With almost a 1,000 horses stationed at Bangalore for the winter season, only six races each could be framed for the two days of racing this week. The fields were also small with a total of 52 runners for the six races on Friday. Patrons failed to understand the reasons for the apathy from the professionals in running their wards. The wet weather prevailing at this centre from the start of the season could be a major contributor to such a situation.

The going is no doubt on the softer side from the start of the winter season, but the track is definitely not dangerous for racing. Bangalore, being a premier racing centre, has always had competitive racing with good fields and we hope the glory of racing returns in the coming weeks. Darius Byramji-trained Kingdomofdreams (Diffident – Lorne) romped home like a champion in the Kabini Cup, on Friday afternoon at Bangalore. Of the eight runners in the race, the knowledgeable race-goers did not look beyond the top three market fancies, Braavo, Bala’s Glory and Spark Of Solitaire, for a win.

The odds on Braavo eased out during race time but this Darius-trainee held his position as the first favourite. Bala’s Glory and Spark Of Solitaire found large support coming their way in the betting ring. The rest of the field was offered longer quotes. Entering the home stretch, Bala’s Glory had a slender lead over Flying Tricolour, Braavo and Spark Of Solitaire. Bala’s Glory started to drift out of the straight course and Spark Of Solitaire on his outside also moved out. While the two were fighting out, Kingdomofdreams took the wide opening along the rails and rallied like a champion with apprentice N. Rajesh. Bala’s Glory finished second, a neck in front of Spark Of Solitaire while Bravo ended up a tame fifth behind Dolce Vino.

Neil Daeashah-trained Appolonaire (Albertini – Badgering) won The M.S. Krishnappa Memorial Cup in style. Glitterato took charge on entering the straight and at one stage looked like he would kick on but Appolonaire improved from third position and surged ahead swiftly. The Contender rallied to take the runner-up berth ahead of Kripa, who did not show his ‘talent’ at any stage. Glitterato packed up after Appolonaire went ahead and finished off the board.

The most impressive winner of the day was S. Padmanabhan-trained filly, Elusive Way (Elusive City – Fiona Fibber), in The P. Anthony Memorial Plate. Elusive Way took a good jump, led briefly before settling behind Game Dancer. As the field turned for home, David Allan nursed Elusive Way to a nicety and the filly stretched out leaving the field far away behind. Amazer finished second ahead of Game Dancer. The November Plate was the first race for the season’s youngsters. With eight juveniles having accepted, all eyes were on S.S. Attaollahi trained African Queen.

The filly failed to impress on debut, finishing third and it was the progenies of Midtown who took the top two placing. Speed Boat (Midtown - Tug Boat) overtook Midtown Magic within the final 150 metres to win the race. A good gamble from trainer Prithviraj’s stable, paid dividends in The Bellary Plate. Seven Heaven (Brave Act – Sunny Clime) was backed to the exclusion of the other runners. Ailsa tried to hold his position in front of Seven Heaven on the straight but failed to match stride and fell back to finish third.

Gold Tern slipped along the rails with a late dash to finish second. Enduring speed showed up late to fill the frame. Darius Byramji, who won the feature event of the day, was the only professional to score a double. His ward, Rip Van Winkle (Gaswar – Minetta) made it a pillar-to-post victory in The Beloved Prince Plate. Jockey P.S. Chouhan, who is ruling the track at Hyderabad, was astride and his strong riding ensured a clear win for Rip Van Winkle. The favourite Savvy Concept ended up second ahead of Jewel Lady.