Honours remain even in Lahore races

LAHORE: It was a day of balanced outcomes at the Lahore Race Club, where both favourites and longshots claimed three races apiece in a competitive six-race card. While Shahanshah, Mogambo, and Sardar Bey lived up to expectations, surprise victories from Awan Di Shan, Little Master, and Prodigal Rain added unpredictability and excitement to the proceedings.

The spotlight was firmly on Race Four and Five, featuring Class VI and Class VII aspirants, where longer distances tested pedigree, form, and tactical riding. These races offered a glimpse into the emerging contenders for future Derby and stakes races.

In the opening race, odds-on favourite Shahanshah justified the betting confidence by defeating Haseeb Barbarians, while Sher Dil, the expected place pick, settled for third. The second race delivered a shock as Awan Di Shan, an unheralded entry, surged to victory with a powerful late burst. Favourite Royal Stone finished second, and fluke contender Dawood Prince took third.

The third race produced one of the biggest surprises of the day, with Little Master, ridden by Abdullah Amir, upsetting the charts. Monsoon Mischief, the race leader on paper, was second, while Yes Commander added to the drama by claiming third.

In Race Four, Prodigal Rain stunned the field with a decisive win over Distant Music, while Brooklyn’s emergence in third was equally unexpected. The fifth race followed the script, with Sardar Bey continuing his Derby quest with a composed win. Haider Prince secured second, and fluke entry Princess Sara rounded out the podium.

The final race saw favourite Mogambo deliver a convincing win, but the surprises came in the form of Luckvir and Imperius, who claimed second and third respectively, defying pre-race predictions.