It was exactly around this time twelve months ago that Fantabulous King made his reputation as a horse of classic potential. He justified that potential by winning the Kingfisher Bangalore Derby. He was considered a 'choker' under pressure by his pilot Pesi Shroff and despite winning the Derby, the son of Burden of Proof was subjected to a tread mill test and his connectiona were advised against any operation and asked to continue with his racing program until the problem was aggravated. However, Fantabulous King failed miserably in his only outing at Mysore and thereafter a double tie-back operation was performed on him. He was hurriedly rushed back into racing to run in the Sprinters Cup at Chennai where he fared poorly. Given a long rest, Fantabulous King showed out in the 1400 metres Karnataka Police Cup on Saturday in tremendous condition and won the race comfortably from Just Brave and Queen of Fashion raising hopes of his possible wins in graded races later in the season. Fantabulous King no doubt won quite stylishly but the fact that he did come under undue pressure at any stage of the race paved the way for his victory. It remains to be seen how he fares when he takes on a more competitive set and has to perform under pressure. All said and done, it was a remarkable comeback by Fantabulous King and his trainer Sardar Singh deserves wholesome praise. Queen of Fashion had all the credentials to win having been well placed in the scales but the filly did not impress in the paddock parade and was a poor third. Cannon Glow set the pace followed by Ciraja, Queen of Fashion and the rest, with Fantabulous King in about eighth position for the first two furlongs. Ruzzan on Fantabulous King smoothly moved up on the wide outside and had his mount in front as the horses took the turn. Fantabulous King quickly spurted into the lead and went away for a decisive win. Queen of Fashion plodded on and failed to pick up speed and was beaten to the third spot by Just Brave. Just Brave was closing in on Fantabulous King who appeared to be perceptibly slowing down at the finish line. Attorney was fourth. Fantabulous King can continue his winning ways only if he makes further improvement but there will always be a question mark about him 'choking' under pressure. However, Fantabulous King is surely a horse with a great heart considering what he has gone through! Though the going was on the softer side, fancied horses were to the fore. Amazing Striker, who had run behind Holding Court in his last essay in winter, had it easy in the 1600 metres Yeravada Stud Plate, beating his only challenger Moment of Hope with great ease. The others who followed this pair were all for an airing. Though Amazing Striker won well, nothing much can be read into this win. He is still short on classic expectation. Prakash who guided Amazing Striker to victory, had another arm chair ride on Spectacular Blaze who won a race meant for horses rated 10 to 25, in the manner of a good a type of a horse. Dingle was a faraway second ahead of That’s The Touch who picked up momentum far too late. Wafadar and Cellisima were both spiritedly backed in the ring but the latter had the last laugh, getting the better of the former after a brief tussle. The cross nose band on Wafadar snapped during the race and this perhaps could have contributed to Wafadar surrendering meekly. In the other division of the race meant for maiden three-year olds, Distributor had it easy against Elusive Adventure who was flat-footed when the former kicked clear at the top of the straight. King of Queens had some supporters but punters would be wise to stay clear of him till he comes up with a reasonable performance. Obviously, something is bothering him. Charleston and Demanding were the market fancies in the R Khodayar Memorial Plate and both ran true to public expectations by fighting out a thrilling battle in the final furlong. Though Srinath tried very hard on Demanding, C.Alford on Charleston was able to get his mount to put his neck in front at the finish. New trainer Narayan Gowda’s Tough Deal started out as the favourite in the concluding race but as race time approached the drifting price sent ominous signals. Kinrara replaced him as the favourite and readily justified the confidence in her by winning with a great deal of ease from Boonlay and Continental Pearl. Tough Deal gave a raw deal to his supporters.