Trained by Narendra Lagad, Son Of A Gun, who secured a hard-earned victory in his previous outing against Amazonia, displayed even greater improvement in the 1200 meters Rajpipla Trophy, a race for horses rated 80 and above, the featured race of the day`s racing held at Mumbai on Thursday. Taking full advantage of his speed, Son Of A Gun relished an uncontested lead throughout the race, asserting his dominance. His ability to control the pace, coupled with the shorter distance he had to cover, proved instrumental in his victory.

While more fancied horses struggled to catch up in the final stretch, Son Of A Gun showed no signs of faltering, leaving his competitors with a daunting task. Despite being less favoured compared to others in the field, including Amazonia, Baby Bazooka, and Cellini, Son Of A Gun ran out an easy winner. Jockey Mustakim Alam expertly guided Son Of A Gun to the forefront, where the progeny of Top Class comfortably set his own pace. This strategic advantage allowed him to maintain his lead effortlessly. While Amazonia managed to secure second place against the same opponent for the second time running, the other contenders fell short of expectations. Son Of A Gun has undoubtedly proven to be a lucrative asset for trainer Narendra Lagad, consistently delivering impressive performances.

Trained by Pesi Shroff, Santissimo showcased his potential with an impressive victory in the 1200 meters A F S Talyarkhan Cup. Despite appearing less prepared, Santissimo had won his last start in impressive fashion. Jockey Pradeep Chouhan, who had a successful day with a treble, positioned Santissimo in third place while last race`s winner, Raise The Stakes, set a brisk pace before fading out of contention in the final furlong.

Seizing the opportunity, Santissimo smoothly surged into the lead and comfortably widened the gap to secure victory without needing to push to the fullest. The offspring of Gusto triumphed convincingly, leaving Redouble far behind in second place while Raise The Stakes struggled to maintain form and finished a disappointing third. Santissimo appears a good type of youngster.

Trainer Hoshidar Daji also enjoyed success with a double victory, courtesy of Chat and Misty, both of whom had been showing promise in recent races. Despite Elpenor, the former Poonawalla Multi-Million winner, being the firm favourite due to his past achievements, Misty, consistently placing near the winner in previous races, was available at long odds.

As the race unfolded, Misty, positioned in third place, was urged to accelerate by Pradeep Chouhan at the top of the straight. Responding well, Misty surged ahead of pace setting Lord And Master with ease, securing a comfortable victory. Elpenor struggled to find pace initially but made a late surge in the stretch, though it wasn`t enough to meet expectations. Waikiki faltered in the closing stages, settling for third place.

In the 2400 meters M H Ahmedbhoy Cup, Chat found no formidable rivals among horses rated 20 to 46. Initially led by Alpha Domino well into the straight, Chat gradually picked up pace and surged ahead in the final furlong, clinching victory by an impressive four-length margin over Alpha Domino. Will Wonka secured third place, fending off Midas Touch.

Trainer Rehanullah Khan`s Arbitrage notched up the second win of the season in commanding fashion, blazing through the 1000 meters Edgar Desylva Trophy for horses rated 20 to 46. Under the guidance of jockey Haridas Gore, Arbitrage unleashed a powerful sprint down the final furlong, effortlessly leaving competitors in the dust. The early frontrunners Fiery Red and Mirae expended their energy. Arbitrage positioned on the wide outside, surged past to claim victory. Mirae held on for second place, narrowly beating out Queen`s Pride Adonis, while Fiery Red faded to sixth.

Behram Cama`s Ricochet, previously withdrawn due to gate tantrums, demonstrated superiority in the field competing for the 1400 meters Narayandas J Dave Plate (Div I), the race for horses in the lowest class. Backed fervently, Ricochet, guided by jockey C S Jodha, made a decisive move entering the stretch, overtaking competitors to secure victory by over five lengths. Good Deeds took second place, followed by She`s A Teaser. In the lower division of the race, early contenders Operation Finale and Neilina faltered in the straight, allowing Zacapa, under apprentice Saba`s guidance, to surge ahead in the final furlong. Despite a strong finish, more fancied stablemate Zip Along couldn`t catch up as Zacapa maintained the lead until the end.