After the Mumbai challenger Alicia reigned supreme in the South India 1000 Guineas, the colts classic, the 2000 Guineas saw the two Bengaluru challengers  Angelico and All Attractive dominate the finish, the former gaining the day, thanks to  Akshay Kumar's power packed finish. So at the end of the first two classics the score sheet showed 1-1 and this is how it will be at most centres in the big fight between Mumbai and the Bengaluru contingent in the Indian classics. Last week it was the same result at mahalaxmi,  Mumbai's pride and joy,  Miracle winning the 1000 and  A Star Is Born brilliantly piloted by Suraj Narredu winning the 2000 Guineas in a thriller. But the fact remains, Miracle is the best horse on the racing circuit and she will gobble up all in front of her. Nevertheless, it is always one good combat between the two major centres in the classics at all premier centres and this has seen many legends frank their success in the scroll of honour and in the Hall Of Fame.

In what again was a very open second classic of the season, the two Bengaluru mainhopes, All Attractive from trainer Prithviraj's yard and the Ganapathy-trained Southern Dynasty enjoyed top billing while half-dozen others in the fray including Angelico fancying their chances, knowing that none in this 14-horse field was a star performer. Suraj astride the Laxman Singh-trained Blue Origin hit the front in the mile long classic journey. Akshay Kumar guiding the fortunes of Angelico from Sulaiman Attaollahi's yard followed the local mainhope while Shane Grey partnering the other Bengaluru leading contender All Attractive chose to prominently race along the rails.

After the first half of the journey, it was increasingly becoming clear that it will be the first three leaders, who will be involved at the finish simply because none racing in the middle and a few in the rear were struggling to keep pace and make the required improvement before launching the final assault. Blue Origin and Suraj  still had their heads in front at the distance post despite coming under pressure from Angelico and All Attractive. The former driven hard by Akshay gained the day by a `neck' from All Attractive, while Blue Origin was only one length away. The Bengaluru contingent was happy with the 1-2 result though it must be mentioned that Prithviraj may be a tad disappointed with the performance of Shane Grey. The Irish pro, it was clear was outwitted by the chote nawab from the Deccan in a humdinger.

I had pointed out in my last article that the brave and bold approach of top Mysuru trainer Rakesh is bringing home the desired results. He struck with a goodtype of youngster in Mumbai before Chashni from his yard finished a creditable third in the 1000 Guineas on Thursday and back on Friday, it proved to be one big merry Christmas and happy New Year for the unassuming and the talented pro, the Mysuru challenger Indian Patriot from his stables winning the Christmas Cup in the hands of Prashanth Dhebe. Star Romance, who looked a picture of fitness at the parade ring was fancied most in the principal added attraction and Yash Narredu astride the Deepesh ward hit the front in his effort to make every post a winning one. The on-money favourite carried the public purse safely till the Rakesh ward stole it in the final couple of yards to the delight of Rakesh and all the Mysuru camp. The success of Indian Patriot is another feather in Rakesh's impressive hat considering Vachan had first provided him the success at this centre. It is clear from the results Rakesh has achieved that given some bred in the blue horses, the trainers from small centres too can challenge and beat the big brothers from the major centres. And to say the least, Rakesh now deserves to get some quality in his yard after attaining the best result from what many considered mediocre Mysuru performers.

The eight to one shot Glorious Grace from J Sebastian's yard came up trumps in the Sardar K B Ramachandra Raj Memorial Trophy. The promising Umesh, who had won the hearts of the local racing buffs with his sublime effort on Alicia on Thursday, earlier booted home the favourite Mayflower in the opening event to make it a memorable week for the talented pro. Rubirosa from James Mckeown's yard was fancied most in the event, the punters making big investments even after the bookmakers were only quoting half-money on the James ward, who at end only managed to take a lot of good money down the drain.finishing a poor fourth. Single Malt  caught the eye while gaining the runner-up berth ahead of Sinatra and it will not be long before Single Malt sheds his maiden status.

While Rubirosa flopped as a on-money favourite, Judy Blue Eyes reigned supreme in the upper division of the Lancelot Handicap comfortably pegging back the challenge of Empress Eternal in the final furlong. The winner from Behram Cama's yard was backed to the exclusion of her eight rivals and  she lasted out to justify favouritism in the hands of Yash Narredu. The lower division of the event was claimed by Sebastian-trained Wind Symbol piloted by Nikhil Naidu.

Amarone from trainer Futnani's yard, Santa Clara from the stables of Adhirajsingh Jodha, who recorded a double on Thursday and the favourite Eagle Prince in the Sunlight Handicap were the others winners in what was a well conducted competitive nine-event card on the second classic day.