Mangalorkar trained Blue Hare's win in the Juvenile Sprinters Million (Grade II) was definitely not out of turn though the bookmaker odds told a different story. Mumbai challenger Aprilia was considered a cinch on the basis of the filly's two impressive wins but the fact remained that Blue Hare who was a winner of one race was rated only one point below the favourite and the disparity in odds definitely did no justice to their relative ranking. It came as no surprise when the Brave Hunter progeny floored the front-running favourite with his finishing burst.

The field for the million was competitive but as it always happens, Aprilia went into the race as a cramped on-money favourite, which was not justified. The Don't Forget Me-Passing Gull three-year old filly no doubt had won her lead up race quite impressively but with the others in fray too having good credentials, a tough battle was on cards and the odds should have reflected this. 

Jockey Ruzzan took Aprilia on a start to finish mission, with Hero Worship close in attendance while the rest including Blue Hare struggled for early pace. Blue Hare was in the fifth or sixth position while top-weighted Amber Dancer was in a handy third position. Rounding the final bend, Aprilia's lead was fast-diminishing as Hero Worship closed in. However, the Conquering Hero progeny flattered to deceive, as chasing the front-runner had taken its toll and he veered in causing severe interference to The Archer who was gaining ground on the rails and lost the third spot too on objection. In the meanwhile, Blue Hare, after being switched out on the outside of the tiring horses in the front by jockey Satish Narredu, came up with a powerful run to surge past the front-runner to win with a measure of comfort. Archer, the Calcutta challenger who finished third should strike when saddled next.

Ponnappa trained Mr Belvedere shocked the fancied trio of Star Cheiftan, Arikana and Soviet Ace, with a measure of comfort in the 2000 metres Kunigal Stud Plate, a race for horses rated 30 to 45, the supporting event of the day. The Twist And Turn progeny Arikana who was unlucky to lose by a whisker to Refresher in her last run and Star Chieftan, rated to be a potential Derby contender and Soviet Ace, with some impressive runs behind him at Calcutta, were well supported in the betting ring, with Mr Belvedere, despite his last impressive win, not coming in race-goers reckoning.

Soviet Ace led the field into the final bend at which time, Gallagher put Mr Belvedere into the lead. Arikana flattered to deceive as she came pretty close to overhauling the front-runner but slackened. Mr Belvedere kicked clear to win quite easily in the end from Arikana who perhaps had not recovered from a hard run after a long absence from the track due to a tendon problem. Star Chieftan who sported blinkers, ran far below expectations. 

Yet another stable mate of Star Chieftan to come up with a shocking performance was Grand Illusion in the Hampi Cup (Div I) where top-weighted Kirkcaldy held off a belated challenge of Ankole. Grand Illusion, who had finished third to Persian Belle in her last run, ran down the field, much to the chagrin of those who put faith in this Ooty import. However, punters did have some relief from the same stable, as jockey Prakash drove out favourite Crowned to a hard-fought win over a late-finishing Semoran. Star Pegasus, son of Indian Derby winner Amazing Bay, was another from the Ganapathy stable who obliged in the Romantic Dancer with an easy win over Wovoka and Starstruck.

Mangalorkar trained Golden Collection who had run behind Ma Baker, duly obliged in the M Ali Asker Plate (Div II), staving off the challenge of Acceptor and Walk In The Clouds. Favourite Star Liner planted at the gate and lost all her chances. In the upper division of the race, inept handling by apprentice jockey Rajesh Singh resulted in the defeat of fancied Butter Sponge. Lesser-fancied Classic Belle won at nourishing odds. Butter Sponge would have won with better handling or had the distance been slightly more. Jockey Rajesh Singh failed to keep Butter Sponge in a striking position and raced the Portroe gelding in the rear and made his move on the wide outside but his weak finish ensured that the front-running Classic Belle held on. Breaking News who was also strongly fancied to win, was never in the hunt, giving a poor account of himself.

With Forestry running below expectations and Sriram Komandur's Money Spinner allowed to run to his potential, an upset result ensued in the Chamundi Hill Cup. The question that begged to be answered was: What was Money Spinner doing last time out?