The classy grey, Touch Of Grey brilliantly piloted by Suraj Narredu produced another superb performance to record his second straight Derby success, winning the South India Derby Stakes at Guindy on Pongal Day.

The favourite looked a picture of fitness at the parade ring and credit to Satish Narredu for sending out Touch Of Grey spot on for the blue riband of the season and the champion colt again made his owners, Anil Saraf and Balam Mohla proud standing tall at the classic podium.

Suraj knew that the big money-spinner had to beat the in-form Knotty Charmer, who had won the 2000 Guineas in resplendent style and that he needed to tail the Prasanna ward closely, understanding that Knotty Charmer had the ability to quickly slip away and make his task tough. He followed Knotty Charmer all the way, while Golden Warrior from Deepesh Narredu’s yard partnered by Yash was assigned the role to cut the wind and prevent Knotty Charmer from settling down and making his own pace. The young Vivek G, who is in fine form initially appeared disturbed, but quickly chose to settle Knotty Charmer behind Golden Warrior before he made his move and hit the front approaching the final curve.

Suraj also quickly moved up and after a tough duel in the straight, it was Advantage, Touch Of Grey before Game, Set and Match  Touch Of Grey, to the delight of the Satish Narredu camp. Satish disclosed that Suraj really worked hard, riding and monitoring the progress of the champion on a daily basis and this proved decisive.

Suraj revealed that the grey will be provided the much needed rest before his participation in the Invitation Cup at Kolkata on the first Sunday of March. The leading pro was most pleased with the effort of the winner and it must be mentioned that Suraj too has made classic winning, a habit.

Suraj, earlier punched home another well fancied contestant, Shamrock in the principal added attraction, the Dr.MAM Ramaswamy Memorial Trophy run over a mile. The on-money favourite produced a winning gallop at the all-important end to peg back the second in demand at the betting ring, Imperial Blue. The Hyderabad challenger Ashwa Morocco in his effort to make every post a winning one lacked the gas in the tank to match strides with the first two in the final furlong, but nevertheless held on to finish third and save money in place. Shamrock is in rousing form and he is tipped to jump out and make a high-five when saddled next.

The B Suresh-trained Gutsy came up tops in the upper division of the Turf Authorities Of India Trophy, justifying favouritism in the hands of top pro Trevor Patel. The Bengaluru raider English Bay from Dominic’s yard too was fancied most in the event, but he failed to match strides the winner and the speedy Race For The Stars, who did well to gain the runner-up berth.

The lower division of the event was claimed by another strongly fancied contestant Dedicate who proved too good in the hands of Kaviraj. The winner at one stage looked in trouble, Mutant establishing a five lengths break at the distance post, but the monet Kaviraj packed punch on the Vijay Singh ward, Dedicate quickly changed gears and powered home to send the punters home with a spring in their stride. Mutant held on to finish second ahead of Speculation, while Empress Eternal completed the frame.

The Bengaluru challenger Pharazon from trainer Irfan Ghatala’s yard and the local mainhope Starkova from the stables of James McKeown topped the betting board in the Hyderabad Race Club Trophy run over a mile, but it was the other McKeown runner Sierra Dela Plata who shocked the followers of form, making a winning comeback after a nine-month long lay-off. The lesser fancied Sea Blush finished second ahead of the smart winner, while Pharazon came home third much to the disappointment of his supporters.

A goodtype of youngster, Elfin Knight from Darius Byramji’s yard proved too good for his three local challengers in the Usha Stud Million for juveniles and the topweighted Ruling Star from Deepesh Narredu’s yard provided Yash, fresh from his grand treble posted at Mumbai, including his win on Enabler, a nice and easy ride to victory in the Win News Pongal Million.

The ten to one shot Sinatra shocked the railbirds in the opening event, the RCTC Trophy run over a sprint. The favourite Angavai raced in patches and finished a tame third behind the runner-up Western Girl, while Gajabo Grande completed the frame.