After the first three days of the winter season went in favour of the followers of form, punters lost out on Saturday, most top fancies failing to enter the winners’ circle to the disappointment of the railbirds who continue to punt, never mind the crash crunch, in the effort to make a fast new buck.

After a couple of none-too-impressive efforts in the Mysore season and  on the opening day this winter, Smile Stone from trainer Sharath Kumar’s yard produced his best in the hands of leading pro Srinath to take home the Hyderabad Silver Vase, the plum event run over a sprint.  Srinath who had earlier punched home the 10 to one shot Heaven And Earth from Gregory Sandhu’s yard displayed exemplary saddle artistry on Smile Stone, biding his time before timing his final challenge to a nicety. The best turned out horse in the paddock, Havelock Prince finished a game second ahead of Mickey Mouse while the favourite Coldstream warmed up late to only finish fourth.

The Ganapathy schooled Wonder Woman competing in the lower division of the Saddle Up Plate was touted as a `moral certainty’ on the strength of her impressive performances in the morning trials and the fact that the filly had caught the eye while finishing third in her last essay in the summer season. Chouhan pushed the public choice the moment he negotiated the final curve and held the initiative till he was pipped at the post by Heaven And Strength powerfully piloted by Srinath. Wonder Woman, it is learnt was clipped and suffered an injury during the race and this cost the on-money favourite dear.

In line for a treble, Srinath  produced another heartwarming performance on the Darius Byramji-trained Adulation in the upper division of the event edging out arch rival Ark Royal in a thriller. John astride Ark Royal and Srinath guiding the fortunes of Adulation were locked in a ding-dong battle in the final furlong before Srinath and Adulation gained the day to the delight of his supporters. Mission Blue finished a creditable third and is one for the notebook.

The G Krishnappa Memorial Cup split into two divisions saw another from the stables of Darius Byramji,  who shared the professional honours with Srinath recording a treble, struck through Multi App piloted by jockey Irvan Singh in the lower division before the trainer-jockey combination shocked the followers of form, the 20 to one long shot Integrated  snuffing out the challenge of the lesser fancied Life Awaits at the shadow of the winning post in the Sohna Stud Plate run over a sprint.  

The Neil Darashah schooled Attorney General was the top fancy in this event but the overwhelming favourite after raising hopes in the final 100 metres failed to make it, finishing third behind Integrated and Life Awaits. The French saddle artiste Cedric Segeon, it is clear is not in the league of the top five Indian riders on the parade but it will pay to remain patient and watch his progress in the weeks ahead.

Segeon, earlier partnered the public rage Bellerophon in the upper division of the Half a Crown Plate but the top public choice much to the chagrin of the railbirds failed to make the board. The Suraj Narredu schooled Paradiso dropped the biggest bombshell in this event. Kiran Naidu piloted the winner pegging back the effort of the runner-up High Voltage while Scenic Park finished a notable third in the hands of blow-hot, blow-cold Ashok Kumar.

The upper division of the event saw apprentice jockey Manjunath who recorded his maiden success through Ganapathy-trained Queen Of Windsor who despite failing to gain a favourable position early on in the race produced a good winning gallop to come up trumps. Look Out finished second ahead of the favourite Golden Friend who will benefit most after this essay.

The Warren Singh schooled Extremelydangerous won the Linganamakki Plate run over a mile. Apprentice jockey Ryan Ahmed produced a copybook effort on the Warren ward. Active Grey finished second of Campfire who will not stay long in this lowest class.

Arvind Ganapathy will be the most pleased and highly satisfied man after the second in demand at the betting ring Majestic Style won the upper division of the G Krishnappa Memorial Cup in style, coming from a rear position to easily cruise home at end. The winner, it is clear benefitted most from his good run on the second day. Now that Arvind Ganapathy has broken the ice, the youngster, it is certain will lead in a few more this season.