Dream Alliance announced its arrival on the big stage by capturing the JSK1 Best Odds Eve Champion Trophy (Gr.3), the season’s first graded race, on the fourth day of the Pune racing season held at the Pune Race Course on Sunday.
The 2000-metre contest attracted a strong field, with Arkadian, Duke of Tuscany, and El Greco among the fancied contenders. Arkadian, despite a sluggish start, recovered swiftly to set a steady pace in the early stages. However, his effort seemed to taper off approaching the final bend.
It was El Greco who then surged forward, taking over the running as the field approached the final 600 metres. Duke of Tuscany, always in close attendance, looked threatening and briefly took command as the race turned for home.
But just as the contest seemed to be shaping into a duel, Dream Alliance, ridden with tactical precision, unleashed a powerful run from the outside. With 300 metres left in the race, the bay gelding stormed ahead, opening up a commanding lead of over three lengths, leaving no room for challenge.
Duke of Tuscany tried to respond but could not match the finishing kick of the winner and settled for second. Tote favourite Arkadian, who failed to sustain his early momentum, finished a tame third.
Trained to perfection and displaying both stamina and acceleration, Dream Alliance gave a performance that firmly establishes him as one to watch in the coming fixtures of the Pune season.
