Count of Savoy (Roderic O’connor – Lombardia) asserted his superiority on no uncertain terms while claiming the Laknavaram Cup with an authoritative victory. He set about in chase of leader NRI Infinity right from the start and this pair stayed ahead of the rest until the end, only swapping positions. Count of Savoy, ridden ably by jockey CS Jodha, went about his motions until into the straight and once to get going. The Sunderji ward accelerated instantly to cruise past NRI Infinity and stretch out sweetly to win drawing away. He won with a good measure of comfort setting off nicely in the final furlong to score an emphatic victory without fuss. NRI Infinity had to work hard all the way, as November Rain stretched the former to stay in the second, getting as close as a neck verdict for the runner-up berth. Count of Savoy, in this form, should be able to pick another victory in his next run.

Bold Bidding (Win Legend – Bold Reply) produced her second winning effort, making light of the top weight she was carrying. Jockey Akshay Kumar settled her nicely in the third spot, well behind joint leaders Silver Bells and Yesterday. Bold Bidding waited until they were into the straight before charging ahead. Akshay went all out early in the straight and the Sequeira trainee produced a good burst of speed to seal the issue past the distance post. Yesterday tried to rally, but could not match the winner and had to be content with the next best slot. Ice Berry made a late dash to pip Queen Blossom for place money.

The trainer-jockey combo struck again with Pacific Command (Planetaire – Firemiss) in the very next race. Although it was his maiden victory, Pacific Command showed commendable maturity on his third outing as he was always in command once they turned for home.

Akshay gradually moved to the third sport with Ambitious Star and Grand Finale in front as they wheeled round the corner. Pacific Command was far too superior to his rivals as he dashed ahead with about 300 to go and then galloped resolutely to shut the competition out. He picked up speed with every stride and went clear in no time to score a facile victory by close to three lengths, promising to add to his maiden win very soon. Grand Finale did well to finish second warding off Ok Boss and Special Effort. Visionary, the other fancied runner, failed to raise a quality gallop and finished in the rut.

Angelita (Surfrider – Alhuda) from trainer Faiyaz Khan’s yard improved well on her previous place efforts to score a convincing victory. Angelita was not in the most ideal position early on as she was closer to the rear end of the field until the turn. It was Flying Jet who led them into the straight with Beauty Flame in tow. Beauty Flame soon tackled the leader and surged past to take the lead. Favorite NRI Sport who was right with them, failed to quicken and could not capitalize on the good position he was in. Angelita arrived with a spirited gallop and after a brief tussle, surged past NRI Sport and Beauty Flame to storm ahead about 100m from home to score by two lengths. Beauty Flame ran well too, but found Angelita too good on the day and she was also giving weight to the winner. NRI Sport could have done better than the tame third he dished out. Siri improved well to take the fourth spot.

On-money favorite Miss Little Angel (Top Class – Isle of Avalon) looked in control until the last few strides as Siri put a scare closer home. Miss Little Angel got off to good start and was up in front along with My Master and Winning Player until the turn. Miss Little Angel, with Ajinkya astride, shot ahead as they entered the straight and built a handy lead.  My Master was found wanting when asked to quicken, while the rest barring Sye Ra did not look threatening. Miss Little Angel was fairly clear of the rest in the final furlong, but Sye Ra warmed up nicely to come charging at the leader. Sye Ra was clearly finishing faster of the two, but Miss Little Angel clung on to the lead as Sye Ra fell short by a neck at the post. Miss Little Angel achieved her maiden success on her eighth start. My Master ended a fair third.

Royal Pal (Speaking of Which – Violet Honey) pulled off a net start to finish victory in the concluding race of the day. The Satheesh trained gelding led comfortably all through and encountered no challenge whatsoever at any stage. He kicked on going at a good clip in the final furlong to win by two lengths in the hands of jockey Abhay Singh. Neffereti improved well to finish second ahead of Wild Card.

Trainer RH Sequeira and jockey Akshay Kumar scored a double each.