The Darley Arabian Million, the feature of the day, provided an exciting finish that involved three of the six runners in the fray. Netto trained Ashoka (Gusto – Epsilon Orionis) led briefly before Superlative took over, with on-money favourite Ballerina close behind followed by the rest.

It was clear early in the homestretch that the field of six was divided, with the trio in front being far ahead of the other three. Superlative was soon challenged by Ashoka approaching the distance post. Ballerina was travelling well up to that point, but when asked to unleash her best, Ballerina took too long to get going. Meanwhile, Superlative fought hard to regain the slender lead and seemed to stretch out well enough. However, jockey Vikrant atop Ashoka, rode his heart out and Ashoka too put in a spirited fight to snatch the verdict on the very last stride to pip Superlative on the post and clinch a thrilling victory. Superlative was unlucky to miss out so narrowly after putting up such a good show. Ballerina was the fastest in the final finish, but the winning post came a tad too early for Ballerina as she ended a head behind Superlative at the wire.

The Chief Justice Trophy too ended in a dramatic fashion with NRI Infinity (Western Aristocrat – Kilkenny) emerging from way behind to zip past a host of runners and win with a rather erratic finishing effort. Bandit King looked in command as he strode ahead of the rest and had a good lead coming into the final furlong. Early leaders Despang and Bold Bidding who were close behind, failed to pick and fell back.

NRI Infinity picked up momentum midway down the straight and arrived with a terrific burst of speed. The Shashikanth trainee however, veered considerably inwards and also moved on to Bandit King before flashing past to score a facile victory. That skirmish prompted the rider of Bandit King to lodge an objection, but considering the fact that NRI Infinity was undoubtedly the better moving horse and that the slight jostle would not have altered the end result, the stewards rightly overruled the objection. NRI Infinity won well; Bandit King was right up there until NRI Infinity showed up, nonetheless he too ran a good race. Just Incredible and Beauty Flame improved to finish in the frame.

After two runner-up finishes in ‘Million’ races, Sensibility (Planetaire – Close Link) stood tall amongst his rivals this time and duly compiled her maiden victory in an impressive fashion.  The Sunderji trainee didn’t take too long to hit the front and led them all the way. She grew stronger in the homestretch as she sailed smoothly through and built up on the lead and galloped on flawlessly to score a thumping maiden win with jockey Ajinkya in the saddle. Speaking of Love worked hard and finished a good second and this was an encouraging effort considering she was on her maiden mission. Pleroma kicked on to finish in the money.

Sreekant trained Isra (Sedgefield – Star of Peace) rose from the dead to spoil the party for Miss Little Angel on the very last stride. Isra, unlike previously where she was well ahead, raced at the rear of the front bunch and some distance away from the early leaders, whereas Miss Little Angel was in box seat, one behind the leader until the turn.

Into the straight, Miss Little Angel stole a march and sped ahead at a good clip. Neither Silver Bells nor Star Babe posed a threat and that made Miss Little Angel look strongly on her way to victory. Isra warmed up nicely midway in the straight and finished on with a tremendous burst of speed. Yet it was doubtful whether Isra would make it with not much ground left to the winning post. Jockey Aneel believed he had as he rode out vigorously to mail it on the wire and snatch what looked improbable even a stride earlier. It was a sensational victory indeed. Miss Little Angel’s supporters will feel the burn having gone so close. Sorry Darling improved well to take the third spot from Silver Bells.

Hashtag (Green Coast – Romancing) has been consistent of late. After a few good efforts and placing, produced a timely run to land the spoils this time. Silk was up in front this time and was challenged by Garnet soon on turning for home. Garnet even headed Silk as they battled had until into the final furlong. Hashtag, with Mukesh Kumar astride, started to bridge the gap past the distance post and arrived with threatening strides. Silk had the measure of Garnet and had a slender lead, but when Hashtag arrived with giant strides, it was all over for Silk. The Ravindra Singh trained gelding, picked up fiery speed and timed his run to a nicety. Hashtag won by a neck from Silk; favourite Top In class surfaced along the rails to take the third spot away from Garnet. Top In Class was never in the hunt, making good progress to improve positions in the final 150 meters.

Sequeira’s NRI Touch (Air Support – Silken touch) after two unplaced recent runs, bounced back to win with a powerful burst at the business end. Favourite Hot Seat was not sighted and finished in the rut. Akshay Kumar had a forgetful day as he could not score a single win from his six mounts.

Another outsider Exotic Dancer took charge from Ambitious Star early in the straight and looked good to last. While Royal Pal was not picking up, Thunder Road started to inch closer. NRI Touch, with Abhay Singh in the saddle, arrived with a blazing gallop and strode past them all to win by half a length from Exotic Dancer, both the two top finishers were at 20/1 or above. Thunder Road and Ambitious Star picked the minor places.

The day started well for the followers of favourites with Wot’s Up Jay (Tenth Star – Speed Angel) obliging a large following while also giving off his personal best, picking up his maiden win after 18 previous futile attempts. The Shashikath trainee had been showing a bit of spirit in his recent runs and his long awaited win did not come as a surprise.

He was right there in third as StoryTeller brought the field homewards. Wot’s Up Jay quickened soon and dashed into the lead. Arrowtown started to draw closer along with Astronaut on the outside. Jockey Santosh Raj rode out astutely to stay ahead and ward off the challenger that included the fast finishing Special And Thong who improved considerably to finish third alongside Arrowtown. Astronaut too recovered from a poor start and did well to catch a slot in the frame.

Ravindra Singh trained New Hustle (Net Whizz – Glorious Lady) picked up his second victory within the fortnight with another superlative effort in the last race of the day. New Hustle was ambling along in fourth as they turned for home with Southern Lady in command. Jockey Nikhil got the gelding to pck up momentum soon on passing the 400m mark and once New Hustle got the cue, he galloped fluently to dispatch his opponents with authority. He zipped past them all to score by a big margin of three lengths. Cash Register ran on to finish second, while Royal Avenger improved well to finish in the money. 

For the professionals, trainers Ravindra Singh and Shahsikanth saddled a double each.