Out of the four horses declared to start for the Sir Rahimtoola Chinoy Trophy two belonged to Pesi Shroff and both were racing in the colours of Dr Vijay Mallya. For a moment one thought that the entry of Amore Mio was just to ensure that the race is not declared null and void at acceptance for want of acceptors. Who knew that ultimately it would none else but Amore Mio who would prove to be the main danger for Angelo in the end?

C. D. Hayes didn`t hesitate a bit at the start to take top-weighted Angelo (Razeen – Alix) to the front. His three rivals followed him in a single file till the field entered the home stretch. Oh Calcutta was the first one to give the impression that she would measure Angelo. But not only did she fail to quicken but also sealed the passage which Doi Moi was looking for after staying close to the inner rails throughout the mile journey. On his part, Zervan was sitting pretty atop Amore Mio somewhat disconnected with what was happening around him or ahead of him to be precise. The young apprentice, as it turned to be, came out of his trance a bit late. Hayes meanwhile didn`t let his guard down and kept working on Angelo till the end to beat Amore Mio by a head.
Malcolm Kharadi was given a relatively easy assignment on Maria Teresa (Captain Rio – Brief Adventure) by Pesi. The filly left the maiden ranks in great style after having finished runner-up twice in her previous appearances. Maria Teresa gave an armchair ride to Kharadi after she darted ahead from the barriers. Ocean Trail chased in vain and ended a faraway second. Echoes Rock, the recipient of the majority of betting money laid for this race, made a disappointing debut and struggled to finish third.

Pesi missed a hat-trick with Batista who came across one better in C. D. Katrak`s candidate Star of Venus (Placerville – Free Radical). The filly went out with blinkers this time and that helped her make amends for the defeat she suffered at the hands of Elizabeth. Suraj Narredu had Star of Venus in striking range of leader Aliyana till a little over a furlong left for the wire. He changed gears and soon wore down Aliyana to take charge of the running. Batista came into his stride late and was made to eat a humble pie despite devouring good ground towards the end. Khursaniyah just about managed to pip Aliyana for the third place.

Dante Rossetti (Royal Kingdom – Pharellia) was involved in the most interesting finish of the day involving Tzigane and Ocean Emperor. An inspired ride given by B. Prakash enabled to Dante Rossetti provide his new master Shyam Habbu his maiden win at this centre. Ocean Emperor led all the way and was joined by last outing winner Tzigane. The latter fought a pitched battle with his younger rival and as if was looking to get stronger, Dante Rossetti appeared from out of nowhere. In a pulsating finish, Dante Rossetti finished a nose ahead of Tzigane and Ocean Emperor. Proud Star completed the judge`s frame.

Naill McCullagh also rode Thunder Strike (Inhabitant – Leading Prospect) vigorously when Equality was trying to snuff out his challenge. He rode like one possessed to give the Ivor Fernandes trainee the necessary boost and which propelled him to a comfortable win over Magical Mantra. Equality retired to end a poor third.

Narendra Lagad trained Aflatoon (Warrshan – Pas D`largent) was ridden with supreme confidence by Shrikant Kamble. He came with a sustained effort to wear down Perpetuation while Royal Gesture not able to make any headway in the straight before finishing third ahead of Perpetuation. Great Stride showed encouraging improvement by finishing second.

There was high drama in the last race of the day. Amyn Merchant ridden Pharoah and S. Zervan piloted Brave Gypsy went locked together past the winning post. The judges couldn`t separate them and a dead-heat was declared. But Zervan didn`t want to share the honours and lodged an objection against Pharoah which was upheld. Royal Connection finished a gingerly third while Mystic Temple ended fourth.