Trainer Satish Narredu's Flaming Lamborgini sprang a surprise by annexing The JB Mallaradhya Memorial Cup at Bangalore on Saturday. The six year-old ran the best race of his life and made a successful debut in the highest class at this centre. Such a performance, from a horse who had struggled many times before winning at the top of Class II, was indeed praiseworthy. Flaming Lamborgini was one of the costliest two year-olds that had arrived in Narredu's yard in 2006.

The big-made chestnut had roused a lot of hopes, before a spate of niggling problems in the early stages of his career had forced his master to abandon his plans. The patient trainer nursed him carefully and allowed Flaming Lamborgini to pick up an odd race during each successive season. He had already run four times this summer. After three placed efforts, he had come out earlier this month and carried the top weight to a thrilling victory.

The short-head verdict on that day had ensured a very light penalty from the handicapper. As a result of this promotion, Flaming Lamborgini was assigned a low weight in Saturday's feature. The seven-furlong race had attracted a full complement of a dozen runners. The big guns like Firezone, Atlantus and Advantage Logan were assigned back-breaking weights in this race.

On the basis of past performances, current track work and a comfortable handicap, the Dhariwal-trained Captivating looked better than the rest. She had won in the same class during winter, before her connections had decided to make the long journey for the Delhi Derby. She had distinguished herself by running a fair second to the in-form Sprint Star in that race.

After returning to her home base, Captivating had been steadily prepared for today's race, and the bookmakers were quick to install her as a clear favourite ahead of Enduring Star and Star Wave. One could back most of the others at 10's and over. The race itself was a very straight-forward affair. Captivating led from the start and showed the way to Star Wave, Lowndes Square and Enduring Star. The others headed by Flaming Lamborgini were strung out at the back, as the runners took the bend and straightened for home.

Those who had backed Captivating were delighted to see Sampson's posture in his saddle. The filly was cruising and the South African jockey was yet to move a muscle. The only one that was making any sort of move from the back was Flaming Lamborgini. Suraj had started working on him and the horse had begun his chase of the favourite.

Captivating entered the final furlong with a healthy lead, and it seemed as though she would score today. However, that was not to be. Captivating's shortening strides enabled Flaming Lamborgini to come alongside. Suraj seized the opportunity with some forceful riding, and the game horse responded brilliantly. Flaming Lamborgini lengthened his strides to score a fluent victory.

Tomsk came from the rear to take the third spot ahead of a tired Lowndes Square. Tomsk looks ready to strike in the very near future. Apart from Flaming Lamborgini, Suraj had the distinction of riding three other winners. All of them were hot orders, and to the discomfort of the bookmakers, all three scored with a measure of comfort. He kept his slate clean by winning astride all four mounts that he rode today. His partnership with his father was successful once again in the concluding race of the day.

Last outing winner Duke Of Edinburgh scored another effortless victory, and confirmed the opinion of the handicapper. The manner in which he defied a huge penalty was creditable. Suraj allowed A Run To Remember to lead on sufferance till the last two furlongs, before making his final move. All he had to do was to release his hold on the favourite. Duke Of Edinburgh bounded forward and dismissed the challenge from Saddle Queen with utter disdain.

The latter, who was supported confidently, was unlucky to cross swords with the winner. She should be able to pick up a similar race before the end of this season. The most impressive winner of the afternoon was definitely Irfan Ghatala's Sunspirit. Suraj had an armchair ride to victory astride this favourite, as all he had to do was to guide him through the motions.

Sunspirit took a level start and was content to amble along behind the leading pair of Smart Ways and Agent Archie till the runners came into the straight. Suraj picked the gap between the two leaders at this stage and pushed him through that wide opening. Sunspirit darted forward and sped away from a hard-ridden Agent Archie and Smart Ways.

The ease of this winning exercise was definitely visible, but what was even more significant was the timing for this effort. The judge confirmed that Sunspirit had clocked a timing almost similar to what had been achieved by Flaming Lamborgini in Class I. The fact that Sunspirit had carried five kilos more than him and had won without being extended, was truly remarkable.

Sunspirit possesses loads of potential and must be supported till he is beaten. The champion jockey had started his day with a win astride Dhariwal's Bugatti. The speedy filly was set to match strides with a bunch of modest participants. She justified her very short odds by romping home to an effortless victory. Here again, Suraj played the waiting game. He allowed Precept to lead them into the straight before beginning his assault.

Bugatti darted forward and sailed away from her pursuers. With both Dhariwal and Irfan Ghatala notching a point each, the trainer's championship is getting extremely interesting. The two professionals had fought a very close finish during the Winter Season, and with them being only one point apart at this stage, a healthy tussle is likely to unfurl between the two of them in the final couple of weeks of the present Summer Season.

Arjun Mangalorkar's Lush Lashes finally entered the winners’ enclosure after winning a mile event for horses in Class III. She had been finding someone better than her on every single occasion this year. Although Lush Lashes had managed to figure on board in most starts, her last run had been significant. After making all the running, she had been beaten on the post by a late rushing Native Talent.

The filly was installed as an even-money favourite today, and her followers were rewarded for their perseverance. Under the forceful guidance of John, the filly kicked away in the straight to confirm her superiority. Royal Player got up on the last stride to displace The Last Samurai from the second berth. A nice little gamble was landed by the Inayathulla stable in The Manitou Trophy.

The only maidens event in today's card saw a very modest bunch of acceptors. Amit Caddy's Royal Surprise was once again installed as the favourite, but this expensive purchase failed one more time and finished in the ruck. A late rush of money on Inyathulla's Sun Dawn saw this horse climbing to the top of the betting boards. The presence of jockey Pradeep did not deter this camp from backing their candidate. They were a little tense when Sun Dawn missed the kick at the start. However, their choice made up ground on the inside and was soon in touch with the leaders.

He came with giant strides in the final furlong and got the better of King's Admiral near the winning post. The winning margin of two lengths indicated Sun Dawn's superiority over the others. Fiorucci rallied from the rear to get the better of first-timer Gazellier, and managed to save place money for her supporters. Trainer Nityanand's Intizara had veered out in her previous start and lost a race that she could have won.

The apprentice boy had been unable to control the drift, and had been a mute spectator for most of the way. The filly was given a mock race and entrusted to Imran Chisty today. She was a joint favourite alongside Allegro in a sprint race for horses in Class V. Imran allowed her to race in the shadow of Allegro for most of the way, before asking her for a final effort.

Intizara emerged through the middle of the pack and won near the final post. Inspirator and Legend Reborn came charging down the straight and finished in close proximity of the two market leaders. Less than one length separated these four runners. The only other race in the card was the day's opener. Sky Rider, Enduring Speed, Spring Beauty and Spark of Harmony were the four fancied runners in this race.

There were numerous rumours about which runner "buzzing" and which was not. Ultimately the picture seemingly cleared, and those privy to this "inside information", backed Sky Rider with confidence. They were a shattered lot after the race had finished. The 10/1 shot Spark Of Harmony, from Prassanna Kumar's yard, went to the front and showed a clean pair of heels to her rivals. John rode her relentlessly, and the duo powered away from a heavily whipped Sky Rider. The others headed by Princess Coup finished way behind the two of them.