Southern Empire once again emphasized the fact that he is truly exceptional when he became the first three-year old ever to win a race against horses belonging to the highest class in his first start in open class so early in his career on Saturday. Southern Empire was rated so highly by the handicapper after his four wins on the trot that trainer Ganapathy did not hesitate to pitch him against seasoned campaigners that were in the fray for the 1400 metres Karnataka Police Cup. Southern Empire thus had to take on Bangalore 2000 Guineas winner Democraticus albeit getting weight from him. The manner in which Southern Empire accomplished the fact was suggestive of the fact that he could turn out to be one of the all time greats of Indian racing. Green Bax hit the front as the field was dispatched for the seven furlong trip, with Six Stars finding it hard to do the job of a pace-maker. Southern Star raced in about fifth position, with Democraticus close on his heels. Rounding the final bend, Southern Empire swiftly moved into striking position and sailed past the front-running Green Bax without any apparent effort but once the favourite saw the shadow of Democraticus, he quickened in a trice to go clear. For the first time in his career, Southern Empire had to be driven out with the aid of the whip but the full-brother to the multi classic winning Smart Chieftain was not going to be subdued and he stretched out fluently. He went away for a comfortable win by over three lengths in a smart time of one minute 25.3 seconds. Green Bax ran to finish third another seven and half lengths behind. Only the presence of Democraticus ensured that Southern Empire had to stretch out. Star Luminary has made tremendous strides since the winter season. The well bred daughter of Razeen smashed the opposition, coming from behind and winning as she pleased over seven furlongs in a race meant for horses in the 20 to 50 category. From the evidence of this run, Star Luminary should progress smoothly to becoming a force in graded races at other centres. Chilly Wind ran to finish second while the rest of the runners did not have the wherewithal to match strides with the eventual winner. Jaggy Dhariwal trained Carra Mia won the Heir Apparent Palte (Div.I) quite competently from Chef De Mission and Stoli Orange. The well bred daughter of Burden of Proof, Carra Mia ran green but will come back stronger after this run. Amazing Look was the odds on favourite to win the lower division but he flopped against the might of Ruben Star who is a full brother to the celebrated Spectacular Quest. Though the runner-up, far from ready as compared to the favourite, he had the class to overcome his other disadvantages. In another race meant for three-year olds, Nina Lalvani trained Pride left the field standing to win in good fashion. The full sister to Derby winner Elite Zone, Pride was not hard-pressed to win as Auchinlech who was running for the first time after being gelded, tired after raising hopes at the top of the straight. Red Mustang finished third ahead of Fantabulous Prince who had attracted a fair bit of attention in the betting ring. Arjun Mangalorkar has sorted out Lanark which was a late addition to his string and his belief that sprint was the best trip for the son of Glory of Dancer was vindicated. Lanark easily accounted for the opposition which included Cooper Bracelet and Blairgowrie. Baghzad ran disappointingly. In the day’s other action, King of Queens proved too good in the 1100 metres Malakpet Plate where the well-backed Jango packed up after leading the field into the homestretch. Flying For Victory dragged himself to the third spot.