EXCELLENT SORRENTO WINS DEBUT IMPRESSIVELY

A small field of six runners were keen to make an impression with Excellent Times who had impressed all in a terrific mock race appearance going out the favourite. Somewhat restless inside the gates prior to the start, he is said to have injured himself rushing the gate before it opened, and it was reported that he broke a blood vessel.
Excellent Times took the early lead followed by Sher Khan and Outrageous, Sharareh and Chosen in close contact, with Excellent Sorrento (Excellent Art-Sorrento Steel) last of six. At the 5f marker Excellent Times was joined by Sharareh, with Sher Khan, Outrageous and Chosen One running three abreast behind in close touch. Excellent Sorrento still merrily raced in last. As they reached the turn for home Neeraj Rawal seemed to have given his ward a wake-up call, for in a couple of strides the M Narredu-trained Excellent Sorrento was moved off the rails and to the outside of the field with a serious challenge looming. Sharareh took over the lead from Excellent Times with Chosen One gearing up for a challenge. Excellent Sorrento had little to do to stride past Outrageous and Sher Khan, and running a bit green when under pressure he still managed to take the challenge to the leaders finishing strongly 1½ lengths ahead of Chosen One. 1¼ lengths in third was Sharaheh and Outrageous a further 3½ lengths away in fourth. He will definitely appreciate an enhanced trip next time round. Excellent Times has to recover from his ordeal at the gates and hopefully it will not have any effect on his ability to display the speed he possesses.