Aashay Doctor-trained five-year-old mare Trakila (Western Aristocrat-Nickel Chrome) bounced back to form in great style by bagging the Indian Gold Vase at RCTC on Wednesday without raising a sweat. Trevor rode a flawless race as he guided home the matured sprinter in impeccable manner. That the mare has recovered her form of old was evident as she went from last to first in a trice opposite the grandstand – displaying a splendid turn of foot.

Trevor combined with Aashay to complete a hat-trick during the afternoon much to the delight of the ace rider’s numerous fans at this centre. He set the ball rolling with Aashay Doctor-trained filly Polka Dot(Western Aristocrat-Jersey Girl) who pocketed the seven-furlong race for The Andropov Handicap with a degree of comfort despite shouldering top-weight. Trevor took the 7/1 shot to the helm of affairs as the gates opened and stayed there all the way. Course favourite Laguna Seca was reduced to an ‘also ran’ while Anigraha – who was better placed than the winner from their previous clash – was a none too impressive third.

Trevor and Aashay completed their hat-trick with three-year-old bay colt Admiringly (Letir Mor – Goldilocks) who won the Grand Annual Mile after a brief duel with Stormchaser whose rider declared 2kg over-weight. In view of the fairly close verdict, one cant help wondering what may have happened had Stormchaser received his full quota of 4kg from the eventual winner. Theoretically, in a mile race, a couple of kgs can make a substantial difference. However, in the ‘uncertain’ world of thoroughbred horse-racing, theories can often go topsy turvyand such questions will always remain unanswered.

The afternoon commenced with a rank outsider occupying the winner’s berth. Jockey Md Azharuddin brought Rutherford Alford-trained A Wink And A Smile (Top Class-Honour) with a thundering run as the aged gelding responded gamely to his rider’s call in the final furlong. In fact, he broke out of the maiden ranks at the ripe old age of seven and the connections were elated that they have achieved such a feat with sheer determination. Fancied runners Schwarzenegger and Lahina put up a bold show to occupy the minor berths. The winner paid a whopping Rs 540 for a Rs 10/- at the Totalisator. The disappointment in the race was stablemate of the winner Phenomenal Lady who failed to display the spark that she did in her previous outing which she won.

The trend continued in the very next race as Javed Khan-trained four-year-old bay filly Adeya (Roderic O’ Connor-ForestFairy) made every post a winning one in the hands of Vinay Jaiswal who notched up his first winner of the season. He took her to the front as the gates opened and managed to stay there all the way despite strong challenges from stablemate and favouriteAmaze and Inspire, and Rosalia who may need a top rider to get the best out of her.

The curtain came down with Deepesh Narredu-trained Enchanting (Win legend-Nanhipari) obliging her backers in the six-furlong sprint for The Fame Star Handicap which was a No Whips event. Suraj Narredu rode the winner with the confidence that one has come to associate with his horsemanship.