The local challenger Kohinoor Wish (Gaswar-Blue Sonata) from the stables of Anupam Sharma got its due when it was given a confident ride by R.Laxmikanth to annex the Nizam’s Gold Cup Grade-III, which was the focal race at Hyderabad on Sunday. The 2000 metres test of stamina is one of the most important events in Hyderabad’s racing calendar. Eleven runners were lined up for the race, three of them arriving from Bangalore. Kohinoor Wish who was the second highest rated horse at this racing centre, had stretched its legs in a mock race a couple of weeks ago, as a part of the preparation for the ‘Nizam’s’.

Kohinoor Wish was settled well in mid-field, in about fifth position while Cielo Rey started to set the pace, closely followed by Nasheeta, Southern Bay and Pedalo. The other six followed behind, with Swiss Don at the tail. Approaching the last 600 metres, the favourite Southern Bay looked to be already under pressure and young Laxmikanth pulled out Kohinoor Wish to provide an unhindered passage. The 5 year old son of Gaswar responded in a brilliant fashion when the rider asked it to quicken and sped past to lift the race in splendid fashion. Pedalo finished on, being second in front of Nasheeta. Midtown Magic and Ceilo Rey filled the frame while Southern Bay was a tame fifth.

Laxman Singh trained Vijay’s Jet (Alnasr Alwasheek-Ramjet) won the Wanaparthy Cup, beating Montpelier in a well fought out contest. Montepelier and Vijay’s Jet, the market leaders in the race, raced towards the rear till approaching the final bend and on getting into the home stretch both of them made their move at the same time. The passage for Montepelier was easy but Culhane had to force his way on Vijay’a Jet to get to the front. The two of them were quickly in front and they got to a fight in the last 200 metres. Vijay’s Jet travelled the better to spare a length at the finish.

Laxman had earlier in the day saddled Lumiere Blanche (Gaswar-Dancing Flame) to victory, in the lower division of the Dashmesh Stud Plate. The grey filly thus completed a hat trick. Lumiere Blanche who had signed off her winter campaign with a win had won her last start this season. Pavan was on a start to finish bid in the race and Lumiere Blanche with a determined effort defied the stiff penalty and surged ahead. Drum Beat denied Pavan a second place in the dying moments of the race.

Jockey P.S.Chouhan had to work hard on D’Silva’s Ocean Side (Noverre-Maratha Princess) to get the better of Street Magic, in the Astronomic Cup. Street Magic was up in front over the six furlongs sprint with the favourite Hawkspring finding it difficult to keep pace. Ocean Side came into contention in the last 200 metres but had to be driven out by the rider before going forward close to the winning post. Chouhan had started the day with a win on Deshmukh schooled Oasis Vision (Senure-Strasbourg), in the Indiscretion Plate. On a start to finish bid, the filly had to be extended when Speedtosucceed came up with a strong challenge inside the last furlong.

Ananth Vatsalya’s Kohinoor Angel (Quest Star-Bold Choice) who had remained a maiden even after a dozen runs finally managed to clinch a victory, in the Rave Review Cup. The filly, who had indicated that she was getting her stride right while finishing second in her last start, came with a sustained run to overhaul the front running Star Striker. Sheikhs Emperor and Royal Cruise filled the frame.

K.S.V.Prasad Raju’s Days Of Thunder (Alnasr Alwasheek-Days of Glory) won the higher division of the Dashmesh Stud Plate under Suraj Narredu. Jumping out smartly from the gates, Days of Thunder went ahead to lead the field and quickened well when given a few taps inside the last 200 metres, to stretch away from the rest. Naughty Gal followed the winner throughout, to finish second.

K.Satheesh’s Custodian (Hurricane State-Three in One) scored its maiden win in the Deccan Star Plate. With two horses, Molla and Asta La Vista Babe withdrawn near the starting gates, the field was reduced to seven. Racing Tycoon took charge on top of the straight but could not keep the momentum going and surrendered the lead to Custodian inside the last 250 metres.