Just two weeks after making a winning debut at Bangalore, the three-year old Elpenor struck a virtual goldmine for his connections when running away with the country's most sought after juvenile event. Suraj Narredu-partnered Elpenor (Excellent Art - Elena), who was tuned to the moment by Suleiman Attaollahi, is co-owned by Messrs Mukul Sonawala and Dilip Thacker.

Trevor Patel embarked on a start-to-mission with the Pesi Shroff schooled Jamari and had Irish Gold, Portofino Bay and Fighton in close attendance whilst Elpenor settled comfortably in the rear bunch till the heads turned for home. The moment Suraj showed him the daylight, Elpenor unleashed a terrific run to swiftly tackle the front-running pack and join Jamari who was still in command in the final furlong. The filly however failed to match strides with Elpenor, who travelled the last half-furlong in solitary splendour. Dream Alliance also improved rapidly behind but cut an erratic course before denying Jamari the runner up spot. Waikiki ran on to complete the judge's board. 

Elpenor’s splendid performance apart, the day's professional honours belonged to trainer SK Sunderji, who saddled three winners after having gone through a lean patch this season. His first winner came through the on-money favourite Dream Seller, who survived a major scare from barn-mate Ultimo. Dream Seller got straight down to business over the six-furlong sprint with Ultimo in hot pursuit. But for A Sandesh's strong riding Dream Seller would have been an easy target SP Ranjane-piloted Ultimo, who went down by the proverbial whisker. Debutant Ciana had an educative run when ending third ahead of Madras Cheque in a close finish. Second favourite Enabler was lethargic at the start and never in it throughout the race.

Later in the day, Sandesh was again instrumental in the success of Market King, Sunderji’s second winner of the day as also his own, who claimed the Ruffina Trophy. The credentials of Market King made him the obvious choice in the betting market and Sandesh ensured that the six-year old gelding live up to his reputation. He had Market King with striking distance of Sky Fall and Mozelle, who called the early shots, and alerted his mount soon after entering the home stretch. Market King (Leitir Mor – Only For Gold) warmed up gradually when ridden forcefully by Sandesh and gained the upper hand over Mozelle inside the final furlong. Sandesh didn’t let his guard down and steered Market King to safety as Baby Bazooka came with a late run to finish second. Mozelle ended a neck ahead of Sovereign Orb.

The superb riding display exhibited by R Ajinkya, Sunderji’s stable rider, astride Nolan in the concluding event helped his master achieve the coveted treble. Nolan, whose last success was in Hyderabad a year ago, took off smartly from the gates but Ajinkya settled him behind Luminosity and Jetfire who held the initial advantage. Nolan got blocked as he looked to take the opening between Twelfth Earl and Luminosity which was closed by the latter. Despite that interference, Ajinkya spurred Nolan (Surfrider – Dancing Jessie) resolutely and went in chase of Jetfire and Twelfth Earl who were disputing the lead. Nolan stretched out well in the closing stages to pip Twelfth Earl in the last stride. Jetfire finished third ahead of Jet Typhoon, who is reported to have burst a blood vessel during the race. 

Altaf Hussain exploited apprentice Haridas Gore’s 5kg allowance for his ward Soup And Sandwich and that handicap advantage helped the filly earn her third career win. Soup And Sandwich (Roderic O’Connor – Mint Approach) stormed into the lead as the gates opened and showed a clean pair of heels to her three rivals over the five-furlong scurry. Cellini and Rodrigo tried hard to catch the winner in the straight but it turned out to be a futile chase.

Imran Chisty-piloted Zarak just about prevailed over joint favourite Murwara Princess, who was powerfully ridden by Sandesh but lost the race in the last couple of strides. No hoper Alpine Star led the four-horse field and was followed by Kiefer, Murwara Princess and Zarak in a single line as they traversed the mile and half trip. The real action began in the last two furlongs as all four horses went off the bridle and Sandesh managed to spurt Murwara Princess and gain a narrow lead. Chisty meanwhile drove Zarak (Royal Gladiator – Miss Rising) all out and the fancied duo went stride for stride in the last furlong. Murwara Princess gave a valiant fight but failed to contain Zarak’s challenge. Kiefer and Alpine Star followed them home carrying some precious stake money for their connections.

Subhag Singh saddled Majorella Blue (Oath – Starynessey) swept his eight rivals off their feet when going wire to wire in the hands of TS Jodha. The winner won untroubled and kept Toussaint at bay easily. Remy Red frustrated Moment Of Madness when placing third

Amyn Merchant-piloted Scottish Scholar (Tenth Star – La Chicaluna) capitalised on the handicap and evaded the late assault of Malakhi on the way to his maiden success. Saddled by SN Joshi in absence of trainer Faisal Abbas, Scottish Scholar followed leader Batista into the straight and swooped down on him to snatch the lead. As favourite Doc Martin suddenly drifted out and fell back, it was left to Superimpose and Nord to challenge Scottish Scholar. But the bay gelding refused to cave in and was home and dry by the time Malakhi came with a late burst to take the runner up berth, a length away from the winner. Nord and Count The Wins took the other minor berths.