Bangalore raider Sun Divine (Burden of Proof-Divine Dreams / Kunigal Stud) trained by young Neil Darashah set the track ablaze in the Governor’s Cup at Malakpet, Hyderabad. Jockey Arshad Alam who is shaping up well to head to the top league gave a perfect ride on the 6 year old gelding. C Eleven called the shots at a fast pace followed by Cosmic Touch and Sun Divine. The favourite Desire was further behind in about fifth position. The race came to a boil passing the distance post and Sun Divine shot to the lead with Desire making a strong bid. The margin between the two started to diminish as they neared the winning post but Sun Divine was safely home by half a length. C Eleven finished third ahead of Vijay Viraaj.

K S V Prasad Raju trained Aventus (Ace-Starboard) which was improving one place with every race in the last few attempts finally hit the bull’s eye in the Basalat Jah Memorial Cup, a mile race for horses in the highest category. Chasing Sheer Genius till the top of the home stretch with jockey Nilesh Rawal sitting tight, Aventus forged ahead readily and kicked on gamely to the winning post. Machiavellianish did well to be the runner-up despite carrying a mighty 63 kilograms on its back. Brahmani and Rahul’s Diamond finished third and fourth respectively while the more favoured Galiat came under pressure when asked for an effort and finished a poor fifth. 

Last outing winner Rubyonrails (Roi Maudit-Flaming Ruby) from Faiyaz Shaikh’s yard scored an encore in the division of the P.G.Reddy Memorial Cup. Racing in about fourth or fifth among the nine runners with Rapidest and Sprint Legend fighting to keep the lead till straightening for home, Rubyonrails was given a free run from the outside. The filly flashed on with a flourish inside the last 200 metres and went clear by two lengths. Symbol of Glory and Kohinoor Punch improved late to be second and third respectively. Sprint Legend took the fourth spot.

A 10-1 shot Vista (Oratorio-Athlone), trained by L.V.R. Deshmukh sprang a surprise in the lower division. Ridden by apprentice Vista was third last almost seven lengths behind the leader Numinous who was at it right from the start. Vista took the shortest way to improve places and with a final burst of speed emerged between Numinous and Roma Royal to wrap it off. Numinous and Roma Royal finished second and third respectively.

Laxman Singh trained Meheran (C P West-Killarney) which had won a ten furlongs race by a good margin proved to be a good stayer while annexing the Con Amore Cup. Jockey Kuldeep Singh held back the 4 year old off the pace while stable companions San Ramon and Fair Fax disputed the lead followed by City Tex, Vijay’s Delight and Pinky. There was not much of a change in the order even as the passed the half way stage of the 2000 metres trip. Meheran started to move up from the outside as they turned for home and when asked to go for it, galloped resolutely to grab the lead. Fair Fax fought back gallantly but had to settle for the second place, half a length away. Vijay’s Delight finished third in front of City Tex.

Trainer M Srinivas Reddy’s 3 year old filly Fabulous Jewel (Roi Maudit-Storm Command) was the most impressive winner of the day. Held back in fourth till turning for home, Fabulous Jewel was brought out and on a tight rein and charged ahead effortlessly. Jockey Dashrath Singh sat tight on the filly and had the luxury of peeping under his shoulders before easing up well before the winning post. Tinsel Town, Flower Drum and City of Wonders filled the board in that order.

Trainer K Satheesh was the only professional to score a double through Racing Ikon and Columbus. Racing Ikon (Noverre-Isle of Mull) won the Starsky Plate under apprentice N S Rathore. Tracking Mount Titlis all the way from the start, Racing Ikon began to challenge on the straight and managed to surge past inside the last 100 metres. Joint favourites Bouquet and Naamdhari could only finish third and fourth respectively.

Columbus (Gaswar-Stunning Rose) scored an upset in the Diablo Plate, the last race of the day. Charging ahead to lead the field as the gates opened, Columbus led for a furlong and settled to chase Masti. Approaching the last 400 metres Columbus moved to regain the lead and won undisputed. Silvassa and Bellatrix fought on for the minor placings and finished second and third respectively.