The three-year old filly N R I Doublepower produced a sparkling run in the home stretch to steamroll her five opponents in the Godolphin Barb Million. The RH Sequeira schooled and Akshay Kumar-driven filly Original Sin was backed as if defeat was out of question, but the half-money favourite gave a disappointing show. Oskar’s Glory, a no-hoper and the winner’s stable-mate, sprinted ahead but made her as soon as she brought the field into the straight. With two furlongs left for the wire, Suraj Narredu eased Planet Royale into the lead with DS Deora-piloted Golden Gazelle joining the issue. Meanwhile, hot favourite Original Sin and N R I Doublepower were both pressed into action as they turned for home. Original Sin appeared leaden-footed as she didn’t give the desired response to Akshay’s call whilst N R I Doublepower (Gusto – Sparkling Crystal) quickened well when Imran Chisty switched gears. The bay filly covered rapid ground to challenge Golden Gazelle, who had just tackled Planet Royale in the last furlong, and eventually crush her hopes. The G Shashikanth-groomed winner won easing up from runner up Golden Gazelle while Lucky Zone ended third ahead of Original Sin, who pipped Planet Royale for the fourth spot.

Earlier in the day, Original Sin’s owner and stable-mate Miracle Mary, who had the services of Akshay in the saddle, graduated from the maiden ranks in the Mossy Bank Plate. Hemping Vazra went surging into the lead as the gates opened with Smart Striker, favourite Enabling and Flashing Memories in chase while Splendour On Grass and Miracle Mary raced close behind. Debutant Enabling, who was saddled by Sequeira substituting for Laxman Singh, failed to accelerate and packed up in the last as did Smart Striker and Flashing Memories. Akshay soon had Miracle Mary (Planetaire – Zahwah) in pursuit of Hemping Vazra and rode her vigorously to quash the leader’s hopes in the closing stages. Suraj switched lanes with Splendour On Grass and made his made on the outer flank. He did collar Hemping Vazra but found the winner beyond his reach. Splendour On Grass and Enabling, who may have needed this outing, are worth following in their future endeavours.

Suraj quickly made up for his loss astride Splendour On Grass with a runaway victory astride D Netto-saddled La Mirage, who made amends for his previous failure last month. La Mirage (Tenth Star – South Lake) came from the outside draw to seize the initiative and was never headed at any stage of the seven-furlong journey. The bay gelding streaked clear of his rivals when Suraj eased his grip on the reins in the final lap and romped home in style. True Marshal, the Srinivas Reddy-schooled favourite, cut a sorry figure with Akshay in saddle when ending a tame second. Nightmare ran an encouraging third ahead of Angelita.

With his main adversary Shazam out of his way before the start, Trump Star made no mistake in providing both Suraj and Netto their second winner of the day. Running over the distance of six furlongs, which suits him most, Trump Star raced on the haunches of Blissful till the heads straightened for home and just cruised past the no-hoper to land the spoils for his connections. Carlisle ran on take the runner up berth ahead of Maximum Glamour who was more than happy to let the spotlight be on Trump Star, his stable-mate. Unsung Hero came from the tail end to finish a close fourth.

Earlier, Chisty too achieved a double when China Town, who rallied late to finish third in his previous essay over seven furlongs, relished the extra two furlongs he had to travel on this occasion. Ridden off the pace in the early stages as Amalfitana assumed her front-running role, Chisty brought Anant Vatsalya’s ward into contention at the final bend. Though running slightly erratic, China Town (Chinese Whisper – Fury) was engaged in a brief duel with Role Model before striding clear for a comfortable win. Role Model held on to the second spot with Golden Inzio and Alpine Girl both rallying late to finish on the judge’s board.

Trainer Waseem Ahmed and jockey K Mukesh Kumar were associated with a winning brace through Angel Tesoro and Desert Sultan, who claimed the first and third division of the Rising Star Plate respectively. Sound Echo called the early shots to show the way to the field and had favourite High Reward and Suraj-partnered last-outing winner Gusty Note in hot pursuit. With Gusty Note refusing to put his best foot forward and High Reward fading out, DS Deora-ridden second favourite It’s On powered his way to overhaul Sound Echo in the last half furlong. Meanwhile, Mukesh got busy astride Angel Tesoro (Royal Gladiator – Flying Rani) and inched closer with every stride. Angel Tesoro swooped down upon It’s On in the shadow of the winning post to gain a neck victory. Sound Echo ended in the money ahead of My Marvel and Deccan Ranger.

The concluding event was decided in almost an identical finish when Desert Sultan came with flourish to bring Mr Perfect’s start-to-finish mission to an abrupt end. Mohit Singh-steered Mr Perfect seized the initiative from the word go and seemed en route to victory as Afroz Khan’s labour aboard Ayur Tej was getting him nowhere. Desert Sultan from Waseem’s string (Black Cash – Desert Wings) however warmed up to his task when Mukesh got him going after coming wide into the straight. Desert Sultan galloped resolutely to gain the upper hand over Mr Perfect in the last few metres of the race. Ayur Tej ran a close third with Track Blazer completing the final frame.