Holding on to second position until the home stretch, El Greco surged forward to claim an emphatic victory in the Karl Umrigar Salver on the ninth day of the Mumbai racing season at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse here on Thursday. The five-year-old gelding, trained by the astute PS Chouhan and ridden with precision by jockey Neeraj Rawal, displayed a fine turn of foot to outclass his rivals, finishing a commanding over three lengths ahead of Mojito.
At the break, it was Coeur De Lion who took the early initiative, setting a brisk pace as the five runners broke cleanly from the gates. However, as the race unfolded, Coeur De Lion began to lose steam, allowing It's My Time and Mojito to take over the lead. The pair battled for dominance momentarily, but El Greco, biding his time under Neeraj's calculated ride, made his move at the top of the straight.
With a powerful surge, El Greco stormed past the leaders, leaving no doubt about his superiority. Mojito tried to mount a challenge but was no match for the winner's acceleration. It's My Time, though game, lacked the finishing kick and settled for third place behind Mojito.
El Greco's authoritative performance not only reaffirmed his class but also delighted his connections and the racing enthusiasts in attendance. The gelding’s smooth gallop and strong finish underscored his potential as a standout performer in the ongoing season.
