The Kelachandra New Millennium Cup has become synonymous with the first day's racing in the New Year at Bangalore. This race was held on Friday, and racegoers were delighted to see nine top class middle distance runners accepting to take part in this richly endowed event. The runners included Bourbon King, Rhapsidion Snow, Lionheart and Splendid Surprise. The four of them are amongst the highest rated horses in the country. It is normal to see them crossing swords with each other in the "Terms" races at this centre. On current form, Bourbon King looked better than the rest, and was supported with confidence. The reason for this bravado being the fact, that he had beaten a similar bunch on the opening day of the season while carrying 64 Kgs to a comfortable victory. His supporters ignored the chances of Rhapsidion Snow as they felt that this six year old was too brilliant, and would not be suited by the present trip. She was looking exceedingly well in the paddock, but the odds against this mare kept rising ,and she ultimately reached the starting gates as a 5/1 second chance after the short priced Bourbon King. The race began with Einstein going into an early lead ahead of Rhapsidion Snow, Woman On Top, Green Bax and Bourbon King. David Allan on Rhapsidion Snow and Prakash on Bourbon King were content to allow their mounts to stay in the same positions as the heads turned for home. Rhapsidion Snow was asked to take over the running thereafter, and she responded with an amazing turn of foot. It did not take long for the supporters of the favourite to panic. There was stunned silence as Rhapsidion Snow legthened her strides and romped home in effortless fashion. Bourbon King was heavily whipped to finish ahead of Green Bax, Splendid Surprise and Lionheart. He ran below par and was totally outpaced in this race. Trainer Padmanabhan was delighted with the performance of his ward, and her present form makes her almost invincible over seven furlongs amongst the present lot of horses racing at the Bangalore Turf Club. Jockey Chris Hayes rode a brilliant treble for Dr Vijay Mallya in the eight event card framed for the day. All three were trained by the young and upcoming Suleiman Attaolahi. The outstanding feature in this performance was the judgement of pace displayed by this youngster. He started with an armchair ride to victory on Silken Thomas. Finding the early pace a bit slow, Hayes allowed the four year old to make all the running and revelled in the luxury of easing him much before the winning post. Silken Thomas was the shortest priced horse in the day's card. His next winner came astride Asiaticus. This horse was considered to be a sprinter by his connections and was campaigned accordingly. He was run over seven furlongs in his last outing, when he had come out and stunned the opposition. He was penalized for that effort and promoted in class. The trainer decided to race him again over the same distance. Asiaticus was totally ignored in the betting ring and was freely available at 20/1. He was held back in mid group as a couple of no-hopers set the early pace till the bend. Mallesh Narredu brought Flaming Lamborgini along the rails and led briefly from Axiology and My Friend Paul, before Asiaticus arrived on the scene. Hayes drove his mount on the wide outside and maintained his advantage till the very end. My Friend Paul and Axiology were able to fill the rest of the frame. Chris Hayes had reserved his best for the end. He completed the treble with Callista. He had ridden her in the previous start, when she had missed the kick before making a late bid to occupy the second berth. Chris realized that this mare is a strong finisher. He took a smart jump today and sat off the pace till well into the straight. He rode her vigorously thereafter and took charge in the final furlong of the race. Callista had no problem in holding the late challenge from Madam Rich. This talented rider showed immense judgement of pace, and is riding with a lot of confidence in the current season. River Island ran a fair third. Fancied Blink put up a doleful performance while finishing in the ruck. Arjun Mangalorkar trained Ray Of Sunshine made an impressive seasonal debut while winning the day's opener. This compact filly was made to carry the top weight over a mile. The only thing in her favour was the quality of her opposition. John held her back till the bend before coming through the middle. Quiet Achiever and Pretty N Fast were able to save place money. Arjun was extremely unlucky to have not completed a double with Express It. This fashionably bred and good looking horse was starting his career at the age of four. He is reported to have had many problems in recent months. Express It was looking exceedingly well in the paddock and was backed with confidence. He was unlucky to have got repeatedly knocked around at the start. In fact, the whole thing looked pretty bad in the TV replays. The Stewards are expected to hold an enquiry into the matter. Express It found himself at the rear end of the field as the heads turned for home. Cute Style opened up a big lead while shooting away from the pack, and this helped him in ultimately winning this race. The favourite came with giant strides to finish close behind the winner. It was a classic case of a "Good Thing" getting beat. Another favourite to suffer from a tardy start was Darius trained Calming Influence. She was backed to the exclusion of her rivals, and was expected to score in this set. She missed the jump and was almost last to enter the straight. Saleem Golam made a valiant effort to catch Forever Mark, but fell short by three parts of a length. The filly is in excellent condition and will be too-good-to-miss in her next start. Lester won the last race of the day. Punters were waiting for money to come on this horse, and once it happened, they backed him down with confidence. Lester kept improving from his extreme outside draw and was stronger than the others to retain his grip on the race. Kajuraho came with a belated efffort to finish a close second. Marcegalia ran a forward race in the hands of Zia Akhtar , and is looking very fit. A positive switch in the saddle should be enough reason to back him in his next start.