Western India based trainer Vishal Gaikwad tasted his first classic success while saddling Nanoli Stud bred Intelligence (Rip Van Winkle-Auroro Aurealis) to victory in the Golconda 1000 Guineas – Gr.2, the first classic of the Hyderabad Winter season. Jockey Suraj Narredu was at his confident best while driving home the filly. Trainer Vishal Gaikwad who is took up his license early this year made news when he led in the first horse he saddled, Zackary, in the Maj.P.K.Mehra Memorial Super Mile – Gr.1 during the invitational weekend which in itself was a record of sorts. Intelligence came to Malakpet having run three races at Pune. The filly won one of them and then donned the role of a pace maker in the Pune Derby.

In almost a pedestrian pace Intelligence was taken to the front by Suraj. Shivalik Bird, Amazing Charm, Woman O War and That’s My Darling followed the leader in that order with none of them eager to go for it in the early part. As they came into the home straight Intelligence continued to dominate the proceedings and the favourite Woman O War looked to be lost and her signature acceleration seemed to be missing. Intelligence kicked on with no major challenge emerging from behind and won well. Amazing Charm was in chase throughout the last two furlongs and then lost the runner-up bert to Woman O War.

Trainer Donald Netto continued to en-cash on the fitness of his ward Net Champ (Burden Of Proof-Sunny Clime / Kunigal Stud). Net Champ extended its winning streak to fourth successive one in the division I of the Mica Empress Cup. Sent in at a short price, Net Champ was on the haunches of the leader Exclusive Lady within the first two furlongs. Net Champ forged ahead readily on entering the straight and successfully kept Vista at bay towards the closing stages. Gayle Force finished third in front of Baashagar.

Jockey Suraj Narredu rode his double on K.S.V.Prasad Raju’s Rebellion (Dancing Forever-Offshore Anna) in the lower division. The 4 year old was the Even money favourite after its success a fortnight ago. Racing second last till the last 800 metres, Rebellion gradually made ground to be fifth on top of the straight with Altruist and Flower Roll Up in competition in front. Rebellion raised a resolute gallop when Suraj shifted gears and was sighted a winner well before the distance post. Symbol Of Glory, Flower Roll Up and Altruist filled the judge’s frame in that order.

K.Satheesh trained Euro Zone (Lord Admiral-Run For Roses) made it in the Blue Bird Plate in a pulsating finish involving three horses. Tracking Amazing Venus till the top of the straight, Euro Zone surged ahead to take it up. Jockey Deep Shanker continued to ride out Euro Zone even as Charlie Brown came charging in and Without Makeup finishing fast from the outside. The three closed up inside the last 50 metres and went past the winning post almost together. The magic eye went in favour of Euro Zone who had held on from Charlie brown by a short head. Without Make up was third another head away.

Jockey Neeraj Rawal who was down here to ride Madiba (Varenar-Najah / Equus Stud) in the opening race, the Original Vel V. Balasubramani Memorial Cup got an armchair victory. Madiba scored an encore without having to sweat it out over the mile trip. Handily along the fence all the way, Madiba moved alongside Angel Bell and moved ahead smoothly with 400 metres left in the race. The 3 year old gelding was clear by nine lengths at the fnish with Bharat Princess and Charming Beauty finishing second and third respectively.

K.R.K.Raju trained Commanding Boy (Royal Gladiator-Think Of Us) completed a hat-trick in the higher division of the Windscale Plate. Showing plenty of speed at start Commanding Boy rushed to take over the running. Leading all the way the gelding extended nicely inside the last 100 metres when King Of Pop and Whispering Pines began to give a hot chase. Whispering Pines got the better of a late finishing Little Smart Hear for the second place. King Of Pop finished fourth in a close finish.

Jockey A. Sandesh rode S.S.Faisal Hassan’s Vallee Secrete (Glory of Dancer-Miyamoto / Nanoli Stud) in the lower division. Racing fifth on entering the straight, Vallee Secrete progressed through the horses in front and was at the helm 250 metres from home.  Galloping easily in front Vallee Secrete won impressively from Sketch Of Beauty.

Undu Undu Undu (Equitable-DAma Grande) from trainer R.H.Sequeira’s stables made it successfully in the division I of the Cordon Rouge Plate. The 3-1 shot raced in about sixth position till turning for home and responded well to challenge Symbol Of Honour and win it. Goldie finished third in front of Strides Of Luck.

Anantha Vatsalya trained Buckshee (Top Class-Pomme De Terre / Mukteshwar Stud) pulled it off in the lower division. The filly was slow at start and was last till approaching the last 800 metres. Improving gradually Buckshee was in a striking position on the straight and grabbed the lead readily when asked for inside the last 200 metres. Eva rallied on to take the second place from Yet Another.