Sriram Komandur had kept his ward Auriga (China Visit-Grand Madame / Usha Stud) in top condition to lift the prestigious Maharaja’s Cup (Gr.3), the feature event of Monday’s races at Mysore. The bay colt that had not shown much form in the last couple of runs was neglected in the betting, sent off at 7-1 while Bold Command, a runner-up to Starlet in a terms race on this track a fortnight ago enjoyed maximum support. 

Auriga got to the front within the first furlong to lead the pack. Arrogant Approach, Star Formation and Bold Command were in close attendance followed by the rest. Auriga came in first on the home stretch and Bold Command came threateningly close approaching the last 300 metres but just could not pass the leader. Jockey Srinath kept riding out Auriga and the son of China Visit held on gallantly from the late finishing Ace Bucephalus and Flash Drive. Star Formation finished fourth and Bold Command was a disappointment ending up fifth.

Southern Fantasy (Razeen-Exquisite / Usha Stud) carrying the ‘Goldie Brown’ colours won the racingpulse  Trophy. Trained by S.Ganapathy the 5 years old bay mare was sent off as the favourite at 5-4 among the eight runners for the mile trip. Tulip got to the front as the gates opened and Southern Fantasy settled nicely in second a little over two lengths away. Jockey P.S.Chouhan started to urge Southern Fantasy on top of the straight and the mare began to bridge the gap steadily. Approaching the 300metres board Southern Fantasy had forged ahead and She’s Stunning was up with a strong challenge from the wide outside. Inside the last 150 metres Noble Reward began to devour ground, flying down in the middle but Southern Fantasy and Chouhan were safely home by a neck.  She’s Stunning finished third another length away and Attractive Bay filled the frame.  

C.D.Monnappa trained Color Proof (Burden Of Proof-Colour Me / Kunigal Stud) was ridden out by Prashant P Dhebe to lift the Himalayas Trophy. Color Proof was racing more with the rear bunch till turning for home even as Color Me went on a start to finish bid. On the straight Color Proof made significant headway to challenge Color Me and sped past inside the last 100 metres. Abderus finished third and Top Trainer ended up fourth. 

Jockey Prashant P Dhebe who has been having a good run on the saddle had earlier ridden out B.Prithviraj trained Birchwood (Green Coast-Petra / Bishan Stud) in the lower division of the Son Of The Light Plate. Dhebe exhibited his riding skills while edging out the favourite Duke Of Norfolk to win the race in a nail biting finish. Anmol Hira went to the front as the gates opened and Birchwood was in chase. Ireland raced third with Duke Of Norfolk a close fourth. Inside the last 200 metres Birchwood poked through in the middle to take it up from a weakening Anmol Hira and Duke Of Norfolk joined up from the outside. The two fought out the last 100 metres and Birchwood held on to the lead by a short-head. Ireland edged out Anmol Hira for the third place. 

S.Dominic trained Temujin (Burden Of Proof-Clarinet / Kunigal Stud) was given a hard ride by P.S.Chouhan to win the higher division of the Aunty Pip Plate. Temujin tracked the leader Better Than Ever till the top of the straight and took some time to raise a gallop. Temujin was pushed to the front with 100 metres left with Passion Flora getting stronger from the inside. Leon came charging down from the rear but thanks to some inexperienced handling from the saddle Temujin just managed hold on. Passion Flora finished third and Better Than Ever fourth. Jersey Bride was withdrawn near the gates.  

The 5 year old bay gelding Shining Bay (Crown Jewels-Reign Of Fire / Noble Stud) from trainer Imtiaz Khan’s stables made every post a winning one in the lower division. Shining Bay showed plenty of early speed to hit the front from a wide outside draw. Delilah joined quickly and the pair drew clear from the rest. Entering the straight Shining Bay came in clear by almost four lengths and despite drifting out of the straight course kept up the lead till the winning post. The favourite Croziet could only finish as the runner-up. Breaking Away and Secret Prayer filled the frame in that order. 

Trainer Imtiaz Khan saddled his double through Sairani (Ace-Classic Sky / Exhiliration Stud) in the division I of the Son of The Light Plate. Sairani that had won only on debut almost three years ago took a flying start from draw 1 and made every post a winning one. Matteo was the only worthy challenger on the straight but the gelding failed to collar Sairani and had to settle for the runner-up berth. Able Master and Country’s Courage were third and fourth respectively many lengths away. Golden Bow was withdrawn on veterinary grounds.

Jockey S.John rode Ranjeet Shinde’s Reanna (Gaswar-Am Capable / Lingwood Stud in copybook fashion to win the Jayanagar Plate. Kaguya Himei set out on a start to finish bid followed closely by Momotaro and Castle King. Reanna had settled well close to the rails with Port Blair giving company from the outside. As they rounded the final turn Reanna slipped in through the shortest way and got behind the leader. On the straight John pulled out Reanna and the 5 year old galloped resolutely to swoop on Kaguya  Himei and go ahead. Port Blair and Castle King finished third and fourth respectively. 

P.Prasanna Kumar trained Noble Flaire (Ivory Touch-Glorious Princess / Jind Stud) scored its maiden win in the opener of the day, the Nagaland Plate. The filly took off well from draw 3 and was prominently with the front bunch early. Passing the 700 metres board Noble Flaire had a slender lead over Churchill and came in first on the straight closest to the rails. On the straight Noble Flaire shifted to the centre of the track but still continued to maintain a good lead and won it comfortably. Churchill rallied on in second with Karod Pati occupying the third spot ahead of Country’s Tigress. Above And Beyond was withdrawn on veterinary grounds.