La Rondine scores stunning win

Pune: Vishal Gaikwad-trained La Rondine, who had a mandatory preparatory run was seen in different colours as the winner of the Grade I Indian 1000 Guineas produced a late burst of speed to nail Bronx on the post to land the spoils in the Grade 3 Pune City Gold Cup, a terms race for three-year-olds-and-over, the feature event of Saturday`s Pune races. Jockey Akshay Kumar was astride the winner.

La Rondine had the benefit of summering at Bangalore but her below par performance last time out where Awesome One recorded a smashing win was perhaps the reason why she did not go to the post as a favourite.

Awesome One enjoyed favouritism though many were skeptical about the consistent performer being equally effective over the extended trip of eight furlongs.

Bronx who had a good forward run last time out was another who deserved support along with old warhorse New England. Bronx led aggressively in front with New England in the second position followed by Awesome One, La Rondine and Governor General in that order.

Akshay Kumar went all out on the lesser fancied runner who responded to the urgings and managed to put her neck in front at the post.

Results

• Race 1: 1. Aurora Australis, 2. Power Of Thor, 3. Adonijah, 4. Classicus. Won by: 1 1/2, 3 1/2, 3 3/4, 3 3/4. Time: 1:39.409.
• Race 2: 1. Tasawwur, 2. Wizard Of Stocks, 3.Arrowfield, 4. Gdansk. Won by: 5 1/4, 1 3/4, 3 1/2, 3 1/4. Time: 2:04:370.
• Race 3: .1. Cipher, 2. En Sabah Nur, 2. Chephirah, 4. Del Mar. Won by: Head, Dead Heat, 4, 1 1/4. Time: 58.643s.
• Race 4: 1. La Rondine 2.Bronx, 3. New England, 4. Awesome One. Won by: Neck,1 1/4, 4, 1 1/4. Time: 1:38:013.
• Race 5: 1. Clark Kent, 2.Belenus, 3. Cabellero, 4. Chosen One. Won by: 5 1/4, 1, Nose, 1. Time: 58.389s.
• Race 6: 1. Ame, 2. Highland Wind, 3. Solo Mission, 4. Gloriana. Won by: 3/4, Long Neck, 1 1/4, 1 1/2. Time. 1:11:577.