Manjri stud had reason to celebrate as Dragon (Phoenix Tower-Dramatikos) slammed the Mysore Million, the main event of the opening day at Mysore. The filly sporting the ‘Claret and Gold’ silks of Manjri Stud is trained by Micheal Eshwer who was back to work after a ‘forced holiday’. Jockey Suraj Narredu rode an intelligent race to ward off the late challenge of the raging favourite Star Formation. Being a little sluggish at start, Dragon recovered lost ground quickly and was up with the front bunch in about fifth as they approached the final bend. Star Formation was nicely tucked in along the fence all the way chasing a speedy Perfectionist.  Jockey Suraj wasted no time in getting on the job as they rounded the bend and swooped on Perfectionist who held on bravely till the last 300 metres. Star Formation was pulled out to make a bid and the favourite had almost 300 metres to catch up with Dragon but although the filly did manage to eat into the lead, fell short by a neck at the wire. Perfectionist finished third with Siddhani filling up the frame.

Suraj had earlier in the day prevailed over Y S Srinath in a keen tussle while driving home Super Storm (Rebuttal-Cielo Vodkamartini / Hazara Stud) to victory in the H H Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Memorial Trophy. Trained by his brother Rajesh Narredu, Suraj took Super Storm to the front quickly at start and was out to make it pillar to post. Class Is Class was in chase and the rest were following behind without much hope. It was evident that it would be a two horse race on the straight with the duo beginning to fight out every inch of the ground inside the last furlong. Multi classic winner Super Storm showed its superiority despite not being in the best of form in recent times by pulling it off by a neck at the finish.

Trainer Aravind Ganapathy and jockey Zervan combined to score a double through Mandarin and Referent for owner Dr.M.A.M.Ramaswamy. Referent (Captain Rio-St.Finan’s Bay / Hazara Stud) justified the short price to score an encore in the Varada Plate. As they entered the home stretch West Side Story had regained the lead from Mr Carpe and Referent making its bid between them. Just when it looked like Referent would swoop down, his stride was hampered briefly with Mr Carpe leaning in. Zervan started to work hard to get Referent to raise a gallop and the 3 year old gelding responded well to surge clear by a length from West Side Story at the finish. Nabisco and Carisa finished third and fourth respectively.     

Zervan had it much easier on Mandarin (Multidimensional-Margarita Rita / Usha Stud) in the division I of the B K Krishnadevaraja Urs Memorial Trophy. Racing a handy third or fourth early on while Country’s Nobility showed plenty of initial speed to hit the front, Mandarin took charge easily on top of the straight and extended well. Good Fruit covered plenty of ground from the rear to beat Glittering for the second place close home.

C Girinath trained Evalina (Phoenix Tower-Miss Takeortwo / Manjri Stud) pulled it off in the lower division at nourishing odds. Racing In mid-field till taking the final turn Evalina took the shortest way and made swift progress to get to the front passing the distance post. The favourite Secret Dimension started to charge in late but Evalina was safely home by a length. Miracles of Life and Coolmore finished third and fourth respectively.  

S Britto trained What A Wonder (Placerville-Wondrous Joy / Villoo’s Greenfield Stud) was the most impressive winner of the day in the Somanathpur Plate. The filly sent off as the favourite at Evens for the mile trip improved gradually to get to box seat from the outside rounding the final bend and drew away when let go by P S Chouhan. Indian Legend, Always on Top and Grace And Glory filled the judge’s frame in that order. James Bond was withdrawn on veterinary grounds.

Neil Darashah schooled Summer Mane (Dylan Thomas-Summer Sunset / Manjri Stud) scored its maiden win in the lower division of the Pune Plate. Summer Mane was still a maiden from six starts at Bangalore but was prepared with Mysore season in view. Suraj Narredu took advantage of the filly’s initial speed and hit the front quickly. The on-money favourite and Catchy Charger raced in close attendance till straightening for home. Inside the last furlong Astral Spirit began to challenge strongly but Suraj kept his filly in flight to keep the favourite at bay and pass the winning post half a length ahead. Catchy Charger who seems to have improved her gate manners, taking a level jump this time, finished third. Amaze was withdrawn on veterinary grounds.

Trainer Rajesh Narredu picked up a double through Super Strong (Rebuttal-A La Votre / Hazara Stud) in the higher division. Ontime on a start to finish attempt was joined by Reckless as they approached the final turn and the two were disputing the lead on entering the straight. Super Strong who was always prominent with the front bunch started to get stronger from the outside and surged ahead going past the distance post. Helios began to make a bid even as Super Strong went clear and ended up second. Ontime finished third from the fast finishing Reckless. Dance With Me was withdrawn on veterinary grounds.

The season started off with C D Monnappa trained Silver Oak (Charmo-Majestic Ceeson / Singh Stud) winning the Virija Plate. Jockey who was astride the grey gelding for the first time settled him nicely behind Ophira who rushed to head the field early in the race. On entering the straight Imran started to work his way on Silver Oak and gelding took charge readily. Flirting King tried to challenge inside the last 150 metres but the 8 year old failed to collar Silver Oak who is half its age by three fourths of a length. Catwalk Queen finished third ahead of Charm And Dream.