Trevor Patel drove out Pesi Shroff trained Costa Del Sol to a lucky win over Columbiana in the Gr 3 F D Wadia Trophy, a terms race for three year olds, the highlight of Sunday`s Pune races. Trevor continued to dominate the proceedings booting home a quadruple.

The Manjri Stud Farm produce Costa Del Sol had won the Gr 1 Poonawalla Breeders` Multi-Million. On that occasion, Costa Del Sol had measured Columbiana quite easily. But this time out, the weights were slightly in favour of the latter but Costa Del Sol was nevertheless backed exclusively based on the belief that a winner can assert his supremacy over the horse he has conquered albeit at a slight difference of weight. The only worrying factor was the body weight displayed which was more than 20 kgs compared to Costa Del Sol`s last win. This put a question mark whether Costa Del Sol had the requisite fitness for a competitive race of this nature. The fact that Costa Del Sol pulled through was more due to the luck of the race also the fact that Trevor is having a dream run.

In a fast run race, Bold Appeal set the pace followed by Avant Garde, Columbiana, Costa Del Sol, Confiance, Magnificence and Jeannie. Midway through the race Costa Del Sol was under pressure to stay in place. Bold Appeal brought the field into the straight with Avant Garde making her bid with Columbiana showing urgency. Even as this action was unfolding in front, Trevor brought Costa Del Sol into contention. Like he has been doing quite often this season, his riding has often bordered on tactical but a shade intimidating. He closed in with a rush so much so that Avant Garde stayed stuck behind a tiring Bold Appeal while Columbiana was squeezed out of a clear opening. Avant Garde fell behind with Columbiana having to cover considerable leeway on the favourite when for most part of the race he was ahead of Costa Del Sol. With Costa Del Sol inclined to drift under pressure, jockey Yash Narredu changed course on Columbiana who then came up with a big rush only to find the favourite head in front thanks to the stronger finish of Trevor. Avant Garde who had fallen considerably back, finished on well to take the third spot indicating in the process that she needs more ground to make her presence felt.

Jockey Yash Narredu put an objection against Trevor for squeezing him at the bend and again changing course in the straight which affected his chances on Columbiana. Yash had his dad and trainer Malesh to plead his case but the objection was overruled. Columbiana could have been the winner if the luck of the race had gone his way.

Dallas Todywalla trained Polished Chrome recoded an encore in record timing by claiming the 1000 metres Dr K Vasudevan Trophy, a race for horses rated 60 to 86. Polished Chrome had the distinction of winning the first two year old race of the season on the same track last October and from then on, she had won twice. Polished Chrome and Mine Forever were the market fancies but the latter was never in contention as the horse appeared to have lost footing soon after jump out, causing the jockey to lose his right leg in the stirrup. Mine Forever not only lost position but went completely out of the reckoning. Zervan had Polished Chrome dictate the pace from the start and though she came under pressure from last start runaway winner Lucky Charm, she held on to win in a timing of 57.86 seconds. Incentio ran on from behind to pip Deep Diver for the third place.

Trevor managed to get La Tonnarella to edge past Samba Warrior in the nick of time to land the spoils in the 1400 metres Antonios Double Stakes, a race for horses rated 40 to 66. La Tonnarella was none too well placed approaching the final bend but Trevor brought the favourite on the wide outside with a clear run and made rapid progress in the straight to get the measure of front running Samba Warrior who was shaping to win at lucrative odds. Toofan who was with the front bunch, stayed on claim the third place. Strategic Move who was bidding for a hat-trick, did not show the spark of last run and was a beaten cause well before the race came on the boil.

Altamash trained Royal Seal who had summered at Bangalore, had the requisite fitness to win the 1800 metres Mayor`s Trophy, a race for three year olds. Royal Seal came into strong contention approaching the final bend and had no problem in tackling the front running Dancing Pretty in the final furlong. Despite drifting out under pressure, Royal Seal had enough reserve to win with a measure of comfort. Vitesse was third while favourite Velvet Amari never gave hope at any stage of the race.

Shiraz Sunderji trained Final Encounter appeared the fittest horse competing in the 1200 metres Star Wish Plate, a race for maiden three year olds which had not run before. From the wide outside draw, Zervan manoeuvred a handy second position behind Elsa well into the straight before storming clear for a comprehensive win. Kaleidoscope who looked far from ready had a useful outing finishing third.

The well backed Few Dollars More played up at the gates and was withdrawn from the fray in the 1000 metres War Command Plate (Div I), a race for horses rated 20 to 46. Abigail was declared a non-starter in the morning itself. As such, Shining Melody became a favourite by default. The race was won by long shot Star who shot into an unassailable lead well before the final furlong to win from fast finishing Zabisco who came home with raking strides only to find the winning post coming too soon. Born To Win was in contention but could not quicken to make a mark and ended up a tame third. The lower division of the race was won by another Lagad trainee Cannonball Run who in the hands of Trevor won start to finish without being troubled by any of the runners. Stablemate Rock The Turf who was little sluggish at the start, was full of running at the finish occupying the runner up berth ahead of Alfredo.

Favourite Sansa shaped like a winner in the 1600 metres Timeless Beauty Plate, a race for horses in the lowest category, by enjoying what looked like an unbridgeable lead in the final furlong but there was a dramatic change to the complexion of the game as Sir Song who was struggling for speed, suddenly picked up steam and came home with a big rush in the dying moments of the race in the persevering hands of jockey Trevor to get the nod on the post. Amaya edged out long-time leader Allegiance for third spot.