Form is temporary and class is permanent again proved true, when the classy Still I Rise making a comeback after 486 days beat the in-form Dedicate in a pulse-pounding finish in the Happy Valley Handicap run over a distance of seven furlongs on the penultimate day of the Madras racing season at Guindy on Wednesday.
 
The six to one shot Still I Rise, who lost out on the chance to land the Derby riches going down by the shortest of margins to Once You Go Black in the Mysore Derby suffered a major setback in training, before his master Fahad Khan slowly, yet surely nursed him along and the day this gutsy performer made his appearance, he made Fahad and his former trainer and sporting owner Dhruv Futnani proud, making a smashing comeback to the delight of the railbirds at Guindy, who never mind losing out on Dedicate, applauded the sterling effort of Still I Rise, brilliantly piloted by Fatrid Ansari.

In his bid to record a hat-trick, Dedicate made a pillar to post attempt and in this exercise first needed to shrug off the challenge of the second in demand at the betting ring, Rubirosa at the top of the straight before he went down fighting to Still I Rise, who produced his best in the final furlong to gain the verdict at the shadow of the winning post. Wind Symbol finished third, while Rubirosa made the board. All credit to Fahad Khan for bringing back Still I Rise in good shape and the winner will only add to this success if his owner chooses to campaign him in the forthcoming Udhagamandalam season.

A trifle disappointed that Dedicate from his stable went down by the proverbial whisker, Vijay Singh recorded a grand treble, leading in the even-money favourite Imperial Gesture who proved too good in the concluding event, the Star Supreme Handicap run over a distance of seven furlongs. The talented grey who finished a close third behind the winner Ruling Star in his last effort 10 days ago, simply outclassed his eight rivals, winning by a big margin of five lengths and on the strength of this outstanding effort is certain to make his presence felt against the best at Ooty. Second in demand at the betting ring, Romualdo expectedly gained the runner-up berth ahead of Windsor Walk. 

Earlier, Vijay Singh led in the favourite Southern Lad who came up trumps in the upper division of the Red God Handicap run  over a sprint. The winner partnered by Hindu Singh, who combined effectively with Vijay to register a treble,hit the front and showed a clean pair of heels to his seven rivals including the runner-up Happiness who appears to have regained form and fitness and is one to watch in the summer at the Blue mountains. 

Next Vijay led in the consistent juvenile Go For The Moon, who had failed to justify favouritism in his last effort, going down to Bluemed. This time around, Hindi Singh packed punch on the Vijay Singh ward the moment Akshay Kumar brought the field into view guiding the fortunes of lesser fancied Luca and kicked well to stay in front before Hindu Singh and Go For The Moon seized the initiative and posted a popular win in the Bold Reason Plate. Grey Wind finished a tame third ahead of Arjun. 

After a couple of close calls, the Mandanna schooled Choice came up tops in the lower division of the Red God Handicap pegging back the ten to one long shot Wisaka and Queen Anula. The heavily backed favourite Eclipse Award from the stables of B Suresh failed to land a king-sized gamble and the flop show of Eclipse Award cost her supporters dear. 

The overwhelming favourite Stolen Glance from GS Parmar's yard confidently piloted by MS Deora reigned supreme in the opening event, the Raise A Native Handicap and on the strength of this facile victory is certain to again stand tall at the winning podium in the Nilgiris season. Abnegator from Saddam Iqbal's yard followed the leader home, while Lady Zeen managed to save money in place.