Donald Netto schooled Picture Perfect (Samhoon-Samurai Sword / AB Stud) came out of her maiden ranks in her fourth career start, in the higher division of the Deccan Queen Plate. Lady of The Turf was withdrawn just before the start and the remaining nine lined up for the 1100 metres scurry for maiden 3 year old horses. Angel Bell set the ball rolling with Picture Perfect getting to track the leader close behind. Approaching the last 400 metres Matica and Karromshade joined the two in front and all four were in a line. Picture Perfect travelled the best out of the lot to surge ahead and kept Karromshade at bay by a length till the finish. Matica finished third with the race favourite managing to fill the judge’s frame.

Laxman Singh trained youngster, The Healer (Lord Shanakill-Brutta E Cattiva) won the lower division in a more decisive manner. Racing a handy fifth till entering the final straight while Aakash Vani and Double Charter appeared to be speedy in the front, The Healer came up with big strides when jockey brought him from the outside and swept past the front runners with ease. Shivalik Bird was a clear second while Malakeye Ziba and Double Charter finished third and fourth respectively in a close finish.

Italian Cypress (Tariq-Passion) from trainer S S Faisal Hassan’s stables created a flutter while pulling off a stunning upset in the Tenacity Cup. The 4 year old gelding was still a maiden from seven starts and had finished down the field in its previous start on the opening day of the season after jumping out awkwardly from the gates. His star was not impressive either in this run, being the one to jump out last. Bracing the rear till rounding the final bend, the 20-1 shot manoeuvred through the field even as Shatakshi tried hard to stay in the lead and flew in to wrap it off. The favourite Kimano warmed up late to be the runner-up. Goldie and Arudra filled the judge’s frame in that order.

K R K Raju trained Kohinoor Thunder (Epicentre-Gracious Bay) scored an encore in the division I of the Grand Entry Plate. Apprentice Kunal Bunde rode out the 5 year old gelding to get to the front quickly at start and held on to that advantage with Prince of Arabia and Fair And Square in close attendance. Inside the last 200 metres Kohinoor Thunder managed to stay in the lead with the young boy pushing his mount vigorously. Glorious View appeared late on the scene to take the second spot ahead of Ocean Side and Prince of Arabia.

L D’Silva trained Santa Monica (Rebuttal-Belinda / Hazara Stud) whose last win was exactly two years ago was supported strongly to claim the lower division and the bay mare did not let down her supporters. Allianz Arena set off on a start to finish bid over the seven furlongs trip and Santa Monica raced in about seventh. Jockey Deepak Singh had a tough job on hand entering the straight. He brought Santa Monica from the wide outside and she responded well to the jockey’s urgings to pick up speed and flashed past the relentless Allianz Arena. The winner’s stable companion Laurel Canyon did well to finish third ahead of Compromise.

Trainer K Satheesh saddled a double, winning the opening and the concluding races of the day with Ice Crystal and King of Pop respectively. Ice Crystal (Noverre-Mandavilla) who had signed off the winter season with a maiden win, completed an encore in the Regency Cup but not before giving anxious moments to the connections. Sent off at cramped odds for the mile trip, Ice Crystal raced second last among the six runners while stable-mate Dear Friend bowled along in front. Inside the last 300 metres Bon Ton grabbed the lead and was going for it with jockey Aneel working hard in getting Ice Crystal to raise a gallop from the wide outside. The two fought on fiercely till the end and the favourite managed to save the day, clinching the verdict in her favour on the last stride.

Jockey Deep Shanker rode King of Pop (Noverre-Atmosphere) to a pillar to post victory in the Blue Wave Plate. The 5-1 shot was taken to the front at start and Manogamini was in chase. King of Pop kept kicking on gamely even as Vijays Delight made a late bid. Manogamini under pressure in the final furlong finished third in front of Major Dundee.

Anupam Sharma trained Kintyre Princess (Mull of Kintyre-Madamoiselle) who is in rousing form this season won her second successive start in the Treasure Wind Plate. The bay mare enjoyed popular support, sent off at 5-4. Rushing to the front at start Kintyre Princess led all the way and kept Olympic Gold at bay in the last 100 metres. Sonic came in late to snatch the second place from Olympic Gold.