Pune: Rochester plunged into an all out offensive in the final furlong and launched his fiery old gallop to outrun his rivals and score a smashing victory in the FD Wadia Trophy.
Rochester lived up to the ‘thriller expectations’ and saw a tight three-horse-finish. Karamer took a flier from the gates and led comfortably with Tower Bridge chasing a couple of lengths behind.
Then followed the quartet comprising Glyndebourne, Gallant Knight, Rochester and Summer Rays joined this bunch from the inside.
Glyndebourne fell back while Rochester switched lanes seeking a clear run from outer side.
Luckily for him jockey CS Jodha made his forward move just in time beating Summer Rays who could have blocked his passage. Jodha did not wait a second longer and shifted Rochester to top gear and the Sunderji trained colt responded commendably to close in on the fighting duo in front.
Jodha was at his best and focused throughout the race and timed his run to perfection to bag the prestigious sprint race.
Rochester is owned by Akhtar Adamji Peerbhoy and Mrs Shapoor P Mistry of Manjri Horse Breeders Farm Pvt Ltd, Saba A Peerbhoy, Pramod Gajanan Churi, Balkrishna R Agarwal and Ajay K Arora.
Results:
Race 1: 1. Comic Timing, 2. Star Of Harmony, 3. Brabourne, 4. Furious N’ Fast. Won by: 1, 1/2, 2, 12 1/2. Time: 1:39.48.
Race 2: 1. Aspen, 2. Koal, 3. Ritz, 4. Othello. Won by: 3, 1 1/2, Head,12 3/4. Time: 1:33.62.
Race 3: 1. Ladislaus, 2. Turf Dancer, 3. Governor General, 4. Charging Tigress. Won by: 1 3/4, 3, 1, Short neck. Time: 1:10.64.
Race 4: 1. Shamwari, 2. Ame, 3. Philadelphia, 4. Alyaties. Won by: 5 1/2, Neck, 1/2, 1 1/2. Time: 58.71s.
Race 5: 1. Mygrator, 2. My Blessing, 3. Rock In Rio, 4. Crystal Ball. Won by: 1, 3 1/2, Head, 3/4. Time: 58.79s.
Race 6: 1. Rochester, 2. Summer Rays, 3. Glyndebourne, 4. Gallant Knight. Won by: 1 3/4, Long Neck, 3/4, 1 1/4. Time: 1:25.31.
Race 7: 1. New England, 2. Bottega Louie, 3. Eternalinspiration, 4. Texas Gold. Won by: 1, 2 1/4, 1 1/2, 3/4. Time: 1:25.25.
Race 8: 1. Bunting, 2. Take Five, 3. Nembe Greek, 4. Hopeilicious. Won by: 3/4, 1 3/4, 1/2, 1 3/4. Time: 1:11.81.
Race 9: 1. Samurai, 2. Harmony, 3. Divine Angel, 4. Cristo Boss. Won by: 3/4, Short neck, 2, 1 1/4. Time: 1:41.48.
