KARACHI: Favourite thoroughbred chestnut colt Mr Magic justified all and sundry while galloping to an exciting six lengths victory over challenger grey horse Flag of Champion in the Eid Milan Cup during the Gymkhana race meeting here at the Karachi Racecourse on Monday.
This was Mr Magic’s maiden triumph of the year after finishing off the frame in last three outings. He clocked 0.504/5 seconds for four furlongs.
Bay horse Golden Chance occupied third place, one-and-a-half lengths away and was followed by another bay horse Abdullah Prince further two lengths behind among 10 starters.
Mr Magic, who belongs to the stables of KRC steward Irfan Mehdi, was partnered by trainer Yousuf. S, and ably ridden home by Mohammad Manzoor.
The trio celebrated the occasion by a splendid double as favourite filly Blazing Arrow annexed the day’s feature event.
Blazing Arrow was on song as she returned home by four lengths over chestnut Thunder Star to make it two on the trot. She was home in 0.554/5 seconds for four-and-a-half furlongs race.
Despite having handicap of 13-0, Thunder Star fought aggressively but failed to stretch his unbeaten run.
Mare Princess Maria and bay horse Robert seized third and fourth places, respectively among the quartet.
All-in-all, three favourites obliged punters in a five-race card.
Filly Princess Sadia was another public fancy who returned with flying colours while prevailing over bay horse Gold Company by five lengths in a start-to-finish bid for a repeat performance.
She was piloted home by rider Asad Aksir in 0.564/5 seconds in four-and-a-half furlongs contest.
Bay horses Azeem Choice and Mr. On Job claimed the next two places, respectively.
At the outset, longshot bay horse Mastana created quite a stir lowering the colours of fancied grey horse Zabal One by two-and-a-half lengths to win the opening race. He clocked 0.521/5 seconds for four furlongs with rider Zaki Zakir astride.
Bay horses Faisal King and Money Shower settled third and fourth respectively.
In the next race, mare Zahrish shocked favourite bay horse Hi Alert sprinting to a length-and-a-half victory in 0.522/5 seconds under rider Nazil Hussain.
Bay horse Author and mare Sweet Golden had to be content with third and fourth places, respectively.
As many as six horses could not make it to the races as they were scratched in the morning declaration for being unfit.
Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2023
