Michael Eshwer trained Sherlock (Holy Roman Emperor-Connessa) bred at the Manjri Stud had an easy going in the Dr.Ishwari G.K.Balakrishnan Memorial Trophy on Wednesday at Mysore. The 4 year old bay colt had shifted base from Mumbai and was getting on to the race track after a gap of nearly 7 ½ months. Sherlock jumped out smartly from the outermost draw and rushed towards the inside to lead the pack. Momotaro was in chase all through the trip and when ridden out in the straight Sherlock stretched out effortlessly with the rider Prashant P Dhebe having the luxury of looking back repeatedly. Here’s Abbey after a sluggish start covered ground late to take the third spot ahead of Reanna.

Another 4 years old who was racing after almost nine months and brought out the best in him was S.S.Attaollahi trained San Martino (Admiralofthefleet-Sans Peril /Kunigal Stud) in the Wynad Plate. The gelding was taken to the front right from the word ‘go’ by Tevor Patel and kept up the momentum in the straight even as Baracchus tried hard to bridge the gap. Bold Command rallied on in third followed by Sea Lagoon.

The ‘Manjri’ silks were in the fore front winning four of the day’s card of eight races. Mongolian King, Venus Star and Ice Dancer were the other victors that sported the ‘Claret and Gold’ colours. While Mongolian King is trained by Neil Darashah and ridden by Suraj Narredu, the rest were all from Michael Esher’s yard and piloted by Prashant P Dhebe.

Mongolian King (Phoenix Tower-Miss Takeortwo) made a good beginning to its career in the opening race of the day, the Manasagangotri Plate. The youngster raced a handy third behind Mr Handsome and Desert Angel till entering the straight and surged ahead passing the 300 metres board. Mr Handsome stayed on in second while Full Bloom got the better of Desert Angel for the third place.

Venus Star (Phoenix Tower-Victory March) had not seen the winning post after winning on debut almost two years ago. The filly raised a winning gallop to down the field in the Great Cherisma Plate.  Point was battling with Signor inside the last 400 metres and was looking to go clear when Venus Star slipped in close to the rails and surprised everyone. Al Dorado just edged out Bestow for the third place.

Another Mumbai import Ice Dancer (Phoenix Tower-Dolce Vita) opened her account in the division I of the Big Deal Plate. The filly was sent off as an on-money favourite for the 1100 metres scurry and she was chasing the leader Teri Adah entering the straight. Teri Adah was relentless till passing the distance post and the favourite had to be ridden out by Dhebe to keep an even keel and settle the issue. Domitia came with a late challenge to be half a length second followed by Teri Adah and Pikachu. Lord Iishlet was withdrawn on veterinary grounds near the gates.

S.M. Johnson trained Lovely Micmel (Royal Gladiator-Dam I’m Gorgeous / Pratap Stud) justified the favouritism in the lower division. Chasing Silvery Grey till the top of the straight, Lovely Micmel took charge and drew away easily. Snowy Peaks made it to the second place followed by High Response and Oceana.

M.Bobby trained Alps (Phoenix Tower-Mays Alreem / Manjri Stud) that had finished a suggestive second in the previous outing came out winning the division I of the Kakanakote Plate. The filly rushed towards the inside from the outermost draw as the gates opened and had settled in second behind Esterhazy. Rounding the final bend Alps surged ahead to take charge and kicked on in the straight and held on from the flying finish of Order Order. As Always was in the hunt in the final furlong and ended up third. The favourite Ice Weapon completed the frame.

C.Girinath trained Safe Bet (Royal Gladiator-Royal Haven / Pratap Stud) that was winless from 18 starts was backed to the exclusion of the other runners in the lower division and the 4 years old did well to justify the support. Moving towards the inside from the outside draw, Safe Bet was in chase of the leader Pepper King. Approaching the last 200 meters Safe Bet took charge and got to the winning post first even as Show Me What U Got tried in vain. Giralda edged out Time Always for the third place with a late run.