The four-year-old filly Soloist asserted her superiority in the Basalath Jah Memorial Cup and made amends for her previous failure. Entrusting the filly in the experienced hands of Akshay Kumar on this occasion enabled the RH Sequeira groomed Soloist (Top Class – Allee Bleue) to register her fifth career win. Suraj Narredu ridden Bedford was smartly off from the blocks with Soloist in close attendance till the field straightened for home. Akshay brought Soloist through the shortest way home to overtake Bedford, who couldn’t offer much resistance. Soloist skipped away for a comfortable win from Kingston who ran on from the tail end to finish three parts of a length behind the winner. Amyra was hard-ridden to finish ahead of Bedford and the rest who finished in a huddle.

Apart from guiding Soloist to victory, Akshay was instrumental in the success of three other winners. He started the day astride MS Parmar saddled Hugh Capet (Planetaire – Win And Enjoy), a failed favourite in the hands DS Deora last month which led to an enquiry being opened into the running and riding of the bay colt. Hugh Capet, who was backed enthusiastically once again, was ridden off the pace by Akshay as Challenger showed the way to the field with Baisa racing close on her haunches. Just when Suraj was in the process of measuring Challenger, Hugh Capet produced a sparkling run and treated Baisa with disdain on his way to glory. Golden Inzio ran on to relegate Baisa to the third slot while Pinatubo completed the frame.

Akshay was next seen in action atop debutant Queen Empress but the filly started galloping late after being badly placed in the initial stages of the race and eventually finished third. The race was won by Huntingdon (Oiseau De Feu – Glorious Hymn), who was turned out for his debut foray in fine fettle by L D’Silva. Afroz Khan kept the colt within striking distance of leaders N R I Doublepower and Alexina until the race came to a boil. With a furlong and half left for home, Afroz drove Huntingdon to overhaul Antony Raj driven N R I Doublepower and stormed clear of his rivals. N R I Doublepower kept the second place ahead of late finishing Queen Empress and Alexina. Second in demand Assured Success, who ended fifth, ran thereabouts and failed to quicken when asked for an effort by Nikhil.

K Satheesh nurtured Candy Girl (Net Whizz – Frizbee) lived up to the promise shown in her last two efforts and went on to earn her second career win. Better fancied than Akshay ridden Sweet Dancer, Candy Girl raced on the heels of Amalfitana till the final bend and assumed command with over two furlongs still left for the winning line. Candy Girl, assisted by Gaurav Singh in the saddle, kicked on and escaped the clutches of clumsily ridden Miss Marvellous. Sweet Dancer made no impression as she finished a tame third and had Soorya Vahan behind.

Last-outing winner Morior Invictus despite vanquishing Hoping Cloud, who went on to win two races on a trot, was neglected in the betting for the Palampet Cup. But that didn’t prove to be a hurdle for the MF Ali Khan trainee who trounced the fancied duo, Briar Ridge and Carlisle. Classy Dame hit the front after Ok Boss led briefly from the gates and held sway till the last furlong and half where Afroz pushed Carlisle to grab the lead. Suraj also sent Briar Ridge in Carlisle’s pursuit even as B Nikhil asked Morior Invictus for an effort. The response Morior Invictus (Tenth Star – Sogno River) gave might have even surprised her rider as she instantly began devouring ground. Morior Invictus soon overtook Briar Ridge, who was going nowhere, and soon snubbed Carlisle after a brief tussle. Morior Invictus appears to be in great heart and a repeat performance should not be asking too much from her.

Mr Perfect with Mukesh Kumar astride jumped out smartly from the wide draw to head the big field and was a winner all the way till Akshay powered Laurus wore him down in the last couple of strides. With little over a furlong left for the wire, the chestnut gelding was just finding his rhythm which prompted the race commentator to remark that ‘Laurus has to do a lot of running’. Laurus, however, prove this assessment wrong by responding with alacrity to Akshay’s call and finishing with a tremendous burst to snatch a neck verdict over Mr. Perfect on the post. Unmatched ran on when it was too late but ended third ahead of High Reward. Surprisingly, both Above The Law and Cabello faded out without putting up a fight.

Akshay capped his day with a brilliant ride atop Top In Class which fetched him a hat-trick of wins. Top In Class progressed steadily from the rear as Rhythm Selection brought the field into the home stretch. Meanwhile, Shazam, who was racing close behind Rhythm Selection, measured the leader but found SSF Hassan schooled Top In Class breathing down his neck. Top In Class (Top Class – Bella) stole a march with Akshay driving him resolutely. Despite veering out slightly under pressure in the dying moments of the race, Top In Class staved off the grim challenge posed by Mukesh ridden Royal Grace, who finished strongly but was forced to play second fiddle. A head separated Royal Grace from the winner. Shazam ended a fair third ahead of Four One Four.