S.S.Sulaiman Attaollahi trained Arrogant Approach (Carnival Dancer-Passion To Perform / Hargobind Stud) lifted the prestigious Maharaja’s Cup – Gr.3 at Mysore on Friday. Jockey Suraj Narredu gave the 5 year old gelding a perfect ride to prevail over the fancied Alexandra Mills by half a length at the all-important end. 

Storming Home and Spreadeagle disputed the lead till approaching the final bend and Alexandra Mills joined them quickly on top of the straight. Suraj just gave one tap on Arrogant Approach to get him into the act and the gelding rallied along strongly from the outside to challenge Alexandra Mills who had assumed command with 400 metres left from home. Alexandra Mills was ridden hard by Imran Khan to retain the advantage from Arrogant Approach who was approaching closer with every stride. Suraj nursed his mount to a nicety till almost the last 50 metres and with a final heave beat the ‘Mills’ in the shadow of the winning post.

“The race went according to the plan”, said Suraj Narredu after the race. “I wanted to make my run outside of Alexandra Mills and that worked out. He’s been a game horse and Sulaiman has done a great job by keeping this horse going for a long time. Maharaja’s Cup is a prestigious event in the Mysore racing calendar and I was overwhelmed to receive the trophy from the new ‘Maharaja’ of Mysore.”   

Trainer M Bobby saddled a double through Rule Forever and Phelps, both at nourishing odds. Phelps (Sedgefield-Great Colors / Jai Govind Stud) treated the field with disdain while annexing the K Thammanna Gowda Memorial Trophy. Phelps which had won its last start here after shifting base from Western India, set off to lead the field at start. Increasing the lead steadily, Phelps came in clear of the rest on the straight and kicked on effortlessly with jockey Arshad Alam not having to work hard for it. Society Music was all out right through the last 400 metres but could only beat the rest for the runner-up berth. Carisa and Arabian Warrior finished third and fourth respectively.

Colossal Moments (Samhoon-Mia Senora / AB Stud) from trainer Prasanna Kumar’s stables wrapped up the division I of the Seetharam Mudaliar Memorial Trophy. Legal Legacy set off on a start to finish trip and was still holding on to the lead on entering the straight with Galway Girl challenging from the outside. Racing handily along the fence in third, Colossal was brought out to make a bid and with a strong challenge got the better of Legal Legacy by a neck at the wire. Galway Girl fell out of the fight to finish third.

G Nithyanand schooled Taqdeer Ka Badshah (Pinson-Corona Di Oro / Pratap Stud) set the track on fire to set a new course record over 1100 metres scurry in the lower division. Taqdeer Ka Badshah’s sire Pinson which now stands at Nakul Stud was the highest weighted 3 year old – in his Classic year- at France. Showing plenty of speed at start, Taqdeer Ka Badshah shot to the lead from draw one. Mariko was in hot chase but Taqdeer Ka Badshah began to extend the margin with the rider Shobhan Babu using just his hands and heels. Shining Bay and Helios finished third and fourth respectively.

M.Bobby trained Rule Forever (Exceed And Excel-Greytown / Sohna Stud) won the opener of the day with utmost ease. The last win of the 7 year old was at Pune almost three years ago and had not seen the wining post after shifting base. Into the home stretch Teri Adah was being challenged by the hot favourite Reckless. Nearing the distance post Rule Forever was pulled out from the inside and with a fluent gallop forged ahead and stretched out easily. Flirting King, Young Gallant and Rule Forever filled the board in that order.

G.Sandhu trained Asian Star (Charmo-Lady Beverly / Singh Stud) earned its maiden win in a runaway fashion. Jockey Imran Khan took Asian Star to the front from draw one and Born For Stakes joined alongside quickly from the outermost draw. Inside the last 300 metres Asian Star began to pick up speed and extended the lead to six lengths at the finish. Breaking Away took the second spot in front of Bonfire who came very fast along the rails. Icepick Willie was withdrawn on veterinary grounds.  

M Britto trained Seven Of Hearts (Burden of Proof-Seven Hearts /Kunigal Stud) which had won only once in 27 starts scored a stunning upset in the Usha Balram Trophy. Grabbing the lead from Wrekin on top of the straight Seven of Hearts kicked on from the late finishing All Proof. Wrekin finished third while Malkia took the fourth spot.

Ranjeet Shinde trained Reanna (Gaswar-Am Capable / Lingwood Stud) justified the favouritism easily in the Coorg Plate. Bourbon Street was in front and Reanna raced in about fourth or fifth till approaching the bend. Improving positions as they rounded the turn, Reanna galloped resolutely to head past Bourbon Street and extended the margin to 4 1/2 lengths at the finish. Murcilago, Siddhani and Durer filled the board in that order.