It was a good start to the summer. After the mixed bag on the opening day, six firm favourites and one well supported second choice on Sunday helped the punters post some good credit entries in their balance sheet. Serjeant At Arms proved that he is the best and is in a league of his own. He beyond doubt is the best miler on the Indian racing circuit and competing in the Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Memorial Cup run over seven furlongs he simply sent out a message that he is the big boss at this centre. The Sulaiman Attaollahi ward who recorded a classic double last summer has never lost a race at this centre and he maintained the winning streak without raising a sweat in the plum event.

Sulaiman Attaollahi delighted with the performance of the `Serjeant’ added one more, the well supported  Duke Of Clarence coming home trumps in the lower division of the M N Prakash Memorial Trophy edging out Sterling Role and the favourite Grecian Light who struggled to make the frame. Four fancied wins in the first week is a good positive start and it will pay to follow Sulaiman’s wards in the following two weeks simply because the stock under his care is looking strong and healthy.

The upper division of the event was claimed by the public choice Antananarivo from Arjun Manglorkar’s yard who depite being hopelessly placed at the top of the straight produced a heartwarming gallop to romp home in style. Zafran in her attempt to make every post a winning one found Antananarivo too hot to handle at end and had to rest content with the runner-up berth. Mariko finished third ahead of Wise Guy while Admiral One and Blue Blazer, it appeared were happy to get a run under their belt.

The Neil Darashah schooled Attorney General,  another top fancy won the Dr.T Thimmaiah Memorial Cup in convincing fashion. The winner looked a picture of fitness at the parade ring and with Suraj Narredu to guide his fortunes readily justified the confidence of his supporters. Arvak sporting blinkers warmed up late to gain the second spot. Lord Darlington who chose to grace the wrong end of the field for most part of the seven furlongs trip was seen finishing on well at end and it will not be long before this Padmanabhan ward earns his cornbill.

In the Sir Bruce Plate for maiden three-year-olds, the Irfan Ghatala-trained Torsoro made a smashing winning debut snuffing out the pillar to post attempt of the favourite Bora Bora close home. The winner piloted by Neeraj Rawal was seen loitering in the rear group before the filly started to move and the moment she did that she flew in the final furlong to spoil Bora Bora’s party. The Sandhu schooled Aine impressed most while finishing an easy thid and is one for the notebook while Symphonica who too had her fair share of followers will need time before she gets into shape to earn her winning bracket.

The favourite Astrild from Sandhu’s yard won the upper division of the Quasar Plate in the hands of leading pro Srinath who stretched every sinew to help the Sandhu ward gain the day from High Admiral piloted by Ashhad Asbar who lacked the power and punch to score. Bellerophon raced in patches while Jack Of Hearts was never in the hunt.

The lower division of the event saw Arziki from the stables of Lokanath donkey-lick her nine rivals. Trevor really didn’t need to really move a muscle on this Lokanath ward who is poised to record an encore. Emancipation came up with a good long  stretch run to take the second spot ahead of Midnight Sky.

The Prasanna Kumar schooled Rum Runner and Carducci from Pradeep’s yard were the two other winners. The former won the Allaire Plate In a common canter while Carducci provided jockey A R Pradeep his second victory, winning the Aureole Time Plate in emphatic fashion.