S. Rakesh trained Momotaro (Rebuttal-Wile Wench / Hazara Stud) that had found one better in the last two starts produced a resolute gallop to beat the opposition in the P.M. Channabasavanna Memorial Trophy, the feature event of Friday’s races at Mysore. Swiss Pearl rushed to the front as the gates opened for the mile trip and Momotaro was quickly behind the leader. As they straightened for home jockey G. Sai Vamshi was vigorous on Momotaro and the gelding grabbed the lead and drew clear. Reanna improved through the shortest way and tried to make a race of it but had to settle for the second place. The top weighted Castle King rallied on in third followed by Kaguya Himei who after bracing the rear in the initial stages, finished on in fourth.

Neil Darashah trained Mogadishu (Phoenix Tower-Leeward Passage / Manjri Stud), the winner of the 2015 edition of the Mysore Derby found his lost form to score an emphatic victory in the Bird Sanctuary Plate. The 6 years old gelding led the pack of seven in the early stages and soon settled in third when Turf Star and Tiger Of Mysore showed some eagerness. With 400metres left in the straight Mogadishu shot to the lead swiftly and pulled away effortlessly under P.P. Dhebe. Ravelnation beat the rest to finish second followed by Turf Star and Fire Glow.

The 6 years old bay gelding I’ve Got Clout (Lord Admiral-Their Lil / Sans Craintes Stud) proved to be good over seven furlongs once again in the division I of the Rajendravilas Plate. The gelding was settled nicely in fourth behind Madame Sultana, Black Lightening and Appaloosa in the early stages of the race. Mid-way up the straight jockey Arshad Alam started to ride out I’ve Got Clout and the gelding responded readily to get past the relentless Madame Sultana. Summer Dawn was ridden hard but could only end up third. Anteros completed the frame.  

 Jockey Y.S. Srinath was the only professional to score a double on the day. He displayed his usual gritty riding while driving home Joey and Surf Romance to victory. Parvati Byramji trained Surf Romance (Surfrider-Romantic Quest / Ruia Stud) after a runaway win in the last run was expected to run as the firm favourite in the division II of the Rajendravilas Plate but trainer Sandhu’s Buscadero ended up as one after a lot of money came on it at race time. Srinath kept Surf Romance well in touch with the front bunch although travelling about five away from the fence till turning for home and rushed to grab the lead on top of the straight. Buscadero was up with a challenge in the final furlong but Srinath and Surf Romance got to the post safely. Ascendent and Why Should I finished third and fourth respectively.

Ranjeet Shinde trained Joey (Sussex-Astigmatic / Badal Stud) won the Nandidurga Plate. The 8 years old gelding that goes well with Y.S. Srinath produced a good gallop in the straight to wrap it off. Diamond Attraction set out on a start to finish bid and came in first on the straight. Passing the distance post the leader came under pressure with Joey and All In beginning to get up from the outside. Joey travelled the better and surged ahead to score easily from All In. Diamond Attraction stayed on in third followed by Felix Legion.

Jockey P. Trevor had to work hard to get his solitary win through Michael Eshwer trained Saturn (Arabian Gulf-Stunning Star / Manjri Stud) in the division I of the Taj Mahal Plate. The speedy Oceana raced to the front early in the race and Saturn raced close behing along with Azure Fire. Inside the last 300 metres Oceana and Saturn were both in full flow and the latter produced that extra at the all important end. Six Ace Red raised some hopes inside the last furlong but could only land up in third while Good Earth completed the frame.

M. Bobby trained Akimbo (Total Gallery-Wisdom Queen / Bishan Stud) opened its account in the lower division. The 4 years old took a good start and rushed to the front to lead. Once on the straight Akimbo was first challenge by High Response and Sardinia joined the fight. The favourite Sardinia ran a bit green in the last 100 metres and picked up momentum as the winning post neared but Akimbo has safely crossed the post three parts of a length ahead. High Response finished third with debutante Iconic Glory beating Point for the fourth place. Intrepid Warrior was withdrawn on veterinary grounds.

The 8 years old Young Gallant (Tejano-Aldiora / Sans Craintes Stud) that had shown signs of getting back to form in the last few runs, came good to win the first race of the day, the Pertigalete Plate. Jumping out smartly from an outward draw Young Gallant settled nicely in fourth. Once on the straight Young Gallant started to work his way from the outside and grabbed the lead with a furlong left. The bottom weighted Iroko came charging towards the closing stages but Young Gallant was safely home by a length. Divine Retribution was in the fight throughout the straight and ended up third, followed by Scorpene.