The Golconda Oaks (Gr.II) was the feature event of the day’s card on Sunday at Malakpet. Six filles had accepted for the grueling 2400 metres trip and the dream filly from Hyderabad, Attractress, bred at the Capricon Stud, had the best credentials against a mediocre opposition. Attractress was quoted as a money back favourite and the race was expected to be a one sided affair. As the six runners came out of the paddock, jockey Harish slipped out of the saddle and Attractress was on her own, loose on the track. Confused at the situation, Attractress set out on a gallop and completed the entire course rider less. After being apprehended, trainer Deshmukh took a bold decision against withdrawing the filly and let her go through the trip again in the race.

Harish probably had palpitations as the runners began to load and the entire Grand Stand was on the edge of their seats when the field was dispatched. Cabochon did the early running in front, followed by Integer, Clever Ploy, Star Senora, Strategic Partner and Attractress being raced off the pace in last position. As the field entered the home stretch, Clever Ploy came in first and Attractress with a terrific turn of foot showed her true colours romping home a champion. The entire Grand Stand applauded the stupendous performance of Attractress.

Trainer Deshmukh provided a double to remember for his owners, M/s.D Pratap Chander Reddy and Susheel Kumar Gupta. Having won the Oaks on Attractress, their ward Miss Everywhere wrapped up the Byerly Turk Stakes (Gr.III). Spot On was on a start to mission, staying clearly in front till the distance marker where she was challenged by Miss Everywhere who unleashed a terrific run to get the better of Spot On. Chiquelle finished third.

Capricon Stud stood proud, winning both the graded races of the afternoon, The Golconda Oaks (Gr.II) and The Byerly Turk Stakes (Gr.III). Attractress won the Oaks while Miss Everywhere, the first crop of Mull of Kintyre impressed while claiming the Stakes.

On a day when outsiders were in winning ways, the jackpot hunters could clear only four legs with none nominating the winner in the fifth leg. Trainer Deshmukh and Jockey A.Abhinay scored a double each.

Irish Intellect ridden by A.Imran Khan won The Salarjung Cup, run over seven furlongs. Taking his mount to the front right from the word ‘GO’, Imran stepped up momentum on the straight and warded off Indian Storm, who, with some better assistance from the saddle may have tilted the result. 

Stable Mates Mission Chief and Silver Bullet exchanged leads in the Sri A.S.Krishna Memorial Cup, during the early part of the 2200 metres trip. Mission Chief took charge passing the 1000 metres marker and was never headed thereafter. Hypnotiq made up some ground in the last 100 metres and placed second. Fly by Wire and Blast in Class went past the winning post together for the minor placing.   

Considered to be the day’s best betting proposition by most tipsters, Leo’s Belle Dancer lived upto her reputation and won the higher division of the Summer Snow Plate, the opening race of the afternoon. Jockey Kamlesh took the Dancer to the front and never let Kings Cruise get close. Dream Dancer ran a bit erratic when she was pulled on the outside for an effort and finished third.

Sehzad Abbas’s  Al Fatha Sprang a surprise on debut in the lower division beating Pythagoras and Iki Tombi. Pythagoras brought the field into view on the straight with Al Fatha and Greek fire beginning to warm up with a challenge. The favourite Iki Tombi failed to raise a gallop and finished third. Pythagoras and Al Fatha fought out till the last 50 metres and finally the latter got the better by half a length.   

It was a replay of sorts of race No.63 for Monduro and Vijaysena in the Roman Beauty Plate. VijaySena racing in third till the final bend took over on the straight and was shaping like a winner when Monduro unleashed a terrific run on the far side to clinch the issue at the finish.   

Faisal Hassan’s Monochrome ran away with the Starsky Plate, the concluding race of the day. Lucrative, Avon Gorge and Bentota filled the frame behind the winner in that order.