Pioneer trained by Malesh Narredu with P Trevor up wins The Pune Derby Gr-1 2018 at The Royal Western India Turf Club Pune

Two stunning performances on Derby day provided a new high for the racing fraternity, probably even injecting greater spirit and awe, much needed to the sagging fortunes plaguing the glorious sport of horseracing in recent times. The gritty performance of Pioneer under the astute saddle artistry shown by ace jockey P Trevor in the suspenseful three-way finish for the Pune Derby (Gr1) 2018 was worth going miles to witness. And there could have been no better precursor to the top race as the one provided by Ruffina a race earlier. These two thoroughbreds turned the otherwise ordinary season on its head, and the Pune Season 2018 will be etched in our memories for the glittering Derby day conquests of these two young superstars.

The Derby line-up had just seven in the fray out of which Cavarozzi and Truly Epic and perhaps even Knotty Ash running more out of hope than conviction. Bushtops had his share of supporters after his impressive win coming into this race. Desperado was the prime favourite and justifiably so after his successful raid without suffering a single battle scar on the new turf when he set hooves on the Pune track for the first time a few weeks ago. His runaway win beating the locals to pulp over the mile without dropping sweat convinced most of the pundits to prop him up as the candidate to lift the coveted trophy on D day. The markets quoted him at a miserly 12/10 at race time.

Excellent was on a winning streak and had even won the SA Poonawalla easing up, beating Adjudicate and even Pioneer comfortably, yet fetched a high return at 5 /1, while Pioneer, who had shown that touch of spark while finishing on in the SA Poonawalla, was at a nourishing 6/1.

The first half of the race was predictable as Cavarozzi was pushed hard to get past Knotty Ash to swing into the lead and make the pace. Knotty Ash had made a bold move by going into the early lead and then letting Cavarozzi go past. Desperado raced in handy third spot a couple of lengths behind was Excellent with Pioneer stalking him, then came Truly Epic with Bushtop sticking to the tail end all the way until the turn, and all including Bushtops well within range.

Knotty Ash made the first move and darted ahead soon on turning for home. The big made Desperado soon set about in chase, Excellent was produced on the outside and was shaping well to make his final assault, while Pioneer went for the gap along the inner railings. With a furlong to go, it loked anybody’s race and one would not be blamed if Desperado was being hailed as the most probable winner.

Desperado caught up with Knotty Ash but the Akshay Kumar ridden colt was not one to surrender. Knotty Ash went eye-ball to eye-ball and that got Desperado under pressure. These two battled hard and stride for stride. Excellent did not quicken as expected and was beaten well before the winning post. Trevor made a bold atop Pioneer and got the Malesh Narredu ward to shift towards the inside for the rails and saw the gap well in time to make a go for it. Pioneer moved under the whip and with 100 to go a photo finish was inevitable. Knotty Ash, Desperado and now Pioneer were abreast scuttling towards the winning post. Pioneer finished on fastest to get past the fighting pair and lunged forward in the last couple of strides to snatch victory by a neck. Knotty Ash held on stubbornly to take the runner-up spot a short-head in front of Desperado in a thrilling finish. Excellent completed the frame ending fourth – less than two lengths behind them.

Owner: Mr Jaydev M Mody rep. J M Livestock Pvt Ltd, Mr & Mrs Shapoor P Mistry rep. Manjri Horse Breeders Farm Pvt Ltd & Dr Ram H Shroff & Mr Raj H Shroff rep. Stride Livestock Pvt Ltd

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