Splendid Smith recorded a ridiculously easy win in the Bangalore City Gold Cup, a rich terms race run over a sprint, that featured Sunday’s races. Race goers were shocked by the sudden transformation shown by the son of Greensmith who had failed as favourite against modest opposition as also the pathetic performance of market fancies Taurian and Amazing Velocity. Favourite Amazing Velocity showed up in pathetic condition, sporting bandages, sweating a great deal and was a beaten cause well before she reached the starting gates. Taurian ran below par, kept way off the pace and asked to cover too much ground. Upsets as the one brought out up by Splendid Smith is what hurts a racing enthusiast most. The terms of the race were totally against Splendid Smith who was rated at 42 as against the rating of 59 enjoyed by Taurian. Amazing Velocity was the best placed of the lot. In the event, Splendid Smith had the race well sewn up once he shot into the lead inside the final 350 metres. Taurian was chasing a lost cause while Amazing Velocity and Crown Secret ran without hope. This was a result that one did not believe could happen but the inevitability of the outcome was shocking to say the least. Crown Secret led the field into the straight with Splendid Smith in close attendance while Amazing Velocity and Taurian were showing no urgency. Once Splendid Smith surged ahead, none of the other runners posed any threat. The small fields have more often than not ensured an upset result. Place Her Well who had faltered badly when running as a firm favourite obliged at lucrative odds. The Rashid Byramji trained Place Her Well effectively staved off the challenge of Hold That Tiger who perhaps lost his chances by drifting off a straight course. There was strong support for Star Dazzler but the filly who was fractious, also looked poor in the paddock and did not deserve the strong support in the ring. The filly also reportedly had a fall on way to the saddling enclosure from the stable. Precious public money thus went down the drain. Dasanandini brought off a big upset in the Maj.E Fownes Memorial Plate(Div.I). The poor looking Dr Evil was the firm favourite but he was not equal to the task of justifying favouritism. Regal Shot had the first run on his opponents but when Mazeppa who was bidding for a hat-trick essayed a strong challenge and overtook the first runner, he shaped to win but was floored by the finishing burst of Dasanandini. The lower division of the race saw Ministry of Sound win in like manner over Copper Bracelet. Favourite Way To Wealth was denied a clear run right through the race and could only finish a tame third. The drifting odds on Starring Role was a clear indication that the favourite would not put her best foot forward in the Allied Forces Plate(Div.I). To make matters worse, Prakash was replaced by Gallagher. Starring Role was slowly off and her energies were used up extravagantly on the wide outside and at the steepest part of the track. It was no surprise that Starring Role packed up after raising hopes at the top of the straight. Austin Powers defied his poor looks by winning with a measure of comfort. Punters looking for an elusive winner put their faith in Peakaboo but the gelding found foot when the race was in the safe keeping of the front-runner. Irfan Ghatala trained Dinesa proved too speedy in the lower division, winning as he pleased. The son of Barood is in great form and he should repeat if his form is exploited profitably. Al Qamar who had let down his supporters innumerable times, floored the punters by resolutely staying on in front and keeping Rising Force at a safe distance. Radiate who had the first run on her opponents in the mile and quarter race, lacked the speed to make a mark. In the day’s opener, Spirited Commander did not face much opposition to win the 2000 metres Udhagamandalam Plate.