Padmanabhan trained Holding Court bounced back to winning ways in spectacular fashion, thrashing a field which had four individual Derby winners in the fray, en route to lifting the Gr.2 Maharaja’s Cup, the plum event of Sunday’s races. Holding Court showed what he is capable of when he is at his best by the ease with which he beat the opposition pointless and the amazing quality of the win was the manner in which he stretched away in the final furlong to win the 2200 metres event in a timing of 2 minutes 16.73 seconds which is a new record for the distance. Ich Dien had clocked two minutes 16.1 seconds when carrying 52 kgs to victory; but the old records have lost their validity as the distances have been re-measured and the starting points put back considerably so as to make a significant difference to the timings. It is time the Bangalore Turf Club brought out a new list of records for various distances to put the performances of the thoroughbreds in proper perspective. Be that as it may, Holding Court who was troubled by one problem or the other during the winter campaign which had affected his performance was ready for the fray as evidenced by his running Mystical close without the benefit of a race run in his last essay. it was a pity that Mystical was not in the fray because then the race would have generated great excitement. Mystical had to concede two kgs to his adversary and considering the quality of Sunday’s win, there would have been no change to the outcome of the race notwithstanding the presence of Mystical. Forever Elegance who was fancied ahead of stablemate Southern Regent and Kolkata challenger Aperitivo was no match for the champion son of Royal Kingdom. Mystical and Holding Court are likely to clash in the St.Leger in the next fortnight and the race would be worth going miles to watch. Holding Court went into the race at very cramped odds as the public did not find any compelling reason to support the other contenders in the fray. Star Millionaire hit the front and took over the job of being the pace-maker, with Adolfito and Aperitivo racing in close attendance of each other. Holding Court was settled back in fourth or fifth position, with Brown Sugar for company while Forever Elegance and Southern Regent formed the rear group. Jockey Gallagher swiftly moved with Holding Court approaching the 700 metres marker and was all set to take charge from Aperitivo as the pace-maker had packed up before the final bend. Despite coming four horses wide, Holding Court came up with a smooth acceleration and sped past Aperitivo and went away or a win by a widening margin of seven lengths. Aperitivo battled on to take the runner up berth ahead of Forever legance. The victory of Holding Court highlighted the fact that he and Mystical definitely are better class than their predecessors. It was an eventful day of racing, with India Shining losing the battle in the Stewards room. India Shining prevailed in a close finish over Steelium in the Broadacres Stud Plate (Div II), with Cascabel and Assaye not far from the winner, a length separating the first five placed horses. Favourite Hawaiian Sunrise and Indian Shining raced behind Assaye who set a fast pace. Rounding the final bend, jockey Appu on India Shining made his move but in doing so, rolled in, causing Hawaiian Sunrise a very bad squeeze. Jockey C Alford barely managed to stay in the saddle as Hawaiian Sunrise had to be badly checked to prevent it from colliding with the eventual winner. India Shining did not keep a straight course and finally rolled over to the rails but in the process of doing so, caused Assaye to squeeze out Steelium from the rails. After being switched out from the rails, Steelium came up with a flourish only to lose by a head. Jockey Tauseef Ahmed raised an objection against Appu for squeezing and bumping which caused a chain reaction on his inside and caused Steelium to lose a definite race. The Stewards debated at length and finally decided to uphold the objection and also disqualify India Shining. There was substance in the objection but what perhaps forced Stewards to take a drastic action was the fact that the favourite Hawaiian Sunrise was knocked out from the fray by the eventual winner which was tantamount to dangerous riding. As such, the action by the Stewards was justified. Another Arjun Mangalorkar trainee, Mysterious Land, however, was bang on target in the upper division of the race, winning with a great deal of comfort from Priceless Memories and Lanark. Mysterious Land, who quickened well on turning for home, had the race well sewn up with Priceless Memories trying her best to bridge the gap but not making any impression on the winner. Imtiaz Sait’s Native Strategy was the most impressive debutant winner of the day. Three-year old Native Strategy came out of the maidens ranks in splendid fashion, taking charge from the word `go’ and won in a smart time of 1 minute 13.4 seconds without the jockey having to move a muscle. Native Strategy is a good type of a three-year old who is destined to go places. Saregama looked set to clinch the 2000 metres Endorsement Plate after establishing a clear two lengths lead over the opposition in the final furlong but he slackened close home. Flicker picked up momentum in the dying moments of the races to neck out the fancied runner. There was strong support for Compton Star but after throwing tantrums in the gate,he was a spent force. Apprentice jockey A Velu failed to maneuver a favourable position on War Head and to compound his problems; he came wide at the bend and could not get a proper hold till the final furlong. War Head who was asked to cover plenty of leeway, finished powerfully but Whisper City who had the first run on her opponents, managed to cling on to the lead with One Tough Guy and War Head breathing down his neck. War Head was an unlucky loser of the race. Hyderabad challengers have done very well this season. Leo D’Silva’s Hoaratio which was backed spiritedly in the day’s concluding race despite lesser known Uday Kiran in the saddle, proved too good, winning as he pleased. In the day’s other action, fancied Freebee who had often been not allowed to run to potential in the past, won capably and Euston beat a poor lot of horses quite easily in the day’s opener. Hima’s Pride was strong public fancy but such massive support was certainly not warranted as he finished a poor fourth. Padmanabhan trained Holding Court bounced back to winning ways in spectacular fashion, thrashing a field which had four individual Derby winners in the fray, en route to lifting the Gr.2 Maharaja’s Cup, the plum event of Sunday’s races. Holding Court showed what he is capable of when he is at his best by the ease with which he beat the opposition pointless and the amazing quality of the win was the manner in which he stretched away in the final furlong to win the 2200 metres event in a timing of 2 minutes 16.73 seconds which is a new record for the distance. Ich Dien had clocked two minutes 16.1 seconds when carrying 52 kgs to victory; but the old records have lost their validity as the distances have been re-measured and the starting points put back considerably so as to make a significant difference to the timings. It is time the Bangalore Turf Club brought out a new list of records for various distances to put the performances of the thoroughbreds in proper perspective. Be that as it may, Holding Court who was troubled by one problem or the other during the winter campaign which had affected his performance was ready for the fray as evidenced by his running Mystical close without the benefit of a race run in his last essay. it was a pity that Mystical was not in the fray because then the race would have generated great excitement. Mystical had to concede two kgs to his adversary and considering the quality of Sunday’s win, there would have been no change to the outcome of the race notwithstanding the presence of Mystical. Forever Elegance who was fancied ahead of stablemate Southern Regent and Kolkata challenger Aperitivo was no match for the champion son of Royal Kingdom. Mystical and Holding Court are likely to clash in the St.Leger in the next fortnight and the race would be worth going miles to watch. Holding Court went into the race at very cramped odds as the public did not find any compelling reason to support the other contenders in the fray. Star Millionaire hit the front and took over the job of being the pace-maker, with Adolfito and Aperitivo racing in close attendance of each other. Holding Court was settled back in fourth or fifth position, with Brown Sugar for company while Forever Elegance and Southern Regent formed the rear group. Jockey Gallagher swiftly moved with Holding Court approaching the 700 metres marker and was all set to take charge from Aperitivo as the pace-maker had packed up before the final bend. Despite coming four horses wide, Holding Court came up with a smooth acceleration and sped past Aperitivo and went away or a win by a widening margin of seven lengths. Aperitivo battled on to take the runner up berth ahead of Forever legance. The victory of Holding Court highlighted the fact that he and Mystical definitely are better class than their predecessors. It was an eventful day of racing, with India Shining losing the battle in the Stewards room. India Shining prevailed in a close finish over Steelium in the Broadacres Stud Plate (Div II), with Cascabel and Assaye not far from the winner, a length separating the first five placed horses. Favourite Hawaiian Sunrise and Indian Shining raced behind Assaye who set a fast pace. Rounding the final bend, jockey Appu on India Shining made his move but in doing so, rolled in, causing Hawaiian Sunrise a very bad squeeze. Jockey C Alford barely managed to stay in the saddle as Hawaiian Sunrise had to be badly checked to prevent it from colliding with the eventual winner. India Shining did not keep a straight course and finally rolled over to the rails but in the process of doing so, caused Assaye to squeeze out Steelium from the rails. After being switched out from the rails, Steelium came up with a flourish only to lose by a head. Jockey Tauseef Ahmed raised an objection against Appu for squeezing and bumping which caused a chain reaction on his inside and caused Steelium to lose a definite race. The Stewards debated at length and finally decided to uphold the objection and also disqualify India Shining. There was substance in the objection but what perhaps forced Stewards to take a drastic action was the fact that the favourite Hawaiian Sunrise was knocked out from the fray by the eventual winner which was tantamount to dangerous riding. As such, the action by the Stewards was justified. Another Arjun Mangalorkar trainee, Mysterious Land, however, was bang on target in the upper division of the race, winning with a great deal of comfort from Priceless Memories and Lanark. Mysterious Land, who quickened well on turning for home, had the race well sewn up with Priceless Memories trying her best to bridge the gap but not making any impression on the winner. Imtiaz Sait’s Native Strategy was the most impressive debutant winner of the day. Three-year old Native Strategy came out of the maidens ranks in splendid fashion, taking charge from the word `go’ and won in a smart time of 1 minute 13.4 seconds without the jockey having to move a muscle. Native Strategy is a good type of a three-year old who is destined to go places. Saregama looked set to clinch the 2000 metres Endorsement Plate after establishing a clear two lengths lead over the opposition in the final furlong but he slackened close home. Flicker picked up momentum in the dying moments of the races to neck out the fancied runner. There was strong support for Compton Star but after throwing tantrums in the gate,he was a spent force. Apprentice jockey A Velu failed to maneuver a favourable position on War Head and to compound his problems; he came wide at the bend and could not get a proper hold till the final furlong. War Head who was asked to cover plenty of leeway, finished powerfully but Whisper City who had the first run on her opponents, managed to cling on to the lead with One Tough Guy and War Head breathing down his neck. War Head was an unlucky loser of the race. Hyderabad challengers have done very well this season. Leo D’Silva’s Hoaratio which was backed spiritedly in the day’s concluding race despite lesser known Uday Kiran in the saddle, proved too good, winning as he pleased. In the day’s other action, fancied Freebee who had often been not allowed to run to potential in the past, won capably and Euston beat a poor lot of horses quite easily in the day’s opener. Hima’s Pride was strong public fancy but such massive support was certainly not warranted as he finished a poor fourth. Padmanabhan trained Holding Court bounced back to winning ways in spectacular fashion, thrashing a field which had four individual Derby winners in the fray, en route to lifting the Gr.2 Maharaja’s Cup, the plum event of Sunday’s races. Holding Court showed what he is capable of when he is at his best by the ease with which he beat the opposition pointless and the amazing quality of the win was the manner in which he stretched away in the final furlong to win the 2200 metres event in a timing of 2 minutes 16.73 seconds which is a new record for the distance. Ich Dien had clocked two minutes 16.1 seconds when carrying 52 kgs to victory; but the old records have lost their validity as the distances have been re-measured and the starting points put back considerably so as to make a significant difference to the timings. It is time the Bangalore Turf Club brought out a new list of records for various distances to put the performances of the thoroughbreds in proper perspective. Be that as it may, Holding Court who was troubled by one problem or the other during the winter campaign which had affected his performance was ready for the fray as evidenced by his running Mystical close without the benefit of a race run in his last essay. it was a pity that Mystical was not in the fray because then the race would have generated great excitement. Mystical had to concede two kgs to his adversary and considering the quality of Sunday’s win, there would have been no change to the outcome of the race notwithstanding the presence of Mystical. Forever Elegance who was fancied ahead of stablemate Southern Regent and Kolkata challenger Aperitivo was no match for the champion son of Royal Kingdom. Mystical and Holding Court are likely to clash in the St.Leger in the next fortnight and the race would be worth going miles to watch. Holding Court went into the race at very cramped odds as the public did not find any compelling reason to support the other contenders in the fray. Star Millionaire hit the front and took over the job of being the pace-maker, with Adolfito and Aperitivo racing in close attendance of each other. Holding Court was settled back in fourth or fifth position, with Brown Sugar for company while Forever Elegance and Southern Regent formed the rear group. Jockey Gallagher swiftly moved with Holding Court approaching the 700 metres marker and was all set to take charge from Aperitivo as the pace-maker had packed up before the final bend. Despite coming four horses wide, Holding Court came up with a smooth acceleration and sped past Aperitivo and went away or a win by a widening margin of seven lengths. Aperitivo battled on to take the runner up berth ahead of Forever legance. The victory of Holding Court highlighted the fact that he and Mystical definitely are better class than their predecessors. It was an eventful day of racing, with India Shining losing the battle in the Stewards room. India Shining prevailed in a close finish over Steelium in the Broadacres Stud Plate (Div II), with Cascabel and Assaye not far from the winner, a length separating the first five placed horses. Favourite Hawaiian Sunrise and Indian Shining raced behind Assaye who set a fast pace. Rounding the final bend, jockey Appu on India Shining made his move but in doing so, rolled in, causing Hawaiian Sunrise a very bad squeeze. Jockey C Alford barely managed to stay in the saddle as Hawaiian Sunrise had to be badly checked to prevent it from colliding with the eventual winner. India Shining did not keep a straight course and finally rolled over to the rails but in the process of doing so, caused Assaye to squeeze out Steelium from the rails. After being switched out from the rails, Steelium came up with a flourish only to lose by a head. Jockey Tauseef Ahmed raised an objection against Appu for squeezing and bumping which caused a chain reaction on his inside and caused Steelium to lose a definite race. The Stewards debated at length and finally decided to uphold the objection and also disqualify India Shining. There was substance in the objection but what perhaps forced Stewards to take a drastic action was the fact that the favourite Hawaiian Sunrise was knocked out from the fray by the eventual winner which was tantamount to dangerous riding. As such, the action by the Stewards was justified. Another Arjun Mangalorkar trainee, Mysterious Land, however, was bang on target in the upper division of the race, winning with a great deal of comfort from Priceless Memories and Lanark. Mysterious Land, who quickened well on turning for home, had the race well sewn up with Priceless Memories trying her best to bridge the gap but not making any impression on the winner. Imtiaz Sait’s Native Strategy was the most impressive debutant winner of the day. Three-year old Native Strategy came out of the maidens ranks in splendid fashion, taking charge from the word `go’ and won in a smart time of 1 minute 13.4 seconds without the jockey having to move a muscle. Native Strategy is a good type of a three-year old who is destined to go places. Saregama looked set to clinch the 2000 metres Endorsement Plate after establishing a clear two lengths lead over the opposition in the final furlong but he slackened close home. Flicker picked up momentum in the dying moments of the races to neck out the fancied runner. There was strong support for Compton Star but after throwing tantrums in the gate,he was a spent force. Apprentice jockey A Velu failed to maneuver a favourable position on War Head and to compound his problems; he came wide at the bend and could not get a proper hold till the final furlong. War Head who was asked to cover plenty of leeway, finished powerfully but Whisper City who had the first run on her opponents, managed to cling on to the lead with One Tough Guy and War Head breathing down his neck. War Head was an unlucky loser of the race. Hyderabad challengers have done very well this season. Leo D’Silva’s Hoaratio which was backed spiritedly in the day’s concluding race despite lesser known Uday Kiran in the saddle, proved too good, winning as he pleased. In the day’s other action, fancied Freebee who had often been not allowed to run to potential in the past, won capably and Euston beat a poor lot of horses quite easily in the day’s opener. Hima’s Pride was strong public fancy but such massive support was certainly not warranted as he finished a poor fourth. Padmanabhan trained Holding Court bounced back to winning ways in spectacular fashion, thrashing a field which had four individual Derby winners in the fray, en route to lifting the Gr.2 Maharaja’s Cup, the plum event of Sunday’s races. Holding Court showed what he is capable of when he is at his best by the ease with which he beat the opposition pointless and the amazing quality of the win was the manner in which he stretched away in the final furlong to win the 2200 metres event in a timing of 2 minutes 16.73 seconds which is a new record for the distance. Ich Dien had clocked two minutes 16.1 seconds when carrying 52 kgs to victory; but the old records have lost their validity as the distances have been re-measured and the starting points put back considerably so as to make a significant difference to the timings. It is time the Bangalore Turf Club brought out a new list of records for various distances to put the performances of the thoroughbreds in proper perspective. Be that as it may, Holding Court who was troubled by one problem or the other during the winter campaign which had affected his performance was ready for the fray as evidenced by his running Mystical close without the benefit of a race run in his last essay. it was a pity that Mystical was not in the fray because then the race would have generated great excitement. Mystical had to concede two kgs to his adversary and considering the quality of Sunday’s win, there would have been no change to the outcome of the race notwithstanding the presence of Mystical. Forever Elegance who was fancied ahead of stablemate Southern Regent and Kolkata challenger Aperitivo was no match for the champion son of Royal Kingdom. Mystical and Holding Court are likely to clash in the St.Leger in the next fortnight and the race would be worth going miles to watch. Holding Court went into the race at very cramped odds as the public did not find any compelling reason to support the other contenders in the fray. Star Millionaire hit the front and took over the job of being the pace-maker, with Adolfito and Aperitivo racing in close attendance of each other. Holding Court was settled back in fourth or fifth position, with Brown Sugar for company while Forever Elegance and Southern Regent formed the rear group. Jockey Gallagher swiftly moved with Holding Court approaching the 700 metres marker and was all set to take charge from Aperitivo as the pace-maker had packed up before the final bend. Despite coming four horses wide, Holding Court came up with a smooth acceleration and sped past Aperitivo and went away or a win by a widening margin of seven lengths. Aperitivo battled on to take the runner up berth ahead of Forever legance. The victory of Holding Court highlighted the fact that he and Mystical definitely are better class than their predecessors. It was an eventful day of racing, with India Shining losing the battle in the Stewards room. India Shining prevailed in a close finish over Steelium in the Broadacres Stud Plate (Div II), with Cascabel and Assaye not far from the winner, a length separating the first five placed horses. Favourite Hawaiian Sunrise and Indian Shining raced behind Assaye who set a fast pace. Rounding the final bend, jockey Appu on India Shining made his move but in doing so, rolled in, causing Hawaiian Sunrise a very bad squeeze. Jockey C Alford barely managed to stay in the saddle as Hawaiian Sunrise had to be badly checked to prevent it from colliding with the eventual winner. India Shining did not keep a straight course and finally rolled over to the rails but in the process of doing so, caused Assaye to squeeze out Steelium from the rails. After being switched out from the rails, Steelium came up with a flourish only to lose by a head. Jockey Tauseef Ahmed raised an objection against Appu for squeezing and bumping which caused a chain reaction on his inside and caused Steelium to lose a definite race. The Stewards debated at length and finally decided to uphold the objection and also disqualify India Shining. There was substance in the objection but what perhaps forced Stewards to take a drastic action was the fact that the favourite Hawaiian Sunrise was knocked out from the fray by the eventual winner which was tantamount to dangerous riding. As such, the action by the Stewards was justified. Another Arjun Mangalorkar trainee, Mysterious Land, however, was bang on target in the upper division of the race, winning with a great deal of comfort from Priceless Memories and Lanark. Mysterious Land, who quickened well on turning for home, had the race well sewn up with Priceless Memories trying her best to bridge the gap but not making any impression on the winner. Imtiaz Sait’s Native Strategy was the most impressive debutant winner of the day. Three-year old Native Strategy came out of the maidens ranks in splendid fashion, taking charge from the word `go’ and won in a smart time of 1 minute 13.4 seconds without the jockey having to move a muscle. Native Strategy is a good type of a three-year old who is destined to go places. Saregama looked set to clinch the 2000 metres Endorsement Plate after establishing a clear two lengths lead over the opposition in the final furlong but he slackened close home. Flicker picked up momentum in the dying moments of the races to neck out the fancied runner. There was strong support for Compton Star but after throwing tantrums in the gate,he was a spent force. Apprentice jockey A Velu failed to maneuver a favourable position on War Head and to compound his problems; he came wide at the bend and could not get a proper hold till the final furlong. War Head who was asked to cover plenty of leeway, finished powerfully but Whisper City who had the first run on her opponents, managed to cling on to the lead with One Tough Guy and War Head breathing down his neck. War Head was an unlucky loser of the race. Hyderabad challengers have done very well this season. Leo D’Silva’s Hoaratio which was backed spiritedly in the day’s concluding race despite lesser known Uday Kiran in the saddle, proved too good, winning as he pleased. In the day’s other action, fancied Freebee who had often been not allowed to run to potential in the past, won capably and Euston beat a poor lot of horses quite easily in the day’s opener. Hima’s Pride was strong public fancy but such massive support was certainly not warranted as he finished a poor fourth. Padmanabhan trained Holding Court bounced back to winning ways in spectacular fashion, thrashing a field which had four individual Derby winners in the fray, en route to lifting the Gr.2 Maharaja’s Cup, the plum event of Sunday’s races. Holding Court showed what he is capable of when he is at his best by the ease with which he beat the opposition pointless and the amazing quality of the win was the manner in which he stretched away in the final furlong to win the 2200 metres event in a timing of 2 minutes 16.73 seconds which is a new record for the distance. Ich Dien had clocked two minutes 16.1 seconds when carrying 52 kgs to victory; but the old records have lost their validity as the distances have been re-measured and the starting points put back considerably so as to make a significant difference to the timings. It is time the Bangalore Turf Club brought out a new list of records for various distances to put the performances of the thoroughbreds in proper perspective. Be that as it may, Holding Court who was troubled by one problem or the other during the winter campaign which had affected his performance was ready for the fray as evidenced by his running Mystical close without the benefit of a race run in his last essay. it was a pity that Mystical was not in the fray because then the race would have generated great excitement. Mystical had to concede two kgs to his adversary and considering the quality of Sunday’s win, there would have been no change to the outcome of the race notwithstanding the presence of Mystical. Forever Elegance who was fancied ahead of stablemate Southern Regent and Kolkata challenger Aperitivo was no match for the champion son of Royal Kingdom. Mystical and Holding Court are likely to clash in the St.Leger in the next fortnight and the race would be worth going miles to watch. Holding Court went into the race at very cramped odds as the public did not find any compelling reason to support the other contenders in the fray. Star Millionaire hit the front and took over the job of being the pace-maker, with Adolfito and Aperitivo racing in close attendance of each other. Holding Court was settled back in fourth or fifth position, with Brown Sugar for company while Forever Elegance and Southern Regent formed the rear group. Jockey Gallagher swiftly moved with Holding Court approaching the 700 metres marker and was all set to take charge from Aperitivo as the pace-maker had packed up before the final bend. Despite coming four horses wide, Holding Court came up with a smooth acceleration and sped past Aperitivo and went away or a win by a widening margin of seven lengths. Aperitivo battled on to take the runner up berth ahead of Forever legance. The victory of Holding Court highlighted the fact that he and Mystical definitely are better class than their predecessors. It was an eventful day of racing, with India Shining losing the battle in the Stewards room. India Shining prevailed in a close finish over Steelium in the Broadacres Stud Plate (Div II), with Cascabel and Assaye not far from the winner, a length separating the first five placed horses. Favourite Hawaiian Sunrise and Indian Shining raced behind Assaye who set a fast pace. Rounding the final bend, jockey Appu on India Shining made his move but in doing so, rolled in, causing Hawaiian Sunrise a very bad squeeze. Jockey C Alford barely managed to stay in the saddle as Hawaiian Sunrise had to be badly checked to prevent it from colliding with the eventual winner. India Shining did not keep a straight course and finally rolled over to the rails but in the process of doing so, caused Assaye to squeeze out Steelium from the rails. After being switched out from the rails, Steelium came up with a flourish only to lose by a head. Jockey Tauseef Ahmed raised an objection against Appu for squeezing and bumping which caused a chain reaction on his inside and caused Steelium to lose a definite race. The Stewards debated at length and finally decided to uphold the objection and also disqualify India Shining. There was substance in the objection but what perhaps forced Stewards to take a drastic action was the fact that the favourite Hawaiian Sunrise was knocked out from the fray by the eventual winner which was tantamount to dangerous riding. As such, the action by the Stewards was justified. Another Arjun Mangalorkar trainee, Mysterious Land, however, was bang on target in the upper division of the race, winning with a great deal of comfort from Priceless Memories and Lanark. Mysterious Land, who quickened well on turning for home, had the race well sewn up with Priceless Memories trying her best to bridge the gap but not making any impression on the winner. Imtiaz Sait’s Native Strategy was the most impressive debutant winner of the day. Three-year old Native Strategy came out of the maidens ranks in splendid fashion, taking charge from the word `go’ and won in a smart time of 1 minute 13.4 seconds without the jockey having to move a muscle. Native Strategy is a good type of a three-year old who is destined to go places. Saregama looked set to clinch the 2000 metres Endorsement Plate after establishing a clear two lengths lead over the opposition in the final furlong but he slackened close home. Flicker picked up momentum in the dying moments of the races to neck out the fancied runner. There was strong support for Compton Star but after throwing tantrums in the gate,he was a spent force. Apprentice jockey A Velu failed to maneuver a favourable position on War Head and to compound his problems; he came wide at the bend and could not get a proper hold till the final furlong. War Head who was asked to cover plenty of leeway, finished powerfully but Whisper City who had the first run on her opponents, managed to cling on to the lead with One Tough Guy and War Head breathing down his neck. War Head was an unlucky loser of the race. Hyderabad challengers have done very well this season. Leo D’Silva’s Hoaratio which was backed spiritedly in the day’s concluding race despite lesser known Uday Kiran in the saddle, proved too good, winning as he pleased. In the day’s other action, fancied Freebee who had often been not allowed to run to potential in the past, won capably and Euston beat a poor lot of horses quite easily in the day’s opener. Hima’s Pride was strong public fancy but such massive support was certainly not warranted as he finished a poor fourth. Padmanabhan trained Holding Court bounced back to winning ways in spectacular fashion, thrashing a field which had four individual Derby winners in the fray, en route to lifting the Gr.2 Maharaja’s Cup, the plum event of Sunday’s races. Holding Court showed what he is capable of when he is at his best by the ease with which he beat the opposition pointless and the amazing quality of the win was the manner in which he stretched away in the final furlong to win the 2200 metres event in a timing of 2 minutes 16.73 seconds which is a new record for the distance. Ich Dien had clocked two minutes 16.1 seconds when carrying 52 kgs to victory; but the old records have lost their validity as the distances have been re-measured and the starting points put back considerably so as to make a significant difference to the timings. It is time the Bangalore Turf Club brought out a new list of records for various distances to put the performances of the thoroughbreds in proper perspective. Be that as it may, Holding Court who was troubled by one problem or the other during the winter campaign which had affected his performance was ready for the fray as evidenced by his running Mystical close without the benefit of a race run in his last essay. it was a pity that Mystical was not in the fray because then the race would have generated great excitement. Mystical had to concede two kgs to his adversary and considering the quality of Sunday’s win, there would have been no change to the outcome of the race notwithstanding the presence of Mystical. Forever Elegance who was fancied ahead of stablemate Southern Regent and Kolkata challenger Aperitivo was no match for the champion son of Royal Kingdom. Mystical and Holding Court are likely to clash in the St.Leger in the next fortnight and the race would be worth going miles to watch. Holding Court went into the race at very cramped odds as the public did not find any compelling reason to support the other contenders in the fray. Star Millionaire hit the front and took over the job of being the pace-maker, with Adolfito and Aperitivo racing in close attendance of each other. Holding Court was settled back in fourth or fifth position, with Brown Sugar for company while Forever Elegance and Southern Regent formed the rear group. Jockey Gallagher swiftly moved with Holding Court approaching the 700 metres marker and was all set to take charge from Aperitivo as the pace-maker had packed up before the final bend. Despite coming four horses wide, Holding Court came up with a smooth acceleration and sped past Aperitivo and went away or a win by a widening margin of seven lengths. Aperitivo battled on to take the runner up berth ahead of Forever legance. The victory of Holding Court highlighted the fact that he and Mystical definitely are better class than their predecessors. It was an eventful day of racing, with India Shining losing the battle in the Stewards room. India Shining prevailed in a close finish over Steelium in the Broadacres Stud Plate (Div II), with Cascabel and Assaye not far from the winner, a length separating the first five placed horses. Favourite Hawaiian Sunrise and Indian Shining raced behind Assaye who set a fast pace. Rounding the final bend, jockey Appu on India Shining made his move but in doing so, rolled in, causing Hawaiian Sunrise a very bad squeeze. Jockey C Alford barely managed to stay in the saddle as Hawaiian Sunrise had to be badly checked to prevent it from colliding with the eventual winner. India Shining did not keep a straight course and finally rolled over to the rails but in the process of doing so, caused Assaye to squeeze out Steelium from the rails. After being switched out from the rails, Steelium came up with a flourish only to lose by a head. Jockey Tauseef Ahmed raised an objection against Appu for squeezing and bumping which caused a chain reaction on his inside and caused Steelium to lose a definite race. The Stewards debated at length and finally decided to uphold the objection and also disqualify India Shining. There was substance in the objection but what perhaps forced Stewards to take a drastic action was the fact that the favourite Hawaiian Sunrise was knocked out from the fray by the eventual winner which was tantamount to dangerous riding. As such, the action by the Stewards was justified. Another Arjun Mangalorkar trainee, Mysterious Land, however, was bang on target in the upper division of the race, winning with a great deal of comfort from Priceless Memories and Lanark. Mysterious Land, who quickened well on turning for home, had the race well sewn up with Priceless Memories trying her best to bridge the gap but not making any impression on the winner. Imtiaz Sait’s Native Strategy was the most impressive debutant winner of the day. Three-year old Native Strategy came out of the maidens ranks in splendid fashion, taking charge from the word `go’ and won in a smart time of 1 minute 13.4 seconds without the jockey having to move a muscle. Native Strategy is a good type of a three-year old who is destined to go places. Saregama looked set to clinch the 2000 metres Endorsement Plate after establishing a clear two lengths lead over the opposition in the final furlong but he slackened close home. Flicker picked up momentum in the dying moments of the races to neck out the fancied runner. There was strong support for Compton Star but after throwing tantrums in the gate,he was a spent force. Apprentice jockey A Velu failed to maneuver a favourable position on War Head and to compound his problems; he came wide at the bend and could not get a proper hold till the final furlong. War Head who was asked to cover plenty of leeway, finished powerfully but Whisper City who had the first run on her opponents, managed to cling on to the lead with One Tough Guy and War Head breathing down his neck. War Head was an unlucky loser of the race. Hyderabad challengers have done very well this season. Leo D’Silva’s Hoaratio which was backed spiritedly in the day’s concluding race despite lesser known Uday Kiran in the saddle, proved too good, winning as he pleased. In the day’s other action, fancied Freebee who had often been not allowed to run to potential in the past, won capably and Euston beat a poor lot of horses quite easily in the day’s opener. Hima’s Pride was strong public fancy but such massive support was certainly not warranted as he finished a poor fourth. Padmanabhan trained Holding Court bounced back to winning ways in spectacular fashion, thrashing a field which had four individual Derby winners in the fray, en route to lifting the Gr.2 Maharaja’s Cup, the plum event of Sunday’s races. Holding Court showed what he is capable of when he is at his best by the ease with which he beat the opposition pointless and the amazing quality of the win was the manner in which he stretched away in the final furlong to win the 2200 metres event in a timing of 2 minutes 16.73 seconds which is a new record for the distance. Ich Dien had clocked two minutes 16.1 seconds when carrying 52 kgs to victory; but the old records have lost their validity as the distances have been re-measured and the starting points put back considerably so as to make a significant difference to the timings. It is time the Bangalore Turf Club brought out a new list of records for various distances to put the performances of the thoroughbreds in proper perspective. Be that as it may, Holding Court who was troubled by one problem or the other during the winter campaign which had affected his performance was ready for the fray as evidenced by his running Mystical close without the benefit of a race run in his last essay. it was a pity that Mystical was not in the fray because then the race would have generated great excitement. Mystical had to concede two kgs to his adversary and considering the quality of Sunday’s win, there would have been no change to the outcome of the race notwithstanding the presence of Mystical. Forever Elegance who was fancied ahead of stablemate Southern Regent and Kolkata challenger Aperitivo was no match for the champion son of Royal Kingdom. Mystical and Holding Court are likely to clash in the St.Leger in the next fortnight and the race would be worth going miles to watch. Holding Court went into the race at very cramped odds as the public did not find any compelling reason to support the other contenders in the fray. Star Millionaire hit the front and took over the job of being the pace-maker, with Adolfito and Aperitivo racing in close attendance of each other. Holding Court was settled back in fourth or fifth position, with Brown Sugar for company while Forever Elegance and Southern Regent formed the rear group. Jockey Gallagher swiftly moved with Holding Court approaching the 700 metres marker and was all set to take charge from Aperitivo as the pace-maker had packed up before the final bend. Despite coming four horses wide, Holding Court came up with a smooth acceleration and sped past Aperitivo and went away or a win by a widening margin of seven lengths. Aperitivo battled on to take the runner up berth ahead of Forever legance. The victory of Holding Court highlighted the fact that he and Mystical definitely are better class than their predecessors. It was an eventful day of racing, with India Shining losing the battle in the Stewards room. India Shining prevailed in a close finish over Steelium in the Broadacres Stud Plate (Div II), with Cascabel and Assaye not far from the winner, a length separating the first five placed horses. Favourite Hawaiian Sunrise and Indian Shining raced behind Assaye who set a fast pace. Rounding the final bend, jockey Appu on India Shining made his move but in doing so, rolled in, causing Hawaiian Sunrise a very bad squeeze. Jockey C Alford barely managed to stay in the saddle as Hawaiian Sunrise had to be badly checked to prevent it from colliding with the eventual winner. India Shining did not keep a straight course and finally rolled over to the rails but in the process of doing so, caused Assaye to squeeze out Steelium from the rails. After being switched out from the rails, Steelium came up with a flourish only to lose by a head. Jockey Tauseef Ahmed raised an objection against Appu for squeezing and bumping which caused a chain reaction on his inside and caused Steelium to lose a definite race. The Stewards debated at length and finally decided to uphold the objection and also disqualify India Shining. There was substance in the objection but what perhaps forced Stewards to take a drastic action was the fact that the favourite Hawaiian Sunrise was knocked out from the fray by the eventual winner which was tantamount to dangerous riding. As such, the action by the Stewards was justified. Another Arjun Mangalorkar trainee, Mysterious Land, however, was bang on target in the upper division of the race, winning with a great deal of comfort from Priceless Memories and Lanark. Mysterious Land, who quickened well on turning for home, had the race well sewn up with Priceless Memories trying her best to bridge the gap but not making any impression on the winner. Imtiaz Sait’s Native Strategy was the most impressive debutant winner of the day. Three-year old Native Strategy came out of the maidens ranks in splendid fashion, taking charge from the word `go’ and won in a smart time of 1 minute 13.4 seconds without the jockey having to move a muscle. Native Strategy is a good type of a three-year old who is destined to go places. Saregama looked set to clinch the 2000 metres Endorsement Plate after establishing a clear two lengths lead over the opposition in the final furlong but he slackened close home. Flicker picked up momentum in the dying moments of the races to neck out the fancied runner. There was strong support for Compton Star but after throwing tantrums in the gate,he was a spent force. Apprentice jockey A Velu failed to maneuver a favourable position on War Head and to compound his problems; he came wide at the bend and could not get a proper hold till the final furlong. War Head who was asked to cover plenty of leeway, finished powerfully but Whisper City who had the first run on her opponents, managed to cling on to the lead with One Tough Guy and War Head breathing down his neck. War Head was an unlucky loser of the race. Hyderabad challengers have done very well this season. Leo D’Silva’s Hoaratio which was backed spiritedly in the day’s concluding race despite lesser known Uday Kiran in the saddle, proved too good, winning as he pleased. In the day’s other action, fancied Freebee who had often been not allowed to run to potential in the past, won capably and Euston beat a poor lot of horses quite easily in the day’s opener. Hima’s Pride was strong public fancy but such massive support was certainly not warranted as he finished a poor fourth. Padmanabhan trained Holding Court bounced back to winning ways in spectacular fashion, thrashing a field which had four individual Derby winners in the fray, en route to lifting the Gr.2 Maharaja’s Cup, the plum event of Sunday’s races. Holding Court showed what he is capable of when he is at his best by the ease with which he beat the opposition pointless and the amazing quality of the win was the manner in which he stretched away in the final furlong to win the 2200 metres event in a timing of 2 minutes 16.73 seconds which is a new record for the distance. Ich Dien had clocked two minutes 16.1 seconds when carrying 52 kgs to victory; but the old records have lost their validity as the distances have been re-measured and the starting points put back considerably so as to make a significant difference to the timings. It is time the Bangalore Turf Club brought out a new list of records for various distances to put the performances of the thoroughbreds in proper perspective. Be that as it may, Holding Court who was troubled by one problem or the other during the winter campaign which had affected his performance was ready for the fray as evidenced by his running Mystical close without the benefit of a race run in his last essay. it was a pity that Mystical was not in the fray because then the race would have generated great excitement. Mystical had to concede two kgs to his adversary and considering the quality of Sunday’s win, there would have been no change to the outcome of the race notwithstanding the presence of Mystical. Forever Elegance who was fancied ahead of stablemate Southern Regent and Kolkata challenger Aperitivo was no match for the champion son of Royal Kingdom. Mystical and Holding Court are likely to clash in the St.Leger in the next fortnight and the race would be worth going miles to watch. Holding Court went into the race at very cramped odds as the public did not find any compelling reason to support the other contenders in the fray. Star Millionaire hit the front and took over the job of being the pace-maker, with Adolfito and Aperitivo racing in close attendance of each other. Holding Court was settled back in fourth or fifth position, with Brown Sugar for company while Forever Elegance and Southern Regent formed the rear group. Jockey Gallagher swiftly moved with Holding Court approaching the 700 metres marker and was all set to take charge from Aperitivo as the pace-maker had packed up before the final bend. Despite coming four horses wide, Holding Court came up with a smooth acceleration and sped past Aperitivo and went away or a win by a widening margin of seven lengths. Aperitivo battled on to take the runner up berth ahead of Forever legance. The victory of Holding Court highlighted the fact that he and Mystical definitely are better class than their predecessors. It was an eventful day of racing, with India Shining losing the battle in the Stewards room. India Shining prevailed in a close finish over Steelium in the Broadacres Stud Plate (Div II), with Cascabel and Assaye not far from the winner, a length separating the first five placed horses. Favourite Hawaiian Sunrise and Indian Shining raced behind Assaye who set a fast pace. Rounding the final bend, jockey Appu on India Shining made his move but in doing so, rolled in, causing Hawaiian Sunrise a very bad squeeze. Jockey C Alford barely managed to stay in the saddle as Hawaiian Sunrise had to be badly checked to prevent it from colliding with the eventual winner. India Shining did not keep a straight course and finally rolled over to the rails but in the process of doing so, caused Assaye to squeeze out Steelium from the rails. After being switched out from the rails, Steelium came up with a flourish only to lose by a head. Jockey Tauseef Ahmed raised an objection against Appu for squeezing and bumping which caused a chain reaction on his inside and caused Steelium to lose a definite race. The Stewards debated at length and finally decided to uphold the objection and also disqualify India Shining. There was substance in the objection but what perhaps forced Stewards to take a drastic action was the fact that the favourite Hawaiian Sunrise was knocked out from the fray by the eventual winner which was tantamount to dangerous riding. As such, the action by the Stewards was justified. Another Arjun Mangalorkar trainee, Mysterious Land, however, was bang on target in the upper division of the race, winning with a great deal of comfort from Priceless Memories and Lanark. Mysterious Land, who quickened well on turning for home, had the race well sewn up with Priceless Memories trying her best to bridge the gap but not making any impression on the winner. Imtiaz Sait’s Native Strategy was the most impressive debutant winner of the day. Three-year old Native Strategy came out of the maidens ranks in splendid fashion, taking charge from the word `go’ and won in a smart time of 1 minute 13.4 seconds without the jockey having to move a muscle. Native Strategy is a good type of a three-year old who is destined to go places. Saregama looked set to clinch the 2000 metres Endorsement Plate after establishing a clear two lengths lead over the opposition in the final furlong but he slackened close home. Flicker picked up momentum in the dying moments of the races to neck out the fancied runner. There was strong support for Compton Star but after throwing tantrums in the gate,he was a spent force. Apprentice jockey A Velu failed to maneuver a favourable position on War Head and to compound his problems; he came wide at the bend and could not get a proper hold till the final furlong. War Head who was asked to cover plenty of leeway, finished powerfully but Whisper City who had the first run on her opponents, managed to cling on to the lead with One Tough Guy and War Head breathing down his neck. War Head was an unlucky loser of the race. Hyderabad challengers have done very well this season. Leo D’Silva’s Hoaratio which was backed spiritedly in the day’s concluding race despite lesser known Uday Kiran in the saddle, proved too good, winning as he pleased. In the day’s other action, fancied Freebee who had often been not allowed to run to potential in the past, won capably and Euston beat a poor lot of horses quite easily in the day’s opener. Hima’s Pride was strong public fancy but such massive support was certainly not warranted as he finished a poor fourth. Padmanabhan trained Holding Court bounced back to winning ways in spectacular fashion, thrashing a field which had four individual Derby winners in the fray, en route to lifting the Gr.2 Maharaja’s Cup, the plum event of Sunday’s races. Holding Court showed what he is capable of when he is at his best by the ease with which he beat the opposition pointless and the amazing quality of the win was the manner in which he stretched away in the final furlong to win the 2200 metres event in a timing of 2 minutes 16.73 seconds which is a new record for the distance. Ich Dien had clocked two minutes 16.1 seconds when carrying 52 kgs to victory; but the old records have lost their validity as the distances have been re-measured and the starting points put back considerably so as to make a significant difference to the timings. It is time the Bangalore Turf Club brought out a new list of records for various distances to put the performances of the thoroughbreds in proper perspective. Be that as it may, Holding Court who was troubled by one problem or the other during the winter campaign which had affected his performance was ready for the fray as evidenced by his running Mystical close without the benefit of a race run in his last essay. it was a pity that Mystical was not in the fray because then the race would have generated great excitement. Mystical had to concede two kgs to his adversary and considering the quality of Sunday’s win, there would have been no change to the outcome of the race notwithstanding the presence of Mystical. Forever Elegance who was fancied ahead of stablemate Southern Regent and Kolkata challenger Aperitivo was no match for the champion son of Royal Kingdom. Mystical and Holding Court are likely to clash in the St.Leger in the next fortnight and the race would be worth going miles to watch. Holding Court went into the race at very cramped odds as the public did not find any compelling reason to support the other contenders in the fray. Star Millionaire hit the front and took over the job of being the pace-maker, with Adolfito and Aperitivo racing in close attendance of each other. Holding Court was settled back in fourth or fifth position, with Brown Sugar for company while Forever Elegance and Southern Regent formed the rear group. Jockey Gallagher swiftly moved with Holding Court approaching the 700 metres marker and was all set to take charge from Aperitivo as the pace-maker had packed up before the final bend. Despite coming four horses wide, Holding Court came up with a smooth acceleration and sped past Aperitivo and went away or a win by a widening margin of seven lengths. Aperitivo battled on to take the runner up berth ahead of Forever legance. The victory of Holding Court highlighted the fact that he and Mystical definitely are better class than their predecessors. It was an eventful day of racing, with India Shining losing the battle in the Stewards room. India Shining prevailed in a close finish over Steelium in the Broadacres Stud Plate (Div II), with Cascabel and Assaye not far from the winner, a length separating the first five placed horses. Favourite Hawaiian Sunrise and Indian Shining raced behind Assaye who set a fast pace. Rounding the final bend, jockey Appu on India Shining made his move but in doing so, rolled in, causing Hawaiian Sunrise a very bad squeeze. Jockey C Alford barely managed to stay in the saddle as Hawaiian Sunrise had to be badly checked to prevent it from colliding with the eventual winner. India Shining did not keep a straight course and finally rolled over to the rails but in the process of doing so, caused Assaye to squeeze out Steelium from the rails. After being switched out from the rails, Steelium came up with a flourish only to lose by a head. Jockey Tauseef Ahmed raised an objection against Appu for squeezing and bumping which caused a chain reaction on his inside and caused Steelium to lose a definite race. The Stewards debated at length and finally decided to uphold the objection and also disqualify India Shining. There was substance in the objection but what perhaps forced Stewards to take a drastic action was the fact that the favourite Hawaiian Sunrise was knocked out from the fray by the eventual winner which was tantamount to dangerous riding. As such, the action by the Stewards was justified. Another Arjun Mangalorkar trainee, Mysterious Land, however, was bang on target in the upper division of the race, winning with a great deal of comfort from Priceless Memories and Lanark. Mysterious Land, who quickened well on turning for home, had the race well sewn up with Priceless Memories trying her best to bridge the gap but not making any impression on the winner. Imtiaz Sait’s Native Strategy was the most impressive debutant winner of the day. Three-year old Native Strategy came out of the maidens ranks in splendid fashion, taking charge from the word `go’ and won in a smart time of 1 minute 13.4 seconds without the jockey having to move a muscle. Native Strategy is a good type of a three-year old who is destined to go places. Saregama looked set to clinch the 2000 metres Endorsement Plate after establishing a clear two lengths lead over the opposition in the final furlong but he slackened close home. Flicker picked up momentum in the dying moments of the races to neck out the fancied runner. There was strong support for Compton Star but after throwing tantrums in the gate,he was a spent force. Apprentice jockey A Velu failed to maneuver a favourable position on War Head and to compound his problems; he came wide at the bend and could not get a proper hold till the final furlong. War Head who was asked to cover plenty of leeway, finished powerfully but Whisper City who had the first run on her opponents, managed to cling on to the lead with One Tough Guy and War Head breathing down his neck. War Head was an unlucky loser of the race. Hyderabad challengers have done very well this season. Leo D’Silva’s Hoaratio which was backed spiritedly in the day’s concluding race despite lesser known Uday Kiran in the saddle, proved too good, winning as he pleased. In the day’s other action, fancied Freebee who had often been not allowed to run to potential in the past, won capably and Euston beat a poor lot of horses quite easily in the day’s opener. Hima’s Pride was strong public fancy but such massive support was certainly not warranted as he finished a poor fourth. Padmanabhan trained Holding Court bounced back to winning ways in spectacular fashion, thrashing a field which had four individual Derby winners in the fray, en route to lifting the Gr.2 Maharaja’s Cup, the plum event of Sunday’s races. Holding Court showed what he is capable of when he is at his best by the ease with which he beat the opposition pointless and the amazing quality of the win was the manner in which he stretched away in the final furlong to win the 2200 metres event in a timing of 2 minutes 16.73 seconds which is a new record for the distance. Ich Dien had clocked two minutes 16.1 seconds when carrying 52 kgs to victory; but the old records have lost their validity as the distances have been re-measured and the starting points put back considerably so as to make a significant difference to the timings. It is time the Bangalore Turf Club brought out a new list of records for various distances to put the performances of the thoroughbreds in proper perspective. Be that as it may, Holding Court who was troubled by one problem or the other during the winter campaign which had affected his performance was ready for the fray as evidenced by his running Mystical close without the benefit of a race run in his last essay. it was a pity that Mystical was not in the fray because then the race would have generated great excitement. Mystical had to concede two kgs to his adversary and considering the quality of Sunday’s win, there would have been no change to the outcome of the race notwithstanding the presence of Mystical. Forever Elegance who was fancied ahead of stablemate Southern Regent and Kolkata challenger Aperitivo was no match for the champion son of Royal Kingdom. Mystical and Holding Court are likely to clash in the St.Leger in the next fortnight and the race would be worth going miles to watch. Holding Court went into the race at very cramped odds as the public did not find any compelling reason to support the other contenders in the fray. Star Millionaire hit the front and took over the job of being the pace-maker, with Adolfito and Aperitivo racing in close attendance of each other. Holding Court was settled back in fourth or fifth position, with Brown Sugar for company while Forever Elegance and Southern Regent formed the rear group. Jockey Gallagher swiftly moved with Holding Court approaching the 700 metres marker and was all set to take charge from Aperitivo as the pace-maker had packed up before the final bend. Despite coming four horses wide, Holding Court came up with a smooth acceleration and sped past Aperitivo and went away or a win by a widening margin of seven lengths. Aperitivo battled on to take the runner up berth ahead of Forever legance. The victory of Holding Court highlighted the fact that he and Mystical definitely are better class than their predecessors. It was an eventful day of racing, with India Shining losing the battle in the Stewards room. India Shining prevailed in a close finish over Steelium in the Broadacres Stud Plate (Div II), with Cascabel and Assaye not far from the winner, a length separating the first five placed horses. Favourite Hawaiian Sunrise and Indian Shining raced behind Assaye who set a fast pace. Rounding the final bend, jockey Appu on India Shining made his move but in doing so, rolled in, causing Hawaiian Sunrise a very bad squeeze. Jockey C Alford barely managed to stay in the saddle as Hawaiian Sunrise had to be badly checked to prevent it from colliding with the eventual winner. India Shining did not keep a straight course and finally rolled over to the rails but in the process of doing so, caused Assaye to squeeze out Steelium from the rails. After being switched out from the rails, Steelium came up with a flourish only to lose by a head. Jockey Tauseef Ahmed raised an objection against Appu for squeezing and bumping which caused a chain reaction on his inside and caused Steelium to lose a definite race. The Stewards debated at length and finally decided to uphold the objection and also disqualify India Shining. There was substance in the objection but what perhaps forced Stewards to take a drastic action was the fact that the favourite Hawaiian Sunrise was knocked out from the fray by the eventual winner which was tantamount to dangerous riding. As such, the action by the Stewards was justified. Another Arjun Mangalorkar trainee, Mysterious Land, however, was bang on target in the upper division of the race, winning with a great deal of comfort from Priceless Memories and Lanark. Mysterious Land, who quickened well on turning for home, had the race well sewn up with Priceless Memories trying her best to bridge the gap but not making any impression on the winner. Imtiaz Sait’s Native Strategy was the most impressive debutant winner of the day. Three-year old Native Strategy came out of the maidens ranks in splendid fashion, taking charge from the word `go’ and won in a smart time of 1 minute 13.4 seconds without the jockey having to move a muscle. Native Strategy is a good type of a three-year old who is destined to go places. Saregama looked set to clinch the 2000 metres Endorsement Plate after establishing a clear two lengths lead over the opposition in the final furlong but he slackened close home. Flicker picked up momentum in the dying moments of the races to neck out the fancied runner. There was strong support for Compton Star but after throwing tantrums in the gate,he was a spent force. Apprentice jockey A Velu failed to maneuver a favourable position on War Head and to compound his problems; he came wide at the bend and could not get a proper hold till the final furlong. War Head who was asked to cover plenty of leeway, finished powerfully but Whisper City who had the first run on her opponents, managed to cling on to the lead with One Tough Guy and War Head breathing down his neck. War Head was an unlucky loser of the race. Hyderabad challengers have done very well this season. Leo D’Silva’s Hoaratio which was backed spiritedly in the day’s concluding race despite lesser known Uday Kiran in the saddle, proved too good, winning as he pleased. In the day’s other action, fancied Freebee who had often been not allowed to run to potential in the past, won capably and Euston beat a poor lot of horses quite easily in the day’s opener. Hima’s Pride was strong public fancy but such massive support was certainly not warranted as he finished a poor fourth. Padmanabhan trained Holding Court bounced back to winning ways in spectacular fashion, thrashing a field which had four individual Derby winners in the fray, en route to lifting the Gr.2 Maharaja’s Cup, the plum event of Sunday’s races. Holding Court showed what he is capable of when he is at his best by the ease with which he beat the opposition pointless and the amazing quality of the win was the manner in which he stretched away in the final furlong to win the 2200 metres event in a timing of 2 minutes 16.73 seconds which is a new record for the distance. Ich Dien had clocked two minutes 16.1 seconds when carrying 52 kgs to victory; but the old