PUNE: He wasn't even scheduled to run the big race till just a few days to go but Zuccarelli ran and made a mockery of his 11 rivals to win the Pune Derby, feature of Sunday's action at the Pune racecourse. There were many who doubted the Pesi Shroff-trained gelding's chances as he was running within a week of his previous impressive victory but the son of Western Aristocrat, left the opposition stranded and won in a record time of two minutes and 02.286 seconds.
"Alicia was to run this race but the trainer thought the track didn't suit her and then a decision was made to let Zuccarelli try," informed Ravinder Reddy, chief veterinary doctor at the Nanoli Stud Farm who led in the winner on behalf of the Zuccarelli's owner Khushroo Dhunjibhoy.
For veteran jockey Pradeep Chouhan, it was his first Pune Derby success. He appeared unfazed in the race when front runner Souza had taken huge lead 600m from the winning post. "I knew my mount had a lot left in the tank and we could easily overtake the leader," said the 44-yearold.
Bangalore challenger A Star Is Born was second while Regal Command and Alastair finished third and fourth respectively.
Results with dividends
1. Ruffina Trophy (Div 2): Bold Advance 1, Jubilant Journey 2, Principessa 3, Mascara 4. Tote: Rs 42 win;13,12,133 places; Shp 33; Fc 106; Q 41; Tanala: 2415 & 2587.
2. Pioneer Plate: Arcadia1, Giant Star 2, Successor 3, Majestic Warrior 4. Tote: Rs 18 win; 11,14 places; Shp 27; Fc 39; Q 18; Tanala: 42 &18.
3. Jeremiah Plate (Div1): Excelerator1,Sovereign Master 2, Dilbar 3, Magic In The Wind
4. Tote: Rs 34 win; 14,16, 26 places; Shp 42; Fc 245; Q111; Tanala:1202 & 558.
4. Noshir & Dolly Dhunjibhoy Sprint Million (Grade 3): Iron Age 1, St. Andrews 2, Gazino 3, Excellent Gold 4. Tote: Rs 10 win; 11, 15 places; Shp19; Fc18; Q17; Tanala: 20 &10.
5. Conrad Pune Cup: Red Merlot 1, Tigrio 2, Enlightened 3, Fast Rain 4. Tote: Rs 93 win; 20,12, 49 places; Shp 35; Fc 290; Q 130; Tanala: 1472 & 1893.
6. FD Wadia Trophy (Grade 3): Petronia 1, Baby Bazooka 2, Presidential 3, Spinoza 4. Tote: Rs 40 win; 21,12 places; Shp 50; Fc196; Q 138; Tanala: 556 & 151.
7. Ruffina Trophy (Div 1): Love Warrior 1, Midas Touch 2, Indian Crown 3, Timeless Deeds 4. Tote: Rs 22 win; 14, 25, 13 places; Shp 108; Fc 244; Q 162; Tanala: 712 & 126.
8. Pune Derby (Gr 1) 2000m: Zuccarelli (PS Chouhan)1, A Star Is Born 2, Regal Command 3, Alastair 4. 2-3/4, 4-3/4, 4. T:2:02.286. Tote: Rs 25 win; 15,16, 20 places; Shp 31; Fc 95; Q 43; Tanala: 329 & 216. (Shroff)
9. Aquilo Plate: Mystical Rose 1, Commandment 2, Aira 3, Arabian Phoenix 4. Tote: Rs 35 win; 15, 18, 22 places; Shp 68; Fc 247; Q 95; Tanala: 860 & 310.
10. Jeremiah Plate (Div 2): Pure1,Monarchy 2, Windy City 3, Remy Red 4. Tote: Rs 21 win; 12,11, 20 places; Shp 36; Fc 35; Q 15; Tanala: 138 & 218.
Jackpot: (I): 70% Rs 3096 (41 Tkts) & 30% 544 (100); (II) 70% 2694 (136) & 30% 344 (457); Super Jakpot: 70% 36535 (1) & 30% 2237 (7). Treble: (I):125 (63); (II): 711 (14); (III): 374 (54).
