Long before the three horses entered the starting stalls, it was obvious that the running of the Golconda St. Leger (Gr.2) would be of academic interest only. The outcome thus was on expected lines as Dyf, the challenger from Western India, made short work of his two rivals over the 2800-metre event. In a relay race of sorts, Karanveer did the initial running for about six furlongs from the gates before Suraj Narredu released the brakes on Monteverdi, who was very keen in the initial stages of the race. Monteverdi took charge but with three quarters of a mile to go, Trevor Patel hustled Dyf, who moved ahead steadily to first tackle Karanveer and then close the gap on Monteverdi. Adhirajsingh Jodha-mentored Dyf (Cougar Mountain – Soak) ranged alongside Monteverdi as they turned for home and faced negligible resistance from his rival. Dyf surged ahead in the final two furlongs and Trevor kept him going under the whip for an authoritative win. Bred at the Nanoli Stud Farms, Dyf is the joint property of Messrs Khushroo Dhunjibhoy, Zahir Dhunjibhoy, Rama Seshu Eyunni, Jiyaji Bhosale and Rishikesh Bhosale.

Pinatubo and Creative Force, who had migrated to trainer S. Sreekant’s stables after a change in ownership before the current season started, were both the medium of a heavy gamble, which was successfully landed by Kuldeep Singh (Sr). With the right money riding on him, Pinatubo (Corporate Jungle – Shivalik Stone) apparently had put his galloping shoes on as he went straight down to business from the barriers. Pinatubo found Fatuma nagging him all the way into the straight whilst Akshay Kumar-piloted ante post favourite Capriati, who lacked initial speed, was brushed up to run close behind the leaders. Once into the home stretch, Pinatubo stepped up the pace to shrug off Fatuma and won convincingly from Capriati, who refused to quicken despite Akshay’s desperate attempts. Fatuma managed to finish in the money ahead of Warwick.

Creative Force was ridden in check by Kuldeep as Sucker Punch decided to dictate the terms and had Delhi Heights for company as they jumped out of the gates. Creative Force (Corporate Jungle – Kentucky Queen), the only maiden in the field of twelve, made a determined effort while the pretenders racing ahead made way for the favourite to launch his assault. Sucker Punch, meanwhile, had entered the straight with Delhi Heights in tow. Kuldeep worked hard to get the best out of Creative Force following which the bay gelding got into his stride and unveiled the talent he possessed. He wore down Sucker Punch in the last 100m and drew away to register his maiden win. Sucker Punch, Delhi Heights and Starwalt followed him home.

The three-year old filly Rochelle, one of the few horses that have moved base from Bangalore and was racing in the colours of trainer KSV Prasad Raju, made up for the losses suffered by her owner and stable-mate Capriati and went on to shed her maiden status in the hands of apprentice Santosh Raj. Ok Boss and Golden Forza shared the lead with Classy Dame not too far behind in the initial stages of the sprint. Favourite First Class, who had the services of Akshay in the saddle for the second successive time, showed no initial speed once again and was seen struggling in the fifth spot whilst Rochelle further away in the rear bunch. No sooner did Santosh change gears, Rochelle (Sanus Per Aquam –Ripple of Pride) started warming up to her task and devoured good ground as she moved closer to the front runners. The bay filly overhauled them in the last half furlong and pulled away for a brilliant victory. Runner-up First Class ran a tame second ahead of Classy Dame and Soorya Vahan, who were content with the minor places.

Life’s Living was installed as the favourite to win though not out of turn as the filly saddled by MR Chauhan had the requisite form and was running at the bottom of the scale on promotion. Apprentice Ajay Kumar-ridden Life’s Living seemed to be in contention as she raced on the heels of High Reward, who found himself in the front as none of the speedy customers were inclined to take the lead. K. Satheesh-saddled and apprentice RS Jodha-piloted High Reward entered the straight on tight reins while Life’s Living started to make her bid. But Life’s Living sent distress signals as she lost pace gradually opposite the stands whilst High Reward scampered home for his third bracket this season. Wind Sprite, Power Ranger and See My Spark ended up in that order for the minor places. Life’s Living ended last and may have returned home either lame or with burst blood vessels.

Unlike Life’s Living, Leo D’silva-nurtured Shadow of the Moon ran true to the market expectations when lifting the Mirza Zunnur Ahmed Memorial Cup, the day’s supporting event. S. Saqlain-partnered Shadow of the Moon (Sir Cecil – Avarua) treated his main adversaries – Rival and Lucky Zone, who were ridden by the country’s leading jockeys – Akshay Kumar and Trevor Patel, with sheer contempt when scoring this third success this season. Shadow of the Moon raced close behind no-hopers Mark My Day and Exclusive Spark till the field swung for home where Saqlain eased the favourite into the lead. A couple of backhanders was all it took for Shadow of the Moon to wrap up the race as Lucky Zone and Rival struggled to catch him and finished thus.

Ananta Vatsalya groomed Stoic Hero fetched rich rewards for his connections when he was powered by Ajeeth Kumar to a narrow win over Star Medal, who was being hailed as the winner close home. Ekram Alam-ridden Star Medal was quick to grab the lead at the start and had Stoic Hero in pursuit initially. As the heads turned for home, the two fancied runners N R I Fairy and Stag’s Leap went in chase of Star Medal. But it was Stoic Hero (Declaration of War – Flotus) who quickened nicely when asked for an effort by Ajeeth. Stoic Hero’s final burst put paid to the hopes of Star Medal, who was beaten by a head on the post. Malibu and Bangor On Dee ran on to be third and fourth respectively. N R I Fairy and Stag’s Leap finished way behind.