The railbirds enjoyed a fine run on the eve of the South India Derby at Guindy, a whopping seven firm favourites including the Sebastian-trained Something Royal emerging the best of her sex and age, winning the “Ladies Derby’, the South India Oaks in emphatic fashion.

After her facile victory in the 1000 Guineas, the top local lass, Something Royal was fancied most in the Oaks, taking into account that the strongly built filly possessed the ability to negotiate the mile-and-half trip. The champion filly was allowed to hit the front and set her own pace by the in-form Delhi-based youngster G Vivek and Something Royal in royal fashion outwitted her five rivals, who really didn’t have the legs to challenge the winner in the final two furlongs. Bengaluru challenger Angeles followed Something Royal home ahead of another Bengaluru hopeful Golden Peaks from Parvati Byramji’s yard. All credit to trainer Sebastian for sending out Something Royal spot on for the classic event and Vivek too produced a classy effort on the star performer.

The top weighted Once You Go Black from James McKeown’s yard confidently piloted by Trevor Patel proved too good in the principal added attraction, the Chettinad Madras Race Club Commemoration Cup. Trevor chose to play the waiting game on the overwhelming favourite, biding his time before he timed his final challenge to a nicety. The two lesser fancied runners Shubankar from Warren Singh’s yard and La Reina from the stables of Imtiaz Khan, both from Bengaluru, cut the wind and called the shots for most of the 2000 metres trip, but the moment Once You Go Black stormed into contention it was all over bar the shouting, the public choice galloping home to the delight of the railbirds at  Guindy.

A smart last start winner at her parent-centre, Philosophy from Imtiaz Khan’s yard and Success from the stables of Vijay Singh shared favouritism in the Nanoli Stud Fillies & Mares Championship run over a mile. But it was Philosophy partnered by leading pro Antony Raj who detonated her four rivals while providing an arm-chair ride to victory. Success who enjoys trips beyond a mile finished second ahead of Loch Lomond, while Royal Icon completed the frame. Philosophy, it must be mentioned is on top of her game and is set to complete a hat-trick of wins, when saddled next.

Antony Raj after booting home Philosophy recorded a popular double, guiding home the public choice Moriset to a facile victory in the concluding event, the lower division of the Royal Western India Turf Club Trophy. The upper division was claimed by another Suresh ward Anzio who shocked the followers of form producing a sparkling gallop in the hands of Trevor to peg back the second in demand at the betting ring, Art Gallery. The favourite Czar from Bengaluru raider Arjun Manglorkar’s yard  raced in patches and much to the chagrin of the followers of form finished in the ruck.

In the event for juveniles, the ten to one shot Knotty One made a winning debut in the hands of G Vivek. The winner after jumping out nice and quick, was up in front, while the public rage Daiki, who lost a couple of lengths at the gates failed to improve and it was clear half-way home that the  short-priced favourite was in trouble and it proved right, Daiki finishing a poor fourth. The lesser fancied from Mandanna’s yard followed the winner home ahead of Everwin.

The Deepesh Narredu schooled Glorious King appears in rousing form.  The manner in which he donkey-licked his seven rivals in the Mysore Race Club Trophy suggests that he has the ability to make his presence against higher rated rivals and his progress is certain to evoke interest. His connections were very bullish of his chances and he justified their confidence romping home without unduly being extended by Imran Chisty. Second in demand at the betting ring, Gandolfini from McKeown’s yard gained the runner-up berth ahead of his stablemate Salome.

High Opinion from Pradeep Annaiah’s yard reigned supreme in the Bangalore Turf Club Trophy run over a distance of seven furlongs. The winner piloted by Srinath circled the big dozen-horse field at the top of the straight before cantering home an easy winner. Royal Falcon followed the winner home ahead of Choice, while the second choice Worldly Wise from Darius Byramji’s yard flopped badly and failed to even save money in place.

The top weighted Emperor Charmavat from Sebastian’s yard, who looked a picture of fitness at the parade ring came up tops in the opening event, the Delhi Race Club Trophy. Annalisa from Fahad Khan’s yard also had his fair share of followers, but the Fahad ward failed to display his true potential, never in the hunt. Queen Annula finished a creditable second ahead of Ashwa Dev, who surprised most gaining third place ahead of another  fancied  contestant Raffinato.