The Karnataka Racehorse Owners Association Cup, a terms race for first season runners, was the highlight of Saturday’s action. The race had an open look about it as none of the contestants had any worthwhile credentials to back their claims but in the end, Zareer Darashah trained Milan gave promise of turning into a useful performer when fighting a resolute battle with Slanka to land the spoils. The quality of the contestants, however, was run of the mill.

As is the wont with most of Darashah wards and his stable jockey Appu’s pattern of riding, Milan was taken on a start to finish mission. The son of Tiajuana, despite coming under pressure from the well-supported Slanka had enough reserves to kick clear when it mattered the most. Slovania toiled hard to finish third. The fact that Milan had the run benefit made a crucial difference to the outcome as lack of a race run went against the runner-up.

Appu was again in his elements when driving out Al Habib to a narrow win over Star Festival in the F K Irani Memorial Cup, a race for horses rated 40 and above, the other highlight of the day. For the second time running, Star Festival finished second best to Al Habib. The speedy Winelight showed the way as the starter dispatched the six-horse field for the sprint trip. Star Festival essayed a strong challenge to Winelight in the homestretch but the latter continued to battle on. But in doing so, the son of Tecorno, Winelight shifted out from the rails which enabled Al Habib to get a dream run along the rails. The son of Broto, Al Habib quickened nicely and surged ahead which held the five-year old in good stead as Star Festival finished on powerfully. Golden Collection, who found considerable support to end up as the favourite, was out of depth in this set.

Puttanna trained Brunswick who had incurred a huge penalty for his runaway win last time out, recorded an encore, beating a competitive field in the 1400 metres R Prithviraj Urs Memorial Plate. Arroganto was made the firm favourite but the son of Tejano who was tardy at the start, made no show. Streetsmart took charge inside the final 350 metres and shaped like a winner but Brusnwick came up with a spirited run to surge ahead close home to win with a measure of comfort. Parisien Belle finished on strongly to snatch the runner-up berth from Streetsmart who but for one runaway win, hasn’t lived up to expectations.

Apprentice jockey S Ramesh has been enjoying a good season. With success coming his way, he has been riding with great confidence and the result is there for all to see. He guided Furia Rossa to a repeat win in the S N Gundu Rao Memorial Plate (Div I), with a well-timed run. Always Dancing had the luck of the race against her as she ran into Our Ambition when about to get into full rhythm. The interference cost Always Dancing the race as the five-year old race mare finished with a powerful burst but missed the berth narrowly. Francis Norton could not hide his frustration when hurling an expletive or two at Shakti Singh who was astride Our Ambition. Shakti Singh ended up with a fine of Rs 5,000. The lower division of the race saw Saffron Finch, cover acres of ground on the front-runners in the homestretch to win over Luxor.

Veteran jockey Shafiq had a rewarding day, with two winners to his credit. First, he drove out Caesarr to a comfortable win over favourite Golden Fellowship and then guided River Bed to a narrow win over Step In Time and Inxss.

Trainer Pradeep Annaiah was rewarded for his perseverance when Win Ameen, despite a lethargic start, scored a comfortable win. Apprentice S Ramesh rode the four-year old filly with admirable presence of mind. The promising jockey did not panic by the slow start and gradually worked his way to take charge inside the final 300 metres.