Bezan Chenoy trained Congressional had it easy in the 1600 metres Rajpipla Trophy, a race for horses rated 80 and above, the feature event of a lacklustre card of seven events that were gone through on Thursday. Racing on Thursday is devoid of competitive interest as most trainers and owners prefer their wards to be running on Sunday when they can make it to the race course. As such, the authorities could think of having racing on Thursday`s on alternate weeks in order to attract bigger entries and make racing more competitive and interesting. Year after year, racing on Thursday`s is less patronized not only by those involved in racing itself but also punters. The card framed is also deliberately poor as the thrust is on giving an attractive package for Sunday.

Coming back to the race, there were just four runners in the fray with Congressional, on current form, being far superior. After Spirit of Mercy set the pace and ended his foray in front in the straight, Congressional smoothly cruised into the lead and was not unduly extended when checking in well clear of Remember Me. Spirit of Mercy was third while Laurita continues to run listlessly.

There were just three runners vying for the 2400 metres General Obaidullah Khan Trophy, a race for horses rated 60 to 86. Top weighed Bold Appeal faced no threat from two of his rivals as they were the struggling sorts. Savage Beauty led the field and set a comfortable pace with Bold Appeal and Square Moon racing some lengths behind in single file. Savage Beauty`s foray in front ended inside the final two furlongs as Bold Appeal smoothly accelerated and went sailing clear and won untested by the only realistic challenger Square Moon who was not up to the task.

The 1200 metres Avantage Plate, a race for maiden three year olds produced an exciting finish. The betting was cornered by Carbonara and Star Councillor, both of them enjoying favouritism by turns. Good Thing led from the start with San Martino in a handy position ahead of Star Councillor. Inside the final furlong, Good Thing was strongly pressed by San Martino and Star Councillor. Even as the last named was getting the better of the front running duo, Carbonara came home with a big rush to neck out his challengers. Carbonara appeared to be boxed for a clear run as he was struck behind the three horses which were in contention but luckily for Zervan, Star Councillor moved quickly and he could come on the outside of Sandesh`s horse and essay his challenge. Carbonara had enough time to make up the leeway and get the nod close home.

Pesi Shroff trained Solange had won twice and then finished about 6.8 lengths behind Myrtlewood in the Guineas. As such, against a modest lot of horses in the 1600 metres Moonlight Romance Double Stakes, a race for horses rated 40 to 66, the filly looked to be cut above the rest. The price offered on her in the betting ring was very lucrative. Jockey Pradeep Chouhan took Solange on a start to finish mission and the daughter of Teofilo enjoyed her foray in front and got stronger towards the finish and won without coming under pressure. Multiglory who had received good support in the ring, could not bridge the leeway and had to settle for the second place ahead of Cha Cha Cha.

Shiraz Sunderji trained Final Encounter was an eye-catching second last time out, losing out narrowly with a late dash. Now running over a furlong long in the 1200 metres Indian Air Force Cup, a race for horses rated 40 to 66, Final Encounter looked clearly superior which was also indicated by the betting ring. Trevor had some problem in getting Final Encounter pick up speed and he favourite had to be driven out to produce the needed effort. Once Final Encounter warmed up to the task, she was storming clear and striding powerfully which indicated that the four-year-old would be better off tackling longer trips. Phoenix Fire held off late flashing Eternal Royal for the third place while Phoenix Cat who was at the wrong end of the field, did well to finish fourth.

Last start surprise Korol was the firm favourite to win the 1400 metres Anmol Preet Pate, a race for four year olds only. Korol had won at 10 to 1 and as such, the odds of even money did not constitute value. The price on the favourite drifted out also in the betting ring. Korol led the field well into the final furlong but was floored by the finishing burst of Sawgrass who covered big leeway in the hands of apprentice Santosh and won with a measure of comfort. Prakash trained Severus who was making his debut, was out of position for most part of the race but began to show spark in the final furlong. He came home with menacing strides and passed all those in front except the eventual winner. Severus fell short by half a length but he should make amends next time out. Korol staved off Streetjammer by a whisker to get the third place.

The 1200 metres April Blossom Plate, a race for horses in the lowest category, posed problems in spotting the winner as betting in the ring is rarely a guide as the horses in this class are unpredictable and form rarely a good guide. Antia`s Loveable Locks cornered major support but one could not understand the last minute thrust on Decibell who had no worthwhile racing form to her credit. In the event, Loveable Locks led in earnest but was strongly challenged by fancied Starry Image and Deltin who came up with a late flourish. In the end, Deltin was the best traveling horse of the lot and won the day for her backers at lucrative odds ahead of Star Image and Loveable Locks who weakened to finish a close third. Decibell was not spotted at the busy end.