There are many basics in racing to pick a winner. Like handicap, track form and timings are also part of it. But in the case of Oeuf Toba, the norms did not apply as he flopped in the class three The Equine Health Plate.Magan Singh's trainee favourite Oeuf Toba, who ran second to Shub Shubh in the last class two outing by completing the five-furlong trip under a minute, was expected to justify the form. More so, because Shub Shubh has recorded an encore in the top class. Oeuf Toba received support from every corner as everything, whether it was handicap, timing or distance, was in his favour.

But the speedy colt struggled even facing a mid-class field as Real Smasher outpaced him. The son of Hammerstein and Celine Dion went on to take extra seconds than the previous outing to complete the course under a five-kilo claiming allowance. Multi-millionaire of the last calendar, Real Smasher (Ontario – Smash For Cash) was never allowed to breathe freely en route to victory. With less work and looking gross in the paddock made many write him off and their decision was on the verge of being proven right as Splendid Man got an opening late to finish half-a-length away for the runner-up berth.

The victor, who has already completed a hat-trick, should extend his winning streak. Dream Debut ran on to be impressive third. Ishwar Singh Parmar, who has been making a wave by saddling many winners and leading the tally, once again turned out to be a successful saddler with a double. This time it was guided by Bangalore-based reinman S Shiv Kumar.

The combination succeeded in lifting the National Research Centre On Equines Cup through Jewel Star (Eljohar – Fair Counsel). Another favourite, Perpetual Glory, from the stable of Magan Singh, failed to live up to expectations and finished third. The chestnut filly looked all set to complete an encore before huffing and puffing near the last furlong and was even displaced further by the ownermate Fearlessnegotiator.

Shiv Kumar's efforts enabled Fearless Tiger (Emerald Cat – Arbington Eight) to shed the maiden status in the race meant for the horses who had failed to achieve success. Air Forse One got into action late to breathe down on the neck of the winner. Black virgin made a belated effort to finish behind them. Deepak Kalra's Classic N Mystic (Hammerstein – Agnisakshi) showed her speed to victory in the day's opener, The Horse Power Plate.

Skyros, who ran on to be second, should step into a winner's boot. Manbir Singh-owned and trained Kemrock (Major Impact – Freedom Cry) made a second-in-a-row by emerging victorious in a start-to-finish attempt. Dazzling Light, who played the role of second fiddle, is knocking at the door. The lower division of the plate saw Green Seals (Duja – Bruges) utilising the benefit of tongue strap to score impressively. He should repeat. Best of Luck found the trip sharp, and came second.