Followers of favourites had a drastic day as not a single public fancy obliged in the eight event card at Friday’s races at Hyderabad. Even Rikki Tikki Tavi could not stand up to the strong finish put up by Wave Rider (Top Class – Mizzna) to become the shortest priced casualty of the day.

Seven Eleven led the field of six with Wave Rider choosing to stay up with the pace, Rikki Tikki Tavi ran alongside Doroteo just over a length behind until they turned for home. Seven Eleven soon bowed out as Wave Rider took charge past the 400 m mark. Rikki Tikki Tavi came around soon and joined Wave Rider with a rather smooth flow, implying that the 10/3 on favourite was right on course. However, jockey Akshay Kumar and Wave Rider galloped on relentlessly and Rikki Tikki Tavi came under pressure. They battled hard through the final furlong, but Wave Rider held his ground admirably to sustain the pressure and carve out a narrow victory. The RH Sequeira ward put up a determined effort and is now back to his best. Rikki Tikki Tavi did most everything right, but failed to go for the kill after joining Wave Rider early in the straight, but will live to fight another day.

Robin Reddy’s NRI Power (Excellent Art – Awarding) produced an inspiring run to win the Malakonda Reddy Memorial Cup Div I doing well to snuff out the late challengers Nayadeep and favourite Miss Lily. Running in second behind early leader Celtic Queen, NRI Power, with jockey Kuldeep Singh in the saddle, turned the heat as she quickened well to establish a handy lead.  Miss Lily set about in chase as did Nayadeep but neither could match strides with the Robin Reddy trainee. NRI Power steered clear, galloping on gamely to emerge victorious by over a length. Nayadeep shook off Miss Lily to take the runner-up berth.

The lower division of the race perhaps saw the most thrilling finish of the day. Siabonga the popular fancy took charge in the first half of the homestretch and soon the Sequeira trained Ace Ace Ace started to draw level throwing a game challenge to the 10/8 on favourite. The duo battled hard with Ace Ace Ace looking good to get past Siabonga with a hundred to go. Siabonga wasn’t done yet and wrested back the initiative by a thin margin. However, Ace Ace Ace, with jockey Koushik astride, gave it his all in a last ditch effort and somehow managed to flare his nostrils just at the right time to snatch a truly sensation win on the wire. Siabonga fought all the way alright and was gallant in defeat and should be able to make amends the next time out.

Mon General (Arazan – Mauna Kea) started his second season just as he done his debut season - with a bang! He was off to a quick start and held sway coming into the straight. Apprentice jockey Gaurav Singh focussed on the task at hand and started to ride out Mon General vigorously. The Srinivas Reddy ward responded with a good burst of speed to maintain a safe distance from the public rage Victory Parade who was going all out in pursuit. Mon General kicked on stubbornly to ward off Victory Parade and etch out a narrow victory. Liberate and Kamyar filled in the minor slots without troubling the top two. Vicotry Parade deserves another chance as he put up a strong fight until the very end.

Soviet Pride (Air Support – Sovetskaya) galloped to his maiden glory with a fine burst of speed showing a lot more maturity this time round. She was right up with the front bunch, second in fact, and soon assumed command once they turned for home. Soviet Pride, with jockey Trevor in the saddle simply drew away from the rest and looked the winner long way from home. Southern Lady, Excelsior and Safra fought on for the minor placing and finished almost together in that order.

Platinum Classz (Lord Admiral – Cannon Bay) was another one to win at nourishing odds keeping the trend going. Platinum Classz improved from the third spot as they straightened up for home. Humaaghar led them in with Top Sprint right by his side as the duo got going in the homestretch. Soon Platinum Classz, with apprentice jockey Afroz Khan astride, challenged the duo in front inside the final furlong. Neither of the two in front could stop Platinum Classz and the Mir Faiyaz Ali Khan trained mare strode out well to seal the issue well before the winning post. Humaaghar ran on to fisnish second. New Comer covered ground briskly towards the end to do well finishing on just behind Humaaghar, while favourite Thundering ended a close fourth.  

Leo D’Silva trained Marina Del Rey (Mull of Kintyre – Algorithms) pulled off a runaway win completely outpacing her rivals with ease. She improved well initially to be readily poised just behind leader Takisha and Proud Warrior at the turn and swung into action soon on turning for home. Marina Del Rey quickened well to surge ahead leaving Proud Warrior panting. Takisha faded out alarmingly and may have been under some distress considering the rate at which she fell back. Marina Del Rey galloped on gallantly to romp home in style to post an emphatic victory. Proud Warrior stayed on to take the runner-up berth well ahead of Actually.

The last race of the day saw another close finish as well with rank outsider Delmonico (Ontario – Mizillabalck) and what made Delmonico’s effort even more sensation was that he was dead last at the turn.

Country’s Gift led them into the straight and galloped on leaving he rest to catch up. Favourite Symbol of Star’s was close behind, but failed to raise his game. NRI Flame lit up and produced a spirited run to overhaul Country’s Gift. However, it was Delmonico who was ridden smartly by jockey Ajeeth Kumar, who picked the passage through the rails to collar NRI Flame in the dying moments of the race and nail it at the finish by a head! NRI Flame ran a good race too and is one for the note books. Symbol of Star’s ended a face saving third, just a neck ahead of Brave Warrior.