Skyfleet (International-Claribel) from the stables of T.Natraj slammed the field to claim the higher division of the M.Govindappa Memorial Cup, the main event of Wednesday’s races at Mysore. Apprentice N.Rajesh rode a well judged race to get the better of Swept Away towards the closing stages. Swept Away had surged ahead to take over the running as the field showed up for the final run and Skyfleet emerged from the pack with a burst to join the issue. The two broke away from the rest and fought out till the finish with Skyfleet emerging the winner by half a length.

Zareer Darashah’s Azita (Rebuttal-Persian Delight) carried the top weight to an effortless victory in the Continual Trophy. Azita had taken down a lot of money in her previous run where she had put up a dismal performance, finishing off the board. Azita was once again installed as the firm favourite over the other runners and P.S.Chouhan rode a confident race to win comfortably. My Boy set the pace and took a long lead to finally run out of steam on entering the home stretch. Azita who was biding her time in about sixth position moved over to take charge 300 metres from home and drew away from the rest. Manthara collared Queen’s Cruise close to the winning post to finish second.

Darashah had earlier saddled All For Cash (Royal Kingdom-Am Capable) to victory in the Kutta Plate. All For Cash was racing at the wrong end of the field till the last 500 metres while Demanding Format led from the front. Turning for home, jockey S.John brought All For Cash through the shortest way and sneaked in to win. Caterina, Always On Top and Happiness filled the frame in a close finish.

John rode two winners, having lifted the Splash Plate with C.Girinath’s Oblique (Mr.Mellon-Born To Dance) earkier in the day. Queen’s Colour and Oblique were both supported strongly by their respective connections and the two landed as the joint favourites towards race time. Oblique took over the running from the front running Heartoftheocean 350 metres from home and kicked on from Queens Colour who was in futile chase. Mr.Genius played up violently in the saddling enclosure and was withdrawn before the horses could come to the parade ring.

Bipin V Salvi’s Time Flies (Ontario-Ordina) scored an upset victory over the strongly fancied Shaka Zulu in the Halebeedu Plate. Time Flies gained ground rapidly inside the last furlong to give apprentice B.Harish his first win. Shaka Zulu, a youngster with lot of promise was not raced for the last six months but his run in a mock race held recently was very impressive. Shaka Zulu was backed to the exclusion of the other runners but failed to quicken despite the best efforts of P.S.Chouhan and finished second to Time Flies.

Bipin had earlier led in Amazing Flora (Inner City-Alflora) to victory in the Varuna Plate. The favourite Mystic Enchantress set out on a start to finish mission over the mile trip but lost out in the fight with Amazing Flora in the final furlong.Noble Sacrifice took the third
spot.

C.D.Monnappa’s Catapult (Emerald Cat-Lucky Break) won the first race of the day, the Kivalam Plate. Catapult hurried under N.Rajesh to take over the running as the field traversed the final turn and led all the way to the finish. Marianella finished second ahead of Secret Girl and True Fashion. An objection by the rider of Secret Girl against the rider of Marianella which lacked substance was overruled by the stewards in no time.

A well calculated gamble on The Gain (Sir Bordeaux-Game Plan) paid off successfully in the lower division of the M.Govindappa Memorial Cup, the last race of the day. S.Mubarak who replaced Madhu Babu, kept The Gain alongside Aahana in front, till the top of the straight and surged clear to register an easy win. Wynn and Cute Style warmed up late to finish second and third respectively.