Heavy showers on Tuesday night left the monsson track on the heavier side. That did not however deter public choices from romping home in most of the seven events. In fact, barring Rutherford Alford-trained Vignet in the curtain-raiser, fancied runners ruled the roost during the afternoon.

Champion trainer Daniel David came out of a lean period with flying colours when his Steal The Glory lifted the Own Ability Cup in great style in the hands of apprentice Amandeep Singh. The ante-post favourite Quest For Cash was outpaced by this classy colt from the stable of Dr. MAM Ramaswamy. The best o the rest was the much improved Smarty Pant.

His confidence boosted by his flawless handling of Steal The Glory, Amandeep went on to record a back-to-back brace as he guided Sterling Magic to a fine triumph in the Kingcraft Handicap run over 1800 metres. Neeraj Rawal, who drew a blank on this day, had his best chance of the afternoon astride Highly Fashionable but lost position rapidly after a good jump-out. In retrospect however, it would be fair to say that the best horse won.

Jockey Christopher Alford too recorded a double before sitting out his two race-day suspension. The champion rider opened his account with Absolutely Royal in the Royal Mantle Handicap. The filly won as she liked, with the second favourite Golden Chain all at sea. Alford completed his brace with a power-packed ride atop Antenor in the Orange William Cup. The ace rider kept punching for home despite shifting off a straight course. Public choice Entrepreneur was surprisingly collared by Fabulous Emperor, and the latter would have gained the day to complete Amandeep’s hattrick had not Alford persisted with his mount.

Mark Reuben, who was seen in action for the first time this season, bit the dust atop Entrepreneur, but came back with a vengeance on Big Thrillz to sweep past Arabian Music in the Thrifty Allan Handicap. The on-money favourite Artillery (from Patrick Quinn’s yard) was just no match for the winner.

Quinn however made amends in the day’s final event, The Espoir Cup, which he picked up with Simply Perfect, on whom there was a huge gamble.