On-money favourite Amendment (Tagula – Faussement Simple), who had a forward run until the final furlong while finishing off the frame in the recently concluded Guineas, bounced back in the Mauna Kea handicap Div I scoring a facile victory. Sitting right by the tail of leader Rippling Waters turning for home, Amendment, with Akshay Kumar in the saddle, loomed large early in the straight and surged past the leader with ease. Once ahead, Amendment galloped on without being extended to draw away in the final stages and win by two and half lengths without encountering any serious challenge. The B Suresh trainee looked good and should be a handful when she races next as well. Rippling Waters had to be pressed all the way to finish narrowly ahead of Angel Heart and Fun Storm.

Trainer Vishesh’s Pirate’s Love (Pinson – Tinkerbell) took off well from the gates and won it start-to-finish with jockey Mukesh Kumar astride. She had a handy lead coming into the straight ad that ensured that she could bank on it in the five furlong scurry. Kathadin narrowed down the margin to just a length, however, the runner-up never looked a potent threat at any stage. Pirate’s Love was well in command and cruised to post her win with a measure of comfort. Kathadin, while finishing second, was well ahead of Incredible Star.

Trainer B Suresh and jockey Akshay Kumar had earlier combined to return victorious with Soul Mate (Knight’s Tour – Someone Special) in the opening race of the day. Soul Mate was lagging in the early half of the race and had to hurry even before the turn to sit in a striking position. Entering the straight, Fashion of Stars had a useful lead with Wisaka and The Intimidator about three or four lengths adrift. Soul Mate took the turn wider out but was seen gathering momentum. Soul Mate looked good when she shifted gears and started to close in briskly. She was fastest of the lot and collared Fashion of Stars with less than a furlong to go. She zipped ahead and drew further away to score by over four lengths and notch up her maiden win on her third start. Fashion of Stars ran on to take the runner-up berth, while The Intimidator managed to pip Wisaka for the third spot.  

Skylight (Phoenix Tower – Seeking Glory) was ridden hard by jockey Kuldeep Singh, who launched a late attack to spoil the party for favourite Tudor close home. Wind Symbol raced in the front with Tudor on his tail until into the homestretch. Skylight was in third, a good three lengths away followed by Joanna. Tower of Strength goofed after the jump and fell considerably back to be out of the reckoning very early.

Tudor shaped well as he took charge early in the homestretch and even bounced ahead to establish a sizable lead. Just when it seemed he was in control, Skylight started to make a quick headway and picked up speed with every stride. The Mandanna trained filly flew towards the end to surge past Tudor inside the last 100 meters. Skylight pegged back Tudor to carve out a narrow ¾ length victory.

Sirona (Whatsthescript – Knockenduff) had a close shave and the winning post came to her rescue. All seemed good and easy when Sirona assumed command at the turn as she sailed past early leader Feni and travelled smoothly to amass a good lead of about five lengths in the straight. Glorious Sunlight moved into second while favourite Andromeda Sky never really was in contention. Past the distance post, Sirona, ridden by apprentice HM Akshay, was well in front. Glorious Sunlight picked up speed and started to bridge the gap briskly and was galloping at a good clip. It looked touch and go as the Mckeown ward was under serious threat of being beaten on the post, but Sirona battled on to nose the wire in the nick of time to clinch the thriller. Glorious Sunlight was gallant in defeat and will live to fight another day. She covered a lot of ground and missed out posting her maiden win by a whisker. Moonlight Night finished in the money, but without troubling the duo in front. Andromeda Sky ended a tame fourth.

Sebastian trained Sea Script (Sedgefield – Sinai) had it easy as she proved to be too superior to her rivals in the lower set. She raced in the rear bunch for most of the mile journey, making headway well past the halfway stage.

Propahlady had a longish lead which she squandered away soon on turning for home. Sea Script put in a devastating run and soon stretched past and away from the front runners. She tore away from the pack in the hands of jockey Nikhil Naidu to romp home a clear winner by just over four lengths. Roses In My Dream and Betty Boop both came from behind to take the minor slots.

Trainer JE Mckeown led his second winner for the day with Waytogo (Western Aristocrat – Phenomenale) ridden by jockey C Umesh. Supreme Excelsior made all the early running but faded away soon on turning for home. Diamond and Pearls had barely taken charge when Hallucinate slipped in from the inner rails to challenge the new leader. While these two were grappling for the lead, Waytogo arrived with a fast gallop to join the fight. They fought hard for a couple of strides before Waytogo stepped up momentum to draw away in the last fifty and win comfortably. Hallucinate beat Diamonds And Pearls for the runner up berth by just a short-head. Swiss Agatta improved position to finish in the frame.

For the professionals, trainer B Suresh and JE Mckeown saddled a double each, while jockey Akshay Kumar.