EXCELLENT DOES IT AGAIN IN THE S A POONAWALLA MILLION, GR.3

When Excellent walked into the yard of trainer Dallas Todywalla there was little about him in the looks department that could create an impression. He went about his business as usual and had to overcome his fair share of niggling problems that got sorted out with time. By the time the progeny of Excellent Art-Skyelady got down to serious business he began to tell a different story. His Pune campaign has been rewarding and his recent victory in the S A Poonawalla Million, Gr.3 setting him on course for the plum race of the season. Having won the F D Wadia earlier by three lengths he was thought to be the favourite for the S A Poonawalla Million till the fancied Van Dyke took over the mantle.
The field was small but competitive with seven horses in the fray. Pioneer looked a picture in the paddock and had the pedigree that could not fault him over a trip and more, his dam Riyasat being the winner of the Indian Oaks. Adjudicate was well prepared and better suited on the scale. Fresh from success came the Bangalore challenger, New Moon who was being taken very seriously as a tough contender and Van Dyke, whose summer experience was expected to see him through over the mile trip with success.
As the gates flew open Excellent was the leader of the pack for a brief while till Van Dyke took over the running with Navigator racing on the outside of Adjudicate with Truly Epic up next followed by New Moon and Pioneer in the rear. Van Dyke led the way with the rest running in pairs, Excellent with Navigator on his outside, Adjudicate with Truly Epic and New Moon and Pioneer in the

rear. Before the run for home Excellent was a shade alongside Van Dyke, Pioneer ranged up alongside on the outside of Truly Epic and Adjudicate. Into the straight, Excellent broke away into the lead with Adjudicate in chase. New Moon found a gap in the middle and Pioneer came with a challenge wide but neither could catch the leader who passed the post 1¼ lengths ahead of Adjudicate with Pioneer ¾ length away in third and a long neck separating him from New Moon in fourth.

Excellent will now have to be prepared for the major target of staying the Derby trip as well as the task of taking on a tougher and talented field of runners, some with pedigrees that ensure that the distance is well within their compass.