Pesi Shroff trained Zuccarelli completed the formalities of going round the 2800 metres trip in the Gr 1 Wolf 777 Indian St Leger, a terms race for four-year-olds, the last of the Indian classics, at Pune on Sunday. Incidentally, this win also enabled the trainer to reach a personal milestone of saddling 200 graded race winners. Jockey Trevor Patel who has always been associated with Zuccarelli was unhurried in his approach as he was well aware that he was riding a giant against pygmies.

The Indian St Leger is run at a time when the form of the four-year-olds is well settled. Only a few good horses will still be around after logging miles in the preceding year. Somebody like Pesi Shroff who is blessed to have a huge string of imposing pedigreed horses, can give a break to his horses and keep them fresh. Zuccarelli who was rated at 118 was taking on horses much inferior in rating as well as accomplishments and as such, the bloodless win was on expected lines.

Windstorm set a modest pace followed by Karanveer, Arc De Triomphe, Exemplify and Zuccarelli relaxing in the rear. Approaching the final turn, Karanveer shot ahead and held the lead till he was allowed to. When Trevor asked for a response from Zuccarelli, the favourite covered the leeway on tight rains without having to be shaken up to eventually win by a distance. The only fight was for the second spot. Exemplify managed to nose out Karanveer in the closing stride to get the runner-up berth.

Shiraz Sunderji trained Market King towered over the small field in the 1200 metres Mathaiyus Trophy, a race for horses rated 80 and above. Market King had been an impressive winner and the trainer also put a five kg claimer on the horse which made the favourite look invincible. Apprentice jockey Praveen Shinde took Market King to the front and the favourite held the lead throughout without coming under pressure to win by a margin of over three lengths. Augustus Caesar came from a long way back to take the second position ahead of Sky Fall and Gazino.

Pesi Shroff trained Botero had let down as a firm favourite on the last two occasions but those who persisted with him stood to gain in the 2000 metres Nana Raghunath Cup, a race for horses rated 40 to 66. Last start winner Fortunate Son ran freely in front, setting a decent clip, followed by Easy rider, Botero, Rasputin, Regal Command and Wellington. Fortunate Son brought the field into view but was easily overhauled by Botero who then stormed ahead for an easy win by a margin of five lengths. Fortunate Son battled on to stave off the bid of Rasputin to retain the second spot.

Jockey Sandesh was able to maneuverer favourite Vincent Van Gogh from the rear finding spaces to challenge the front-running Milli in the final 100 metres and then won with a measure of comfort the 1400 metres Southern Command Trophy (Div I), a race for maiden three-year-olds. Nelson River ran on to take the third position. The fancied Dufy was lethargic at the start and was never on the hunt. Adhirajsingh Jodha trained Fiery Red was backed to the exclusion of the rest in the lower division of the race. Fiery Red led by lengths from the start and easily held off fast-finishing Metzinger. Nostalgic was third. The second named looks ready to strike.

Last start runaway winner Mozelle had no problem in obliging expectations as a strong favourite in the 1200 metres Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Memorial Trophy, a race for horses rated 40 to 66. The speedy Mozelle hit the front from the start and Trevor Patel had no problem in keeping his horse beyond the reach of his opponents. Only Spring Grove, with a late dash, showed some zest occupying the second position ahead of Majestic Warrior. Pepper who was bidding for a hat-trick raced prominently but weakened to finish fourth.

Narendra Lagad trained Coeur De Lion, had gone down fighting in his last outing and he duly made amends, winning the 1600 metres Col Kaikhushroo Maneckji Bharucha Memorial Trophy, a race for horses rated 20 to 46, swamping the opposition with a start to finish mission, winning by a widening margin of five lengths. Zarak was a well-beaten second ahead of Love Warrior.

Alpha Gene who had won only last week, recorded an encore in the 2000 metres D D Pillai Trophy, a race for horses rated in the lowest category. Eleos who had run more than 25 lengths behind the winner in his last effort at Mumbai, was made the favourite on the basis of extensive workouts. Eleos was prominent till the final furlong before losing steam in the final 100 metres. Alpha Gene got the measure of those in front by the final furlong and stormed for an easy win. Royal Castle headed Verdandi and Eleos for the second spot.