Manjri Stud bred Daylite (Phoenix Tower-Nightlife) crafted an easy victory in the Grey Gaston Trophy, a seven furlongs race for horses rated 60 and above that featured the opening day’s races of the Mysore Summer season. Michael Eshwer trained dark bay gelding was sent off as the favourite among the dozen contenders and jockey S.Zervan was assigned the task of guiding its fortunes after Suraj Narredu who was originally declared to ride could not make it following a fall during morning workout at Bangalore. Daylite was quick to get off from the gates and settled well to lead the field. On the final straight Daylite continued to dictate terms and won by a comfortable margin. New World beat the rest to take the runner-up spot while Demanding Format finished in the money from a late finishing Miss International.

The Summer season at Mysore commenced on Wednesday and stretches till the 27^th of July with 14 race days to be gone through. There is an increase of stake money by 10% and the payout will be restricted to the first four places in a bid to bring in more competition. The Mysore Fillies Trial Stakes and the Mysore Colts Trial Stakes are the new races that have been introduced.

C.Girinath trained Absolute Brave (Glory of Dancer-Exotic Moves / Nanoli Stud) who had finished a suggestive second in its last outing in winter came good to lift the Trombay Plate. The 7 year old was held close to the rails in mid-field while Queen made the initial running in front. As they turned for home Extra Spark made a quick move from the outside to get to the front and Absolute Brave saved ground along the rails to throw a challenge. Absolute Brave travelled the better and finished a neck ahead of Extra Spark. The much fancied Momotaro did not live up to its billing and ended up a tame third. Society Music filled the frame.

Excelerate (Phoenix Tower-Roundtree / Manjri Stud) who was racing for the first time on this track won the opener in an impressive fashion. Zervan took the Eshwer trained youngster to the front and Eye Of The Needle joined to give company. Rounding for home Haloween’s Way ranged alongside Excelerate and the two broke away from the pack. Excelerate stretched out better and drew clear of Haloween’s Way inside the last furlong. Country’s Courage was third many lengths behind.

C.D.Monnappa trained Mr.Carpe (Aussie Rules-Mystery Solved / Mebajeona Stud) found form to win the higher division of the Beloved Prince Plate. Dark William set off on a start to finish mission and held on to the lead till approaching the last 100 metres. Secret Touch, Ruthba, Albatross and Mr. Carpe spread out across the track and came pouncing on Dark William. Mr.Carpe swamped on the rest from the outside and drew clear. The favourite Ruthba finished second in a close finish with Secret Touch and Albatross.

Champion Star (Mr.Mellon-Almelo / Ruia Stud) from G.T.Surender’s yard came good in the lower division. Champion Star raced close to the bunch along the rails with As Good As Gold in front followed by Deltin. Improving gradually as the straightened up, Champion Star moved alongside As Good As Gold and after matching strides for a short distance, surged clear. The well fancied Deltin finished third ahead of See The Storm.

Trainer J.Saravanan scored a back to back double through Reach The Stars and Al Dhama. Mumbai import Reach The Stars (Black Cash-Touch A Star / Equus Stud) showed plenty of speed to win the Dubare Forest Plate. Jockey S.John took the 6 year old to the front early and made it a start to finish affair. Reach The Stars was was impressive in the straight and was ridden out hands and heels. Kir Royale finished second and Zoe beat Delilah for the third spot.

Al Dhama (Ace-Persepolis / Villoo’s Greenfield Stusd) who was running after nearly six months made every post a winning one in the higher division of the Red Satin Plate. The favourite Always United tracked Al Dhama all the way and when asked to quicken, just couldn’t get to Al Dhama. Friends Forever and Golden Cruise finished third and fourth respectively.

The 8 year old Scaramouche (Placerville-Lecce / Exhilaration Stud) trained by C.Girinath won the lower division by a good margin. Scaramouche chased the top weighted Roland till the last 500 metres and took charge as they straightened up. Stretching out well Scaramouche increased the lead to six lengths at the finish. Stride To Success and Born For Stakes fought on for the minor places and finished second and third respectively.

A lot of money came on S.Rakesh trained Siddhani (West Virginia –Royal Guest / Nakul Stud) landing up as the favourite in the Melukote Plate. The chestnut filly did not disappoint the connections and won by a lengthening margin. Cactus Cash led early and brought the field on the home stretch. Pacquiao made the first move on the straight but was no match when Siddhani was alighted to the task by Madhu Babu. Robinhood Pandey chased the winner all the way up the straight. Pacquiao finished third.