After the Derby action on Republic Day at Bangalore, the racing spotlight shifted to Chennai and it proved to be a good day for punters, four well-backed favourites standing tall at the podium. The Sebastian schooled Something Royal, who impressed most while finishing a good second behind Touch Of Grey, a goodtype of youngster from Bangalore in his last essay justified his top billing in the Queen Elizabeth Cup, the plum event run over a mile. The winner, who took time to find her galloping shoes looked in trouble half-way home, not able to put pressure on the runaway leader Moriset, but the moment he hit the right stride, Something Royal in the hands of Ajeeth Kumar stormed into contention and after a brief duel with Moriset assumed command in the final furlong to record his first victory in deserving fashion. Moriset partnered by the talented Saqlain shouldered 4.5 kilos, winners plenty and this proved decisive at end, Something Royal making good use of the weights in her favour to win the plum event. Felix from Dr.Anil Kumar's yard who started the favourite after he caught the eye while finishing a good fourth behind the Arjun Manglorkar schooled Aralina in the Usha Stud Million on Derby day found the first two too hot to handle and had to rest content with the third spot.

Next, the even-money favourite Queens Town from leading Bangalore trainer Neil Darashah 's yard proved too good in the Stunning Handicap run over 1000 metres dash. The winner looked a picture of fitness at the parade ring before she readily justified the strong support in her favour to romp home without really needing to raise a sweat. Promising apprentice Likith Appu produced a copybook effort on the effortless winner who is set to provide an encore if her connections choose to race her again at this centre. Kay Star from Anil Kumar's yard finished second ahead of stablemate Proud, while Star Romance performed below par and eventually finished in the ruck.

The short-priced on-money favourite Preakness from Deepesh Narredu's yard was touted a `moral certainty' in the concluding event, the Star Of Gwalior Handicap, But the public rage again failed to shed his maiden status and finished a tame third much to the disappointment of all the big bettors who chose to punt big on the Deepesh ward who had twice gained the runner-up berth from as many starts. The ten to one long shot Star Fling from B Suresh's yard stunned the followers of form edging out lesser fancied Fiat Justita. The winner helped Likith record double.

Earlier, the Uthaiah schooled Cedar Wood who was backed to the exclusion of her nine rivals proved too good in the opening event, the Arashiyama Handicap run over a sprint. Jagadeesh didn't really need to push the in-form filly who readily bolted in and is set to do it again next time out. Full Of Surprise followed the impressive winner home. Windsor Walk did well  to save money in place and it will not be long before this Suresh ward earns his cornbill.

The Rupa-trained Empress Royal floored the railbirds recording a shock victory in the lower division of the Prince Pradeep Handicap run over a sprint. The nohoper much to the chagrin of all the big `peti' bettors easily upset the applecart of the very strongly fancied favourite Listen To Me from Adhirajsingh Jodha's yard. Santamarina Star leisurely finished third in the hands of Amit who lacked the willingness to do battle and as a result his mount Santamarina Star could do no better but finish behind the favourite.

The promising apprentice Inayat produced a heartwarming effort on the lesser fancied Admiral Shaw, who powered through to register an emphatic win in the upper division of the event. Priceless Beauty partnered by Alex Rozario and Night Jar from the stables of Robert Foley were hotly tipped to score and the `Jodi' was considered safe in this event. But it was not to be and soon the `Jodi' went out of the window, the moment Inayat got busy on Admiral Shaw who detonated his seven rivals in style. Choice from Mandanna's yard was seen finishing on strongly at end to gain the runner-up berth ahead of Night Jar, while Priceless Beauty only managed to complete the frame.

Second behind the in-form stablemate Golden Kingdom in his last essay over a distance of nine furlongs, Windermere from Jodha's yard  competing in the Becket Handicap run over a mile,  cantered home in the hands of Shrikant Kamble and on the strength of this performance is certain to provide an encore. The eight to one shot Wellington followed Windermere home. The second in demand at the betting ring, Sonic Dash needs to improve a lot to make the winners' list and until he shows some spark in the morning trials,it will do a lot of good if you choose to ignore this Deepesh ward.