Once again, the battle lines were drawn between Ashwa Panama and Spot Hit. With a narrow defeat in the previous occasion at the hands of Ashwa Panama, the latter was sent out with an advantageous featherweight but that did not bear fruit. Ashwa Panama was too good in the Vayu Vega Plate, a race for the class 2 horses at Delhi on Monday. The rest of the seven contenders were off-colour in the five-furlong trip. When they started galloping, Spot Hit was at helm of affairs as Ashwa Panama (DK Ashish atop) had to overcome early hiccups before joining the issue.

Both ran nip and tuck until Ashwa Panama zipped away to complete the trip under one minute for the second occasion. The way he performed, he should be eyeing for a hat-trick. Spot Hit also should soon meet with success. Dancing Beauty, who ran impressively for the third spot, might have spoiled the party, had she been alerted to the task timely. Trusted Friend, who warmed up late for the fourth position, is knocking at the door. Jockey Deepak Kamble Ashish was the lone professional to reach in double mark on Monday.

Skyros landed spoilsports in the lower division of The Chandestly Plate which was the day's opener. Jockey Salam Raza, who has not been able to post any win for the last couple of years and is generally known for his low calibre, surprised all today. His mount was backed to conclusion against the piping hot favourite Kings Power, who bled through nostrils before settling for the runner-up berth.

The upper division of the plate saw a close finish for the top honours in which Mojo got the neck better of The Praetorian. Charg Away was charged late for the third place. Mohsin Khan-trained Game of Talent, who bowed down to Rawsom in the last outing, registered an emphatic victory in the senior division of the Defence Services Cup. However, jockey Ranjeet Singh had to satisfy the authorities with the explanations as Jockey Jai Prakash, whose Jovial ran second, raised an objection for having met with interferences in the straight. Jovial should make amends.

Yourethetouch bears attention. Black Partridge bagged the lower division of the cup under the guidance of Ashish. Veteran trainer SR Chauhan's Shiatan upset the calculation in the Presence of Mind Plate. Rajinder Saini showed his prowess on the leader in a four-way finish. Ashish failed to let Ashwa Sabal maintain the start-to-finish bid. Elegant Fashion, who finished third, needed a strong handling, whereas Red Mesa ran under sufferance for the fourth position.