Despite a dearth of runners in a couple of events, racing on Thursday at RCTC turned out to be surprisingly filled with thrills ….and a spill! Jockey RS Bhati who rode back-to-back winners suffered a fall from Soul Music after passing the winning post. Fortunately, he escaped serious injury and has been advised a few days rest. Also in the limelight was trainer Neil Darashah with a popular double.  But the man of the moment was undoubtedly Shafiq Khan with his five-year-old chestnut gelding Rodrigo (Roderic O’Connor – Ray Of Light) who lifted the Aztec Cup in the hands of Kiran Naidu. Rodrigo made every post a winning one in this six-furlong event and won by a long neck from Dr Doom. The favourite Galaticus had every chance but weakened to finish third after failing to match strides with the front-runner near the distance post.

Shyam Habbu’s Soul Music ( Fiero-Magical Spell) won a rip-roaring finish by a hair’s breadth as she pippedFlamingo Road and Sporting Trainer at the post. Both these runners who occupied the minor placings deserve to be followed. The fancied runners like Magnite and Kindred Spirit failed to make the grade but will be worth keeping an eye on. RS Bhati who guided Soul Music to her maiden win, was also instrumental  in piloting Joseph Awale-trained Parker to a facile triumph in the mile race for the Dancing Phoenix Handicap.  The victory proved to be a shot in the arm for the centre’s new comer among trainers.

Trainer Neil Darashah was once again in the limelight with a popular double featuring Natural Grace and Trident Star. Natural Grace (Phoenix Tower – Jazzy Jordan)bagged the Nefyn Cup –amaidens race for two-year-olds only. Off the four fillies in the fray , Darashah had three under his care. Bharath Singh-trained Sea Salt Caramel was forward early in the race but finished well behind the winner. Stablemate of the winner – Just Dash – is one for the notebook.

While Natural Grace was available at unplayable cramped odds of four-to-one-on Darashah’s next winner – Trident Star –was available at lucrative odds of five-to-one. The filly by Phoenix Tower out of Sugar Mint was a popular bet among a section of turfites as she was a failed favourite in her previous essay over a scurry.  She won the mile race start-to-finish in the hands of JH Arul. The favourite Anatolia is a bred-in-the-blue filly but ran well below expectations. Nevertheless, this ward of Aashay Doctor cannot be brushed aside just yet.

The curtain came down with trainer Rajesh Narredu and jockey Nikhil Naidu bringing home the honours with Amber Knight (Multidimensional – Ambrosia) who won the 2000 metres race for The Fly Like The Wind Handicap from Tiger Shark. The latter did essay a challenge in the straight but Amber Knight always had the winning post in his sight and justified favouritism.