Seasoned campaigner Rule Downunder (Aussie Rules – Fatat Alarab, Capricorn Stud) showed out in a breezy finish to carve out a narrow win in a close three-way finish to clinch the Madras Race Club Trophy close home. Lying last of five, Rule Downunder with Trevor on board waited until the precise moment to launch an all out attack in the final furlong to drive home in the final few strides. Zander was shaping up well coming into the homestretch with Ageless too throwing in all her might. With 300 to go, Zander held the upper hand while Ageless was hard at work to stay in contention. Bramhachari was the first casualty as he failed to quicken and fell out of the fight. Rule Downunder began gaining on the front runners and produced a dazzling finish to get them a stride or two from the winning post. Rule Downunder has been consistent and was rewarded amply as he lunged forward in the last 100m to spare a neck and win beating Zander who did everything right until Rule Downunder struck him down. Ageless ended another neck behind to end a close third.

Among the maidens, London stood with a eye-catching performance coming literally from the last position to land the spoils in an easy and amazing manner. Favourite Cyclone looked good coming into the straight as he hit the front and also bounced ahead to work up a good clip and built a handy lead. He seemed to be on course coming inside the final furlong, as the rest of them barring London looked beat. London warmed up with about 300 to go and flew towards the end with a swift gallop. He caught up with Cyclone with less than 100 to go and shot past the leader to post an impressive victory. Needless to say, London (Phoenix Tower – Fair Ways, Manjri Stud) looks a good type and showed plenty of promise for a brighter future. Cyclone was unlucky to have caught London at his fiery best, but will come good on his day.

Magical Memory (Whatsthescript – Flying Home, Nanoli Stud) also scripted a successful debut and won as impressively as well. Firebolt stormed into the lead and led the field into the straight. However, he fizzled out soon as Thunder Down Under made rapid progress to lead briefly. Nutcracker too was in the fight but all was over when Magical Memory arrived with a spirited run to get past them at the distance post. Magical Memory stretched away from the rest to compile a stylish win. Thunder Down Under ran on to finish second, but looks a good type who will have his day. Nutcracker ended a tame third but has room for improvement.

Pink Panther (Phoenix Tower – Peruvian Witch, Manjri Stud) lived up to her top billing and the promise he showed in his last start. Getting straight down to business, Pink Panther galloped smoothly until the turn heading a tightly packed field.

Into the straight, Pink Panther with Zervan in the saddle, quickened well and established a decisive lead. Sensex was galloping all out yet making no impact on the leader. Arlene came with a late bit but he warmed up far too late and although he covered considerable ground, he was a tad too late to get at Pink Panther. The winner was never in danger of being caught, but Arlene did catch the eye while ending runner up on his first start.

Speedo (Alnasr Alwasheek – Enchante, Manju Meadows) finally earned his winning bracket with a speedy finish.  Sitting third until they straightened up for home, Speedo lit up midway in the straight to get leader Pretty in Patpong at the distance post. Acker Bilk felt the burden of weight he was carrying and found it hard to put up any challenge. Pretty in Patpong held on for the runner up berth once Speedo charged ahead and won with a measure of comfort.

In the day’s first race, hot favourite Baryshnikov (China Visit – Five Satins, Usha Stud) dominated his rivals all through. He entered the straight with a sizable lead and then marched on ahead with complete disregard to the rest. He added more ground with each stride and won easing up. Wonder Story beat the rest to earn the runner-up berth with Speed Magic edging out Royal Sapphire for the place money.

Frankest (Declaration of War – Fame Star, Lingwood Stud) was another one that decimated the opposition and won handsomely. Sitting in second behind Espada, Frankest sailed into the lead soon on turning for home and then produced a powerful gallop to surge further and further away from the rest. In My Life kicked on to take the second place. Aeolus Maximus, Eagle Spirit and Ensign finished in a heap in that order.

Alien (Ontario – Kaimana, Sohna Stud) won a lot more easily than what one saw on the turf. He surged into the lead past Ainra and then settled to gallop at a good clip although in check. Speed of Sound was in third and Shining Melody was thereabouts in the front bunch.

Alien led them into the straight and had Speed of Sound asking questions. Soon Shining Melody also came to join the pair in front. However, Alien had a lot left and he accelerated in the final 150 to steer clear and win with something to spare. Shining Melody tried hard but had to be content with the second place ahead of Sound of Speed.

For the professionals, trainer SK Sunderji saddled a double, while jockeys A Sandesh, P Trevor and S Zervan scored a double each.