mint, who held on by 3/4L. For a first run, Irrepressible did well and showed promise over the longer trips. Old timer Power of Thor showed his consistency by yet again finishing in the money.

Altaf’s Exclusive (Excellent Art – Skyelady, Villoo’s Greenfield) was another debutante to win on first attempt. She was up with the leaders Ame and Myrcella and surged past them soon on turning for home. Remy Red made a late but strong bid and tried hard to topple the winner. Exclusive, ran a bit green towards the finish but jockey Trevor managed the filly well and ensured he held off the challenger comfortably in the end. Myrcella kicked on to finish in the money.

For the professionals, jockey P Trevor was the star of the day pulling off four winners. Trainers Pesi Shroff, Dallas Todywalla, Altaf Hussain and Shahzaan Shah saddled a double each.