Esperanza Blazes Through Bushtops Plate Sprint on Special Race Day
The speed merchants took center stage in the second contest of Pune’s Special Race Day 2025, as Esperanza delivered a sharp front-running victory in The Bushtops Plate, a Class III handicap for Indian horses rated 40 to 66.
Run over a blistering 1000 metres, the race unfolded on a Good track under overcast skies, where split-second decisions defined the outcome.
Jockey Aditya Waydande timed it to perfection, guiding Esperanza to a clinical win for trainer Shazaan Shah, stopping the clock at 0:57.495. Owned by Mr. Jaydev M. Mody rep, J. M. Livestock Pvt Ltd, the horse showcased electric acceleration from the gates and maintained a relentless tempo down the straight.
Midnight Express and Fast Approach Follow Close Behind
Midnight Express, ridden by N. S. Parmar for M. K. Jadhav, was game in pursuit and finished runner-up in 0:57:929, showing signs of a return to form.
Meanwhile, Fast Approach, under a determined ride from Neeraj Rawal and trained by Sanjay Kolse, grabbed the third spot in 0:58:447, continuing a consistent run in sprint company.
With Esperanza setting the sprinting standard, attention now turns to the mile-long feature, The Indian Association of Equine Practitioners Trophy. Will it be a tactical battle or a late charge? RaceBuzz will bring you the latest as it unfolds.
