Pune’s inner sand track was abuzz with activity on Tuesday, September 16, as several promising horses put on a spectacular display during their morning exercises. Among the standout performers, Diego Garcia, Social Butterfly, and Hazel particularly caught the attention of observers and trainers alike.
Inner Sand Track Highlights:
- 800m Gallops:
- Escape Velocity (ridden by Sandesh): Clocked an impressive 52 seconds overall, with the final 600 meters covered in 39 seconds. Showed good form and smooth movement.
- Social Butterfly (ridden by N. Bhosale): Delivered an exceptional performance, finishing in a swift 47 seconds, with the last 600 meters in just 35 seconds. An excellent display of speed and readiness.
- Caradoc (ridden by Md. Akram): Completed the distance in 50 seconds, with the last 600 meters in 37 seconds, demonstrating solid work.
- Lightning Mcqueen (ridden by Yash): Moved effortlessly, clocking 51 seconds overall, with a final 600 meters in 36 seconds.
- Heaven’s Rhythm (S.J. Sunil) and Quicker (Bharat): Exercised together, maintaining a steady pace to finish in 52 seconds, with their last 600 meters in 37 seconds, moving in tandem.
- Illusionist (ridden by Yash): Showed an easy pace, completing the 800m in 54 seconds, with the last 600 meters in 39 seconds.
- 1000m Runs:
- Continental Drift (P. Vikram) and Mysteriousstranger (Md. Akram): This pair had an easy session, finishing their 1000 meters in 1 minute and 12 seconds, with the last 600 meters in 43 seconds.
- Western Star (ridden by Umesh): Pushed a bit, covering 1000 meters in 1 minute and 4 seconds, and the last 800 meters in 50 seconds, with a final 600 meters in 37 seconds.
- 1200m Extended Work:
- Diego Garcia (ridden by Sandesh): Responded actively to urgings, completing the 1200 meters in 1 minute and 17 seconds, with the last 1000 meters in 1 minute and 3 seconds, 800 meters in 51 seconds, and 600 meters in 39 seconds. A strong effort.
- Hazel (ridden by K. Sai Kiran): Displayed impressive movement, clocking 1 minute and 18 seconds for 1200 meters, 1 minute and 4 seconds for 1000 meters, 50 seconds for 800 meters, and 38 seconds for 600 meters.
These morning workouts provide crucial insights into the horses’ form and readiness for upcoming races, with several athletes showing significant promise.