Michael Eshwer trained Green Bax won the 1400 metres J B Mallaradhya Memorial Cup, the highlight of Saturday's races, quiet capably. The son of Greensmith had been running forward races but was found slackening in the closing stages. Running much fitter now and presented with modest company, Green Bax made a profitable start to finish dash. Favourite Cedros threatened to overhaul the front-runner at one stage but ran out of steam when in sight of a possible win and weakened to finish third.

King of the Turf who recorded a surprise win last time out, continues to be on the upgrade, coming up with a late flourish to take the runner up berth. Exactly one year ago, Green Bax had given a drubbing to Cedros in a maidens' race. However, it was Cedros who received greater support as he had run an eye-catching second to Khaleel's Pride and showed out in the workouts. In the event, Green Bax who bounced back to his old form had it easy, having the race sewn up in the final furlong.

Cedros once again let down his supporters and he seems to be suffering from some inadequacies, which comes into play when he is required to overhaul his opponents. There was fair share of support for Romantic Getaway but the son of Razeen is yet to pick up form and at present, he is out of depth in this company. Jockey Christopher Alford has made tremendous strides in the last two years. He is a classic example of what hard work can achieve if given the right sort of support. Alford is currently fighting with B Prakash for jockeys' championship and has a slender lead over the latter at this point of time.

Alford had a treble for the day and on two occasions, got the better of his adversary. Prakash has always had things easy, riding infinitely superior horses. Often, he has been found wanting when he faces stiff competition and more often than not he has faltered. Sunny's Connexion and favourite Golden Circle fought out a thrilling battle in the final two furlongs, with the former managing to keep a slender lead right to the line. Alford did not have many problems when guiding Alekona to facile win over Santorini Star Plate (Div II).

The Arjun Mangalorkar trainee had things under control well before the final furlong and Alford had the luxury of repeatedly looking back and easing up his mount. This is a tendency that Alford needs to curb because it could turn out to be his undoing. Alekona won like a good type of youngster and should progress swiftly on the handicap scale. The upper division of the race saw an absorbing battle between favourite Moon Forest and Acceptance. Once again, Prakash had the mortification of being out-ridden, this time by Mallesh Narredu.

Native Strategy was considered unbeatable and though the son of Placerville delivered the goods, he did not win in the manner expected. Had jockey Prakash been more active on Ruby Brown, he could have caused anxious moments to the winner. Things haven't gone right for Prakash after his controversial ride on Evatina. He started the day, with a loser on favourite One To Conquer who packed up too soon for comfort. Trainer Prithviraj brought off a quiet touch on Regal Music who went away for a comfortable win, with a strong run inside the final 100 metres. Prakash was successful only on Right Again whom he had to drive out with all the resources at his command to get the better of fancied Saregama who once again weakened after going into a good lead in the final furlong.

Cartouche threatened briefly but he failed to pick up momentum and faded out to be third. It was been quiet frustrating for trainer Padmanabhan whose tally of seconds is only growing by the day. Radical Power who has had his share of problems, went into what looked a decisive lead at the final turn and when everyone began to hail him as a winner, he ground to a halt in the closing stages. This enabled friendless Hold That Tiger to bring off the biggest upset of the day. Favourite Puissant did not gallop fluently and was a lost cause well before the final bend.