Laxman Singh trained King Charles (Kingda Ka-Laserre / Nanoli Stud) made light of the heavy impost of 63 kilograms on its back while comfortably keeping at bay That’s My Darling in the P.Veereshwar Rao Memorial Cup, the main event of the small card of six races on Monday at Hyderabad. Sent off as the second favourite at 3-1 against That’s My Darlings ‘on money’ offer, the chestnut colt was held in third behind Jack Sparrow and Winds And Waves close to the inner rails. That’s My Darling was all the way travelling last of six runners. As they turned for home King Charles slipped in along the fence to gain the advantage and That’s My Darling was set alight from the wide outside. King Charles surprised the handicapper by kicking on with the top weight even as That’s My Darling came calling in second. Golden Arrow and Jack Sparrow finished third and fourth respectively.

Laxman Singh who emerged as the leading trainer during the recently concluded Monsoon season continued to dominate with a double teaming with his trusted stable jockey Kuldeep Singh. He deserves kudos for keeping his wards in top condition and The Healer (Lord Shanakill-Brutta E Cattiva) is testimony to it. The 3 year old missed winning on debut but has never looked back since, in all its four starts. The Healer scored an impressive win in the higher division of the Democracy Plate. Kuldeep Singh who has partnered The Healer in all its wins raced close behind Roi’s Cruise with Moon Walker in third. The Healer looked keen on top of the straight but the rider waited patiently till the last 300 metres and then let him go. The Healer galloped with authority to extend the lead to 2 3/4 lengths. Roi’s Cruise held on to the runner-up berth from Advocate General.

Anantha Vatsalya trained Mangalyaan (Ravel-Dandiya) made it comfortably to the winning post in the lower division. Bharat King set off on a start to finish bid over the 1200 metres sprint and was still in command approaching the distance post. Mangalyaan who was in about fourth or fifth till entering the straight started galloping well under apprentice G. Naresh’s urgings and moved up to join the leader from the outside. After matching strides for a brief while Mangalyaan surged ahead nicely to pull it off by a length. Sonic finished third in front of Mighty Swing.

Firm favourites obliged in both the divisions of the Adolfito Plate. The half money favourite City Of Destiny (Mull Of Kintyre-Blue Missy) won the scurry by a lengthening margin. After fighting for a forward position with Angelina Star and In Command in the early part. Moving ahead even before approaching the bend City Of Destiny stretched out effortlessly. In Command finished second while Sefarina and Hunter’s Pride ended up third and fourth respectively. Blaze Of Glory was withdrawn on veterinary grounds before the start.

The lower division was won by S.A. Shehzad Abbas trained Dancing Farha (Dancing Forever-Farha). The 4 year old filly who had not won a race from nine starts was installed as the favourite at 11-10 among the eight runners. Yes Baby set off in the lead and Dancing Farha was nicely into second right from the start. Apprentice G.Naresh was pushing hard to get the favourite in front but Yes Baby was relentless in front, staying in the lead till into the last 150 metres. Yes Baby finally gave up and Dancing Farha forged ahead to win by a length. Blue Sedection and Ondha Ondha Ondha came charging towards the closing stages to beat Yes Baby for the second and third places respectively in a close finish.

Trainer K. Satheesh’s 4 year old bay gelding Sensei (Noverre-Bridgeofsighs) justified the favouritism in the Grand Entry Plate, the concluding race of the day. Handily in about fourth while Red Rambble, Whispering Pines and Rock Baby Rock raced in front in that order, Sensei made way between horses turning for home and surged ahead with 300 metres left from home. Red Rambble was the only worthy challenger but Sensei was too good to collar and settled for the second place. Whispering Pines finished third many lengths behind. Found Money was withdrawn earlier in the day.