Sitara (Arazan – Flaming Glory) ran true to form and justify the universal support she enjoyed by scoring a clinical victory and bagging the Byerly Turk Million (Gr3) the feature race of the day and pocketed over a million in prize money.

Sitara had it easy right from the start as jockey Suraj Narredu nursed the Deshmukh trained filly to the front. There was no looking back after that as Sitara galloped fluently all through the race. Giethorn followed Sitara all the way until into the straight and packed up soon after. The way Sitara was building on her lead she looked far superior to her rivals and she simply trounced the opposition to gallop all the way past the post without having to really fire on all cylinders. The fight was on only for the minor slots with Cape Kidnappers managing to pip Swansea just in the nick of time for the runner-up berth.

Aragonda Princess (Whatsthescript – Reforest) rallied extremely well considering she had some ground to cover in the straight. Mr Baahubali dashed to the front to get past Platinum after the first furlong and then had a handy leady in the homestretch. Star Gazer and Warrior Supreme were seen going all out in chase but neither got any closer to Mr Baahubali. The challenge came late in the final furlong as Aragonda Princess warmed up nicely to lunge forward. She covered ground at a brisk race and kept the momentum going all the way to clinch the Raja Sitaram Bhupal of Domakonda Samsthanam Memorial Cup Div I. Her timing was perfect as she collared Mr Baahubali at just the right time to carve out a narrow win. Indian Dreams too progressed well in the straight to save place money.

Newport (Phoenix Tower – Miss Serendipity) benefitted from his rider’s temperament and skill as he got past the line with horses breathing down his neck from either side. Southern Crown led them into the straight and faded out soon. Newport made the early run and that, on hindsight, drove home the advantage. Newport assumed command approaching the distance post and worked up a good finishing clip. Palace on Wheels was inching closer and late in the day, Champion Bull also was building up a challenge. Jockey PTrevor rode out the Deshmukh ward astutely warding off the challengers and sustaining with Newport all the way to the wire. Palace on Wheels missed out on a realistic chance and had to be content finishing second best. Champion Bull had to come from the rear and also had to switch lanes, considering which, his effort was not a bad one at all. Ashka Ashka Ashka had too much to do in the straight and did fairly well to end up taking a spot in the frame.

Esteva (Whatsthescript – Panamera) with Akshay Kumar astride, delighted her large number of followers that had backed her confidently on her first outing. It looked an uphill task for the public rage trained by Sequeira midway up the straight as Mehrzad had a sizable lead even into the final furlong. Esteva revved up and picked up good speed and when she was on top flight, she looked different class altogether. She thundered in with a tear away run to simply thump the opposition with disdain. Esteva won by close to three lengths which at one stage seemed improbable. Blazer managed to pip Mehrzad on the post for the second spot.

Long-shot All Star General (Tariq – Everybody Counts) saddled by trainer M Satyanarayana, cruised into the lead and had a close huddled bunch right behind as they turned for home. Into the straight, All Star General stepped up the pace and as he quickened well and surged further ahead. Jockey Kuldeep Singh rode out confidently even as a late challenge was brewing close behind. Symbol of Star’s was charging in as was Semira, while Rose Petal was right up there in the front bunch. This quartet were going full swing with the winning post in sight, however, All Star General never let his guard down and held on to win with a length to spare. Symbol of Star’s ended a good second, just ahead of Semira and Rose Petal.

N Ravindra Singh trained Royal Green – (Ravel – Cindy Lou Two) produced a scintillating turn of foot in the final furlong to spoil the party for Royal Dynamite who had shaped well until Royal Green showed up. Royal Dynamite had a handy lead past the distance post and had labouring rivals in Rose Eternal and Digger and neither was making an impact. Royal Green guided by apprentice Gaurav Singh, moved between horses along the inside and then unleashed a good burst of speed to simply zip past Royal Dynamite and score a facile victory close home. Royal Dynamite was overwhelmed and had to settle for the next best slot. Astra improved to finish third.  

Lockhart (Sedgefield – Adams Law) trained by Kishore was ridden by jockey P Saikumar to victory but not without a bit of anxiety. Darshish led comfortably deep into the straight and when it came to a boil, Lockhart was catching up, but started to drift out. His Excellency simply did not quicken as needed and was just about there. Lockhart picked up enough speed to dash desperately forward just managing to stick his neck ahead at the wire. Darshish was beaten close home while His Excellency had all the chances but squandered this one away only to finish a disappointing third.

Invasion (opportunist – Interger)  won the last race of the day but not without having to battle hard. He was up against two determined rivals in the final furlong with King David and Gangadhar right abreast. Trio were stuck together a few strides as the race built up for a thrilling finish. King David and Invasion left Gangadhar behind and went hammer and tongs hurtling towards the winning post. In a last ditch effort, jockey Md Ismail got the nod right with Invasion scraping through by the skin of his teeth at the post. King David’s valiant effort went down agonisingly close. Gangadhar ended in the money finishing on their haunches.

For the professionals, trainer LVR Deshmukh was the lone pro to saddle a double.