Ananth Vatsalya trained Kohinoor Wish (Gaswar-Blue Sonata) exhibited sheer class while lifting the prestigious Qutab Shahi Cup at Hyderabad on Monday. The 6 year old son of Gaswar has missed being on the frame on only two occasions, in its career spanning 31 runs. The ‘Kohinoor’ was installed as the piping hot favourite against the three opponents, which included the last year’s winner Aristos. Aristos set the pace over the mile trip with Nasheeta, Kohinoor Wish and Proof almost together about two lengths adrift of the leader. As the heads turned for home, Kohinoor Wish, who moved along the inner rails, raised a resolute gallop under S.John to win in a smart timing which was fractionally slower than the course record. The 8 year old  Aristos showed plenty of zest while finishing second, ahead of Nasheeta and Proof.

The seven year old Arabian Dancer (Brave Act-Coco Beach) set a new course record over 5 1/2 furlongs, while scoring a stunning upset in the R.W.I.T.C. Cup, beating the inform Windsor Manor close to the winning post. Arabian Dancer stopped the clock at 1min. 04.53 seconds which was marginally faster than the record that stood in the name of Notredam for well over a year. Windsor Manor got to the front, to lead the field, as is customary style and was well in front as they approached the last furlong. Arabian Dancer started to get closer with the favourite Windsor Manor beginning to feel the back breaking weight. Despite the best efforts of P.S.Chouhan to keep Windsor Manor going, Arabian Dancer caught up and surged ahead in the last twenty metres. Molecule was third, further behind.  

 L.V.R.Deshmukh trained Castle Town (Midtown-Canaletto) whose last win was a year ago, showed plenty of acceleration in the last 300 metres while winning the Prince Pradeep Cup. Laurel Canyon set the pace with Kansas City Mac in chase and Castle Town tucked in along the fence. As they came into the last two furlongs, jockey Chouhan pulled Castle Town out, to make way for a clear run and once shown the daylights, the gelding raised a quick gallop to leave the field and draw away. Moment of Roses also improved from behind but found the winner too good and settled for the runner-up berth. Green Bay finished third ahead of Kansas City Mac.

An unfancied Black Bolt (Ivory Touch-Negress Doll) from Laxman Singh’s yard pulled off a surprise win on debut, in the Gangothri Plate. Shimmering Eyes showed plenty of initial speed and set out in front from the start. Black Bolt moved alongside near the distance post and stretched out easily and extended the margin of victory. Shimmering Eyes had to settle for the second place. Winning Shot, who was tracking the leader all the way, ended up third.

Travaldo (Midtown-Forest Green) from the stables of Netto won the higher division of the Pleasure Hunt Plate. Overtaker was in the lead with Travaldo racing in second. Nearing the last 250 metres, jockey Imran Khan urged Travaldo to step up momentum and the 5 year old responded readily to surge ahead. Ann Arbor was pressed hard throughout the final furlong but found it hard to catch the winner and finished second. Grigori and Pussy Galore filled the frame.

Deshmukh saddled his second winner of the day with Ashleen State (Hurricane State-Ashleen) in the lower division. The six year old who had not seen the winning post for over two years, got to the front at start and led all the way to the finish. Robust charged in late to take the second spot, beating the favourite Kathakali in the shadow of the post. Onti Onti Onti came flying towards the closing stages to reach the frame.

K.S.V.Prasad Raju trained Foudre Rouge (Sussex-Machiavelli) shed her maiden ranks in the opening race of the day, the lower division of the Mossy Banks Plate. The race favourite Enrapture was in the lead all the way up the straight. Dartos The Muscle and Foudre Rouge started to put pressure in the last furlong. The grey Foudre Rouge surged ahead under the strong handling of S.John. Dartos The Muscle edged out Enrapture for the second place.

Sk.Kassam trained Baba’s Gift (Home Affairs-Blues Clues) was ridden hard by J.H.Christopher to win the higher division. Entering the home stretch, Baba’s Gift got into a striking position and when the rider gave a couple of backhanders, moved ahead and stayed well from Star Striker. Maid For Love and Bernabeu filled the frame in a close finish.