Smilestone (Juniper-Alam Jehan / Track Supreme Stud) is an absolute money spinner for the stable of trainer Sharat Kumar. The 7 year old scored its 10^th career win in the F.K.Irani Memorial Trophy at Mysore. Smilestone was well off the pace in second last while Goldberg and Rafa disputed the lead till turning for home. On entering the straight Rafa took the first initiative and went for it. Integrated started to get closer and Smilestone came with a long stretched run on the wide outside covering ground at a rapid pace. With his signature acceleration Smilestone sped past to score its tenth victory from a late finishing Let The Lion Roar. It was incidentally the tenth win for apprentice M. Naveen also. Rafa finished third ahead of Kingoftheworld.

In a close finish Bipin V Salvi trained Castlebar (Holding Court-Whisper City / Broadacres Stud) pulled off an upset in the Civil Services Trophy. Entering the straight the lead kept changing and with about 300 metres left Dreamliner took charge hotly chased by Amazing Connection. Castlebar started to pick up speed and moved ahead inside the last 100 metres and Tobin came challenging strongly. The two went past the winning post in a close finish and a neck separated them at the finish. Nikka and Dreamliner were locked together for the minor places. Oceanic Storm was a non-starter in the race.

In another close finish of the day Neil B Devaney trained I’ve Got Clout (Lord Admiral-Their Lil Sister / Sans Craintes Stud) snatched the victory from Fair Game on the last stride. Fair Game went on a start to finish bid over the 1400 metres trip and still enjoyed a lead of over two lengths as they came into the last 100 metres. I’ve Got Clout began to devour ground from behind and locked himself with Fair Game at the finish. The magic Eye gave the verdict in favour of I’ve Got Clout by a nose. The race favourite El Finix finished third ahead of Ravelnation.  

Apprentice Antony Raj went on a start to finish bid on Stella Mari ( Admiralofthefleet-Stellar Affair / Kunigal Stud) and scored a maiden win in the Sidapur Plate. The 4 years old filly sporting the colours of Sharat kumar, although not under his tutelage shot off to the front as the gates opened. On the straight Wylde joined from the outside and for a brief while it looked she was travelling better but Stella Mari with renewed effort spurted away comfortably. Bestow rallied on in second followed by Wylde and Intrepid Warrior.

Trainer Sharat Kumar had started the day with A Crown (Opportunist-Danetime Rose / New Approach Stud) scoring an encore in impressive fashion in the division II of the S. Hajee Memorial Plate. Racing a handy fifth for almost half the way over the seven furlongs trip A Crown made a swift move to slip into the lead turning for home and never looked back. My Valentine, senator and Perfect Prince filled the frame in that order. Gift Of Paradise, Calico Star and Noble Princess were non-starters in the race.

Trainer S. Inayathulla saddled a back to back double through James Bond and Indian Fury, both ridden by T.S. Jodha. James Bond (Epicentre-Golden Shower / AB Stud) won the T. Dougall Memorial Plate. Czar Rule was taken to the front right from the word ‘go’ by Suraj Narredu. James Bond settled well in third early. As they came into the last 400 metres James Bond started to gain ground from the outside and with jockey T.S.Jodha riding hard surged ahead of Czar Rule. Indian Legend and Opening Act got closer towards the finish to end up a close third and fourth respectively. First Step was permitted to be withdrawn.

Indian Fury (Chevalier-Southern Star / Ruia Stud) scored easily in the division I of the S. Hajee Memorial Plate. Racing a handy fourth or fifth till approaching the final bend Indian Fury progressed gradually and was up to challenge the leader Smile Of Peace on turning for home. Inside the last 400 metres Indian Fury surged ahead without any fuss and stretched out to score by a good margin. Declarationoflove rallied on to take the second spot ahead of Smile Of Peace and Magnificent Mary. Croziet was withdrawn on veterinary grounds while She’s Stylish and Karod Pati were withdrawn near the gates after being troublesome.