Secret Memory with two swashbuckling victories under his belt at Pune was considered invincible when he was sent to Hyderabad for the Hindu Deccan Derby on October 2. Jockey B. Prakash was however unable to gain the issue as he was tamed by Man Of The Match, a rank outsider. Two weeks down the line, racegoers were thinking on similar lines when Ruben Star was declared to start for the big event in Pune. Interestingly, Ruben Star gave a completely incomprehensible performance while Secret Memory (Diffident-Memories of You) prevailed convincingly over Count Du Monet in the Nanoli Stud sponsored Grade 1 one event on Sunday.

The looks sported by Ruben Star during the paddock-parade were far from encouraging for anyone who expected him to replicate the robust performance seen during his two previous wins. Ruben Star's rugged attempt to pull away from the pack at the start and B. Prakash's decision to deny him that luxury and literally gagging him in the process may have worked against Ganapathy's ward. Ruben Star settled down only after travelling nearly two furlongs where Sonic Boom decided to take over the mantle from Secret Memory. 

Secret Memory (C.Rajendra up) winner of the Nanoli Stud Pune Derby (Gr.1) 
being led in by trainer Mr.Ganapathy
& breeder Mr. Shapoor Mistry 

The gloomy fate of Ruben Star was apparent to all as the race came to a boil just moments before taking the final turn. Secret Memory was spurred into the lead by C. Rajendra after Sonic Boom made a retreat. Y. S. Srinath also made his move astride Count Du Monet and it appeared for a moment that he would swoop down on the turf baron's second hope. But Rajendra rising to the occasion was equal to his task and unwilling to let go the opportunity of winning his first ever Derby on his home turf. The Manjri Stud bred Secret Memory responded gallantly to his rider's call and quashed the hopes of Count Du Monet. Ruben Star's humiliation was total after both Nimble Feet and Spinoza got the better of him to complete the judges frame.

Mrs.Deepa Dhunjibhoy presenting the Nanoli Stud Pune Derby Trophy to Mr.Shapoor Mistry 

Ganapathy had earlier landed the N.H. Dhunjibhoy sprint Championship with the chestnut filly Evatina (Placerville-Abbess), who continued her terrific form and clinched a hat-trick under Prakash's guidance. Oyster Cove ran disappointingly and never entered the fray at any stage of the race. He did however suffer a couple of serious interferences. 

Count Du Monet's failure notwithstanding, Pesi had another satisfying day with his engagements. The sparingly raced filly Maybach (Seacliff-Porsche Too) ran true to the promise shown in her last start though it would've been a case of the trip being a trifle sharp. But all's well that ends well and Neeraj Rawal powered Maybach to steal the race from right under the nose of Maurya.

Srinath finally had the satisfaction of piloting a winner when the piping-hot favourite Chagall (Burden of Proof-Current Bay) lived up to the top billing accorded to him by the market forces. Chagall unleashed a powerful run in the home stretch to outclass his opponents including the runner-up Call To Arms. Attention Seeker stretched out in the last part to be in the money ahead of Babita. Magic Spell thundered on to the scene when the race was all over bar the shouting and was easily the best of the beaten brigade. The other runners appeared to have also ran but that was not the case as they were all huddled up close behind the first four runners and that too with little or no interest in the race.

Dr.Mallya receiving the J.E.Hughes Trophy 
from  Mr.Adi Narielwalla

Subhag Singh trained Balance De Power (Royal Kingdom-Eternally) provided a swift double for owner Shyam Ruia, who had earlier led in Maybach. The bay filly came with a devouring run to go clear of Aqua Glow and Xian. Favourite Siebel ran another dismal race to finish fourth.

Astro Boy (Excalibur's Lake-Winning Power), from Ivor Fernandes', yard was encouraged by Neeraj Rawal to shock favourite Dance Diva, who was being hailed as a winner close home. Gold Craze ran a forward race but had to be content with a minor place ahead of Wells Fargo.

Beyond Belief (Warrshan-Leit Motif) made good use of the handicap and went wire-to-wire in the hands of P. S. Chouhan to lift the F. A. & K. A. Irani Trophy. The Imtiaz Sait trainee always had a firm grip over the mile-long race with Empirical and favourite Royal Princess proving just minor irritants for him. Star Galaxy ran a noteworthy fourth despite her rider losing the whip in the closing stages of the race.

Mansoor Shah's ward Take On (Tirol-Takwim) earned her maiden win when jockey Harish steered her to a comfortable win over Striking Out in the concluding race. Magic Words, belonging to the same yard as the winner, saved some blushes for her connections by not putting her best foot forward and taking a backseat for the moment. She finished a good third and was followed closely by Fairy Goddess. It was Rage of Angels, however, who left a big impression on the mind with her late effort.