Delhi racing professionals were back in business after a gap of 12 days on Monday. Where the last two meetings were held (January) under the grip of cold wave with the sun was playing hide and seek, this time there was no sign of cold wave. In fact, the sun was in full blaze. Overall, the atmosphere was suitable for the racing.

The day had one of the oldest prestigious events - Northern India Cup - for the youngsters to test their stamina over the eight furlongs (Mile).  It attracted only ten three-year-old horses this time out. In the absence of the top-notched horses being kept on rest after the Million races held in a quick session and further in view of the forthcoming mega events, The Rock (a failed favourite in the maiden attempt), Solid Success (who had bitter taste of losing a certain victory after being ridden out overconfidently in the open class), Kerry Blue (who ran fourth to Mandji in the Jagatjit Million) and Solitary Man (who was tracking well with blikner) held the centre stage.

Working quickly on the word "Go", The Rock rocketed to the front before handing over the lead to Saksham Babe nearing 1000 metres.

In chase of the duo was, Solitary Man, Solid Success, Dolton Power and Kerry Blue till the lead changed at the top of the home-stretch. Soon, The Rock regained the lead and had the only main threat, Solid Success, in close hunt before ending the show in a stout fashion.  Kerry Blue made a late dash to get the third place ahead of Dolton Power, who spent the precious time in looking for a clear passage.

"He has kept my head aloft by keeping my promise to the owners about the glittering performance," Aleem Khan, trainer of the Rock, told me. "What one can expect from a horse in the debut, he ran decently second behind She's Superb over the shorter trip and moreover it was his educative run," he said. "He being the double-bone animal, I never bothered about the extra two furlongs. He ran powerfully and I can only say that he will definitely be one to be beaten in the Mega Million next month," Aleem added.

"I'm delighted with the turn of foot of Solid Success," Anupam Sharma, trainer, said. "His mother - Shades of Beauty was under my tutelage before being retired to the stud and so the habit of her helped me a lot in bringing the colt up," he explained.

Dolton Power should not hold the maiden portfolio any longer. However, the most disgraceful run was of Solitary Man; he did not even produce the try-outs show. Best of The Lot, who ran fifth, bears watching.

We have talked about the weather earlier; Nucleus took the advantage of it in the event opener and landed the spoilsport safely as in the previous outing he had bled through the nostrils. Royal Sleek, who missed the jump, was all set to defy the penalty but the wire came first for Nucleus.  The progeny of Razeen and Finest Hour, High Opinion returned to the winning block under the guidance of the yesteryear’s champion jockey Saleem in the lower division of the Eagle Sprint Plate.

Red Cat, who ran fifth in the Derby, made no mistake in running for the top slot over the 1,100-metre One Eyed General Plate (Div. I). Dilnawaz, who is better known as a miler, got into action late to displace Real Queen, another speedy, for the runner-up berth. Time Gentlemen was poorly handled and that cost him the fourth place. She's Sexy, who was looking for victory for a long period, finally fulfilled her desire in the lower division of the same plate in a scorching time of one minute and little over six seconds. Majestic Moment caught the attention by filling-in the second place.

Lady's Crown caused an upset in the Simarow Plate under the apprenticeship of Irfan Ali, who earlier rode Red Cat. The run of Invincible Force, who came from the hind group and finished close fifth in the eleventh hour, is best ignored.

Following the footsteps of Lady's Crown, youngster King Challenge left the field dead cold in the concluding race.

Notable runners included Spectacular Win, Exalted, Shaitan, Vieille, High Commissioner, Little Master, Painted Boy and Out of The Blue.