Fashionably bred Sheer Rocks from the Kunigal Stud Farm made a smashing debut, winning the Sans Craintes Stud Farm Million in emphatic fashion on New Year eve. The talented son of Sanus Per Aquam from trainer Sebastian's yard was consistently producing eye-catching performances in the morning trials and a repeat of the morning act in his first career in the afternoon brought home the desired result, the goodtype of youngster proving too good for his five rivals including the strongly fancied Bertha in the Million event for juveniles run over a sprint. The public choice who had finished second behind the smart winner Moriset in her debut found the winner and the runner-up Royal Icon too hot to handle and had to rest content with the third spot. Sheer Rocks clocked a smart time of (1:12.31) on his debut and taking into account that the good looking colt has tremendous scope for improvement, his progress this season will evoke interest. 

A thrilling last start winner, Vulcanic from leading trainer Adhirajsingh Jodha's yard was fancied most in the Right Ahead Handicap run over a distance of nine furlongs. The favourite partnered by Shrikant Kamble performed below par and failed to even save money in place much to the disappointment of his supporters. The seven to one shot Dancing Grace from Sebastian's yard piloted by Yash Narredu, back in the winners' circle after drawing a blank on the second classic day, reigned supreme, bolting in by more than four lengths. Kings Walk  gained the runner-up berth ahead of Lady Luck. Dancing Grace on the strength of this effortless victory is likely to provide an encore. 

Gold Kite was another from Jodha's camp who failed to justify her top billing in the Ajaad Handicap. The last start winner was backed to the exclusion of her 10 rivals, but all she did was take tons of good money down the drain, failing to beat the lesser fancied Celeritas from the stables of Vishesh. Ginsburg, the unfancied stablemate of the public choice finished a game third, only a `neck' separating her from the overwhelming favourite and is one for the notebook. 

Earlier, the second in demand at the betting ring, Icy River from trainer M M Uthaiah's yard piloted by Amit edged out Haran in a pulsating finish in the opening event, the Wassl Reef Handicap run over a distance of seven furlongs. The strongly supported Abilitare from Dhruv Futnani's yard piloted by M S Deora who recorded a fine double on Thursday, the day the Bengaluru challenger Forseti registered his maiden classic success, winning the South India 2000 Guineas, raced in patches and only finished a poor fourth. Abilitare, it is clear needs to improve to make his mark and until then it will do a world of good to keep him out of your betting list. 

The topweighted Lebua from trainer Ramanathan's yard who had caught the eye while finishing an impressive third in her last essay topped the betting board in the Lyrical Bid Handicap run over a sprint. The favourite in her endeavour to enter the winners' circle met a tartar in Terminator from Deepesh Narredu's yard who comfortably pegged back Lebua to earn his cornbill. Chaposa Springs finished a suggestive third and it will pay to follow this Krishna trainee in the weeks ahead. 

Illustrious Ruler was one other favourite who bit the bust. The favourite from Robert Foley's yard piloted by the promising Sah Farid Ansari looked a trifle gross in the parade ring and in the run up to the finish line lacked the gas in the tank to challenge the winner Pirate's Love, who helped young Vishesh record a fine double. Lordship from Suresh's yard managed to save money in place, while Striking Distance completed the frame.