Trainer S.A.Shehzad Abbas’s Iaepetus lifted the A.P.Chief Minister’s Cup with a start to finish performance, thus halting the dream run of the nine year old Coral Gables. Iaepetus, who holds the course record over a mile, hit the front as the gates opened with Priapus, Blast in Class, Coral Gables, Champ Forever and Aquilo following in a single file and the same order prevailed till they showed up on the straight. Coral Gables shifted gears on top of the straight and began to inch closer to Iaepetus in the last 100 metres but P.S.Chouhan was in full flow on Abbas’s ward that quickened well to get to the wire first in a smart timing. Considering the fact that Coral Gables is more than twice the age of Iaepetus, was not disgraced in defeat and many of his supporters felt that it is right time to retire him gracefully.

Shehzad expressed that Iaepetus was a classic hope from the stable but had some early problems. Speaking to India Race he said “he became a race horse only after he was gelded, placed second in the colts last year and the course record for a mile stands in his name”.

Vittal Deshmukh continued with his winning ways scoring a double to stay in contention for the leading trainers’ honours. He is now just one point behind Leo D’Silva and the remaining ten racing days may witness some keen competition between them. Silver Sputnik justified the favouritism in the opening race with a fluent victory. Second in demand, Colette, who was found to be loitering in the rear till the top of the straight, covered rapid ground in the last 100 metres to finish second. One One One got planted at the gates and never took part in the race.

Toofan Express flashed past in front of the grand stands to lift the Army Cup. Caligatae brought the field till the last 300 metres and gave up after which Vijayam took charge and was shaping like a winner when Toofan Express, who has taken a liking to M.Krishna’s handling ( Krishna’s second consecutive win), flew to get the race close to the winning post. King of Hebashe covered places to finish third.

Trainer Satheesh led in Queen’s Fortune and Ninja Power to get to double figures in his season’s tally. Queen’s Fortune took the initiative at the bend and had to fight out with Sparkling Flame midway up the straight and ward off Tillcowscomehome and Come on Charlie close to the finish to claim the lower division of the Madanna Plate. Ninja Power made it start to finish in the higher division of the Swamy Ramananda Thirtha Plate. Nandanavanaa and Celtic Shot moved from almost the last position to take the second and third spot respectively

Walk in the Park set a new course record in the G.Raja Rao Memorial Cup run over five furlongs. Hari Har Priya, Raj Veer and Global Presence found the pace too hot and finished behind the winner in that order.

D’Silva’s Leading Light joined the fight with Bold Brigade near the last 100 metres and quickened well to win the higher division of the Madanna Plate.

Bangalore based jockey, S.John was again in his elements on Reality Show in the Nizam Sagar Cup. Finding himself in about fifth position passing the 400 metres, John goaded his mount to a striking position and with some brisk riding shot into the lead to win the race. Ruffiano finished second ahead of Anemometer and Secret Asset. The rider of Secret Asset lodged an unsuccessful objection against the third placed Anemometer for tightening near the 150 metres.

Debonaire flew from a second last position on the straight to give her new owner a win in the concluding race of the day.