After letting down his supporters on several occasions, Flashing Star finally lived up to expectations by swamping the opposition in the Gr.1 Poonawalla Bangalore Derby in splendid fashion. Taking on an opposition which had no spark left in them barring Refreshing who had won twice in succession, Flashing Star was just required to run somewhere near his potential to win and he did so to provide trainer Ganapathy with yet another Derby success. Flashing Star made a spectacular beginning during last year’s Mumbai season and his win in the Gr.2 Breeders’ Produce Stakes was breath-taking. Thereafter, hailed as the best three-year old in the country, Flashing Star showed only glimpses of his form when finishing second best to Holding Court twice and then completely shocked everyone with his dismal show in the Mysore Derby. On all these occasions the going was soft and he clearly failed to act in such conditions. The Bangalore Derby field comprised horses which had lost form or did not deserve to be there. Added to this, one of the strong contenders Arturo had reportedly bolted without the jockey during morning workouts in a way which was bound to affect his performance. Powerthrust was one horse who could have troubled everyone but then he had a hairline fracture during the monsoon season and thereafter he was never the same though he ran a game third as the quality of the field was nothing exciting. Refreshing had gone on from being a handicapper to a classic horse, more so because of the paucity of talent at this centre as the best had migrated to other centres in search of laurels. Expectedly, Flashing Star went into the race as a favourite even as the schedule of the day went haywire due to syces resorting to a strike. Fortunately, the problem was resolved for the moment as racing started an hour behind schedule. Royal Panache who did not deserve to be in the line, led the field briefly as the starter dispatched the field for the mile and half trip, with Aspinalls in second position. Powerthrust, Flashing Star raced in fourth or fifth position while Arturo was dropped to the rear position. Aspinalls brought the field into view but Powerthrust took charge soon only to be overhauled by Flashing Star who this time was in no mood to let anyone bolt away. Flashing Star’s enthusiasm brooked no opposition as the son of Razeen went away for a win by over seven lengths, with Refreshing coming from way behind to pip Powerthrust for the runner-up position. The 'Southern Emperor' Dr.M.A.M Ramaswamy was there to lead in the Derby winner, with his now famous lucky tie! Forever Elegance appeared to be only waiting for the presence for the turf baron to show her mettle once again as the last year’s Derby heroine proved too good for the opposition in the 1600 metres Mysore Race Club Trophy, a terms race for four-year olds and over. Bottom weighted Cedros was largely expected to provide a repeat show of his previous show but he found the quantum jump in the quality of opposition he was facing too hot to handle as Forever Elegance spread-eagled the field without the jockey having to use any force. Cedros just managed to save the second spot from Baracudda. There were some good quality juveniles in the fray for the 1200 metres Ted Fordyce Cup, a race for first season runners. National Trust had the public trust but he did not have the wherewithal to justify the strong support and ended up fourth. Though he was denied of a clear run at a crucial stage of the race, he would not have made any difference to the outcome of the race. Einstein who led from the start, held on to win from first-timer Red Eagle who despite being far from ready, put in a great performance. Mischievous Star, who came from behind to end third, is a ready winner whenever the gelding is placed to win. Seasoned Arizza put paid to the hopes of favourite Confluence by getting the better of the favourite close home to bring off a big upset in the Indian Republic Trophy, a race for horses rated 30 to 45. Confluence traveled wide into the straight, had the first run on her opponents but could not sustain the moment till the winning post. The day’s hottest favourite Exclusive Gesture went down to Royal Falcon who hitherto had been shy of giving off his best, hiding his form and biding his time for the turf baron to be present at the scene of action. Royal Falcon with no credentials to win, was backed spiritedly and the same spirit was displayed by the combination of the horse and the rider.