The authorities at Mysore were forced to cut short the day’s programme following heavy downpour that left the track not conducive for racing. The weather looked fine as the day’s races commenced but as the horses were returning to the paddock after the third race there was a heavy downpour that lasted for almost half an hour. The revised penotrometer reading was announced as 3.7 cms. and the fourth race was run after a relief from the rains. The jockeys who rode in the fourth race brought to the notice of the Stewards that the track was not conducive and it would be risky to go on with the races. The Stewards after inspecting the track decided to cancel the remainder of the races.

The Artist (Steinbeck-Artwork / Usha Stud) from S.S.Attaollahi’s stables with jockey P. Trevor astride won the Jayanagara Plate in an authoritative manner, beating the more experienced Obelinna Princess. The Artist who had won on debut four weeks ago at Bangalore over 1200 metres was supported well as the second favourite at 7-4 for this mile trip, while Obelinna Princess garnered major support in the betting at 14-10. The Artist, full brother to multi classic winner Wind Stream, showed remarkable improvement while scoring an encore even in soggy underfoot condition.

Cash is King set off in front followed closely by Lad Lady, Obelinna Princess, Cinch, Mystic Music, Guts And Glory, The Artist, Grey Connection and Always Love. As they rounded the final turn Obelinna stepped up the pace to get to the lead. The Artist also progressed quickly to chase the ‘Princess’ on top of the straight and the race looked to be clearly between the two at that stage. Approaching the distance post The Artist was coming up with a resolute gallop and he was sighted as a winner even before heading past Obelinna Princess. Mystic Music who ran a bit wayward mid-way up the straight finished third, ahead of Cash is King. Mother Ewa was withdrawn after she dislodged her rider and completed the course in reverse direction.

Sharat Kumar trained Orientak Belle (Glory of Dancer-Belvedere / Bodani Stud) who had missed the winning berth in a close finish in its last start made amends in the division III of the Nanie and Sons Trophy. The filly set off on a start to finish bid and was briefly headed by Real Potential as they came in for the final run on the straight. Oriental Belle quickly regained the lead and Enamorata started to close up with a strong challenge. Jockey A.Asshad Asbar began to ride out Sharat’s filly and staved off the challenge of Enamorata by half a length. Faustina just managed to get the better of Real Potential for the third place.

The two divisions of S.Hajee Memorial Plate were won by well backed favourites in run-away fashion. The higher division was won by Warren Singh trained Thejaguar (Greensmith-Primera / Mare Haven Stud). The 6 year old whose last run was over a year ago had finished a suggestive second in its previous start at Bangalore. Herculean was quick to hit the front at start and Thejaguar ridden by S.John settled nicely to track the leader. Into the last two furlongs Thejaguar took charge and drew away to widen the gap to 6 ¾ lengths at the finish. Balance of Nature nudged out Herculean for the second place on the last stride.

J.Babu Rao trained Raaga (Diffident-Persa / Greenfield Stud) who had not won a race in 25 starts was backed as an unbeatable one in the lower division. The gamble paid off with the 6 year old winning by a lengthening margin but what surprised the followers of form is the timing that was just 0.16 seconds slower than the course record unbeaten for the last 14 years.  The tremendous improvement in Raaga’s capabilities is what baffled the rail-birds even as most of them headed to the tote windows to encash their tickets.  Jumping out from the widest draw Raaga got to the front within the first 100 metres, led into the home stretch and stretched out effortlessly. For the record Windsor Park, Ordered Steps and Jazzbythebay filled the frame in that order.