Monday morning at the Pune track witnessed a spectacular display of equine talent as three standout horses – Starlight Serenade, Encino, and Absolute Gorgeous – truly excelled during their exercise routines. Their impressive performances have generated considerable buzz, hinting at thrilling races to come.
Inner Sand Workouts
600-meter Drills:
The 600-meter inner sand workouts saw commendable efforts from several contenders. Foujita, guided by Shahrukh, navigated the track with ease, clocking 41 seconds. Foxy, under T.S. Jodha, demonstrated fluent motion, finishing in 39 seconds. Meanwhile, Johnny Mac, with Nazil in the saddle, moved well to complete the distance in 38 seconds.
800-meter Sprints:
In the 800-meter category, Talking Point (S.J. Sunil) moved freely, recording 52 seconds for the 800m and 39 seconds for the final 600m. A true star of the morning, Absolute Gorgeous, ridden by S. Kamble, excelled with an impressive 48 seconds for the 800m and a brisk 36 seconds over the last 600m. Mr. Brainwash (S.G. Prasad) was urged on to finish in 52 seconds (800m) and 38 seconds (600m). Divine Star (A. Gaikwad) worked freely, posting 53 seconds for 800m and 39 seconds for 600m, while Amazing Ruler (Merchant) also worked well, matching Divine Star’s timings of 52 seconds (800m) and 39 seconds (600m).
1000-meter Stretches:
The 1000-meter drills featured Crimson Pirate (Vivek G) and Spotlight (Pranil), who remained level, completing the distance in 1 minute 12 seconds with a final 600m in 42 seconds. Little John (S. Amit) moved fluently, clocking 1 minute 11 seconds for 1000m, 55 seconds for 800m, and 41 seconds for 600m. Spanish Eyes, also ridden by S. Amit, responded exceptionally well, finishing in 1 minute 4 seconds for 1000m, 50 seconds for 800m, and 38 seconds for 600m.
Longer Distances (1200m & 1400m):
Over 1200 meters, Chelsea (Pranil) and Fontana (Ajinkya) showed remarkable coordination, moving neck and neck freely. Their times were 1 minute 22 seconds for 1200m, 1 minute 7 seconds for 1000m, 52 seconds for 800m, and 39 seconds for 600m. For the 1400-meter stretch, Esconido (rb) completed the workout easily, registering 1 minute 42 seconds with a final 600m in 45 seconds.
Highlights from Gate Practice (Inner Sand – 1000m):
The gate practice session over 1000 meters on the inner sand track provided further insights into the horses’ readiness. Heaven’s Rhythm (Ritesh) and two-year-old Elevate (S.J. Sunil) demonstrated excellent starts, jumping out well and finishing level freely in 1 minute 5 seconds (1000m), 51 seconds (800m), and 38 seconds (600m).
Two-year-old Nebula (T.S. Jodha) and Harrison (P. Vinod) also started cleanly, with Nebula closing a three-length gap to finish level with Harrison, clocking 1 minute 6 seconds. Fizzy (C.S. Jodha) moved freely, completing the 1000m in 1 minute 12 seconds.
Among the two-year-olds, Starlight Serenade (Parmar) truly shone, striding out powerfully to finish three lengths ahead of Sporting Chance/Invicta (Vivek G), with impressive timings of 1 minute 3 seconds (1000m), 49 seconds (800m), and 37 seconds (600m). Quicker (N.B. Kuldeep) and two-year-old Blue Eyed Girl (Mosin) also had a good start, finishing level in 1 minute 6 seconds.
The session also featured Menorca (Gore), Mystica (N. Bhosale), and Pro Bono (Shubham). Menorca finished a length ahead of Mystica, who in turn was two lengths clear of Pro Bono, all completing in 1 minute 5 seconds. Menorca’s performance was particularly noteworthy.
Another standout was Encino (Santosh), who moved impressively to finish four lengths ahead of three-year-old Arazan/Eminence Grise (Nirmal), posting a rapid 1 minute 3 seconds (1000m), 48 seconds (800m), and 36 seconds (600m). Windborne (Ramswarup) was urged in the final part, clocking 1 minute 5 seconds.
Mock Race Results (October 19 – Race Track):
The mock races held on October 19th on the main race track also offered promising results.
In the first 1200-meter mock race, Wings Of Fury (Sandesh) surged to a dominant victory over Sky Full Of Stars (A. Gaikwad), finishing in 1 minute 10 seconds with a final 600m in 34 seconds, winning by a considerable distance.
The second 1200-meter mock race saw Magical Moments (Mustakim) claim a decisive win, outpacing Donatella (S.J. Sunil) by six lengths. Magical Moments recorded a time of 1 minute 11 seconds with a blistering 35 seconds for the last 600m.