Trainer K. Satheesh nursed filly Candy Girl made every post of the seven furlong trip for the Asif Jah VII Memorial Cup a winning one to justify her favouritism. After his regular stable apprentice RS Jodha astride Candy Girl was reprimanded by the stipendiary stewards for failing to ride out his mount past the post two weeks ago, the services of Akshay Kumar were sought on this occasion. It was a tactical move by Satheesh — with his positive intent written all over it, which reflected in Candy Girl’s runaway victory. The bay filly by Net Whizz out of Frizbee, who took off smartly from the barriers, was never headed by any of her seven rivals as she romped home for her fourth career win. Akshay gave Candy Girl a couple of backhanders as the winning post was in sight and left her rivals fighting for the minor places. N R I Sport was in futile chase throughout and ended runner up ahead of late-finishing Ivanhoe and Hugh Capet, who saved his best for some other day.

Akshay completed a back-to-back double with Mandela, another even-money favourite who gave him an armchair ride. Mandela (Roderic O’Connor – Attractress), who shifted to Srinivas Reddy’s yard after his Bangalore campaign, made ample amends for his previous failure and raised no sweat when earning his second career bracket. Brooklyn Beauty chased the winner in vain but ran an encouraging second ahead, well ahead of See My Attitude and the slow-starter Exclusive Spark.

RH Sequeira saddled Miracle Mary, also steered by Akshay, flopped for the second time this season much to the delight of the bookmakers. Miracle Mary lost precious ground at the start as she jumped out slowly and never recovered thereafter. Leo D’silva trained Reigning Beauty (Pinson – Beau Ideal) thrashed the field once she took over the running from Ok Boss in the final furlong and half. The grey filly won easing up in the hands of A. Imran Khan with London Bell finishing second ahead of Hoping Sky and Miracle Mary, who found a place on the frame thanks to the retreat of Pontefract and Ok Boss in the straight. Realising the fate awaiting the highly-fancied Hoping Sky and Miracle Mary when Reigning Beauty overhauled Ok Boss, punters looked up at the sky wishing for a miracle which didn’t occur.

D’silva had four runners in the field of fourteen in the Belager Plate, a terms race, which slightly favoured Royal Grace. The six-year old mare took a level jump for a change but lay at the wrong end along with Painted Apache. Once into the straight, Royal Grace (Leitir Mor – Coccinella) unleashed a devastating run as usual to go surging clear of her rivals. Earlier, City of Bliss led all the way till the last furlong where she was strongly challenged by Kingston, Painted Apache and Royal Grace, who came wide into the straight. Afroz Khan-piloted Royal Grace’s acceleration took her surging past Painted Apache, who was followed home by the winner’s least fancied stable-mate Amyra and Unsung Hero.

Three weeks after playing second fiddle to Just Incredible, it appeared that MS Parmar-trained Lady Danger had her galloping shoes on and the right money riding on her chances too. Last-outing winner Swiss Girl tried to go start-to-finish once again but the Akshay-ridden filly succumbed meekly to Role Model who was in chase throughout. Redeem Our Pledge also made her bid at this stage but both were caught flat-footed by Lady Danger’s terrific burst of speed. B. Nikhil-steered Lady Danger (Stardan – Almarada) won comfortably from Redeem Our Pledge, who finally showed some zest for racing. Honourable Lady warmed up late to her task on this occasion to finish third ahead of Role Model.

Out of sight, out of mind as it’s often believed was the case with SSF Hassan-saddled Rising Tycoon, who had the dubious record of twin failures as an on-money favourite during the winter season here in December and January last. Though neglected in the betting as Assured Success and Dali’s Destiny caught the market’s fancy, punters who reposed their faith in Rising Tycoon’s ability were rewarded handsomely. Ajeeth Kumar atop Rising Tycoon (Be Safe – Rising Rainbow) raced in the mid-bunch as the two favourites, Assured Success and Dali’s Destiny, showed the way to the field and had Thunder Knight in close contention. Despite Akshay’s vigorous effort, Dali’s Destiny failed to gain momentum whilst Assured Success kicked on till joined by Rising Tycoon, who lugged in when asked for an effort by Ajeeth. Once he got into his stride, Rising Tycoon gained the upper hand over Assured Success in the last 100m and went on to record his maiden win. Bold Beauty ended third ahead of Thunder Knight. Make a note of Silver Act who was denied a clear run in the closing stages when trying to take a narrow opening towards the inner rails.

The three-year old filly Kenna was tuned to the moment by trainer S. Sreekant as evident from the facile victory she registered in the Nice Fella Plate, which was postponed on Sunday. Kenna (Total Gallery – Precious Replica) raced keenly on the haunches of favourite Subha till the final furlong and half where Kuldeep Singh (Sr.) released the brakes. Kenna went smoothly into the lead and was in no danger of being caught thereafter. She won much easier than what the official verdict suggested from the two other fancied runners – Subha and Shadow Fax, who finished in that order ahead of Maverick.

Trainer Neelesh Rawal entrusted Callison, who had a lung-opener only a week ago, in the hands of his brother Neeraj on this occasion, which fetched him the desired result. Callison (Shifting Power – Nefertari) raced abreast of Windsor till the field straightened for home where Neeraj gave the chestnut his head. Callison soon stormed ahead and established an unassailable lead. Windsor kept the second slot ahead of favourite Great Giver, who plodded on to take the third place while the rest of the field ended in a procession headed by Magnum.