Racegoers had the pleasure of watching a rare finish in a Class II race run over a mile and a quarter on Friday at Mysore. Sprints and middle distance races are often won and lost in the last few strides, but a blanket finish at the end of a long distance race is a wonderful sight. To see two top class riders urging the best fancied runners down the straight, and that too, within whispering distance of each other is what makes this sport so interesting. Prakash on Reflected Glory and Suraj Narredu on Cassandra were seen at their best in the day's feature. Reflected Glory had run a close second to stablemate Mischiefinhiseyes a few weeks ago and was reappearing after that outing under her belt. Three year old Cassandra had gone to Hyderabad and performed poorly in the Fillies Classic at that centre. She was making her first appearance on this track. Reflected Glory was an odds-on choice to win this event while Cassandra was supported to beat the favourite. The other runners in this small field of six were available at nourishing odds. Both the fillies were on their toes and were looking well in the parade ring.

Mystified was sent to the front as a pacemaker and did the job till the home turn. He was followed all the way by Local Warrior who assumed command at that stage. Prakash was content to bide his time and kept Reflected Glory in a close third position for most of the way. Suraj Narredu was obviously unsure about the staying abilities of his filly, and kept Cassandra right behind the favourite. They entered the straight in that order. Reflected Glory was popped the question near the 300 metre marker and began to respond with each stride. Local Warrior showed that he was no pushover today, and battled bravely on the rails. Suraj was still waiting with Cassandra. Just as the odds-on favourite wore down Local Warrior and was being hailed as the winner, Suraj brought Cassandra into the fray. Prakash was surprised by this development and began to whip his horse vigorously. It was evident that Suraj had won this battle of wits and outthought Prakash. Cassandra put her head in front and won near the winning post. Local Warrior was only half a length behind in third place and was gallant in defeat. It was a great finish to an exciting race.

Suraj was seen to advantage again in the only other race that he rode on Friday. Trainer Sirajuddin entrusted public favourite Fanaa to him. Although drawn on the wide outside, the speedy filly had no problem in going to the front, and after briefly surrendering her lead to Smart N Special, seized the initiative once again and sped away from her rivals. Prakash brought Perfect Promise with a nice effort to run a fair second. Smart N Special was a long way clear of Angel Of Faith while finishing third in this race.

The Original Vel B Ashok Kumar Memotial Gold Cup produced another thriller in a long card of nine events framed for the day. Trainer Dominic had carefully given a few runs to Satin Wood and brought him down in the scales. He was pitted in this race, which was earmarked for horses in his age group. Satin Wood was backed enthusiastically and reached the starting gates as a clear favourite amongst eleven participants. The race was run at a solid pace as Gara Fluid went ahead of Season's Greetings, Darktan and Satin Wood. The rest of the runners were strung out in single file and were losing touch with the leaders. Season's Greetings seized the initiative near the distance post and seemed to be going well. Whipless apprentice Sreekanth was pushing him with hands and heels. Shobhan Babu realized the gravity of the situation, and not finding any room on the inside, pulled Satin Wood towards the outer portion of the track. A couple of cracks later, Satin Wood came alongside the leader and wore him down with each stride. His supporters were thrilled to see him winning in a photo from Seasons Greetings.

Trainer Lokanath was immensely pleased with the performance of his charges Southern Magic and Imperial Applause. The well bred Southern Magic was an expensive purchase, but because of some listless performances, was seen racing in the lowest Class. He was an even money chance in the hands of jockey Appu.  Southern Magic was taken to the front in the early stages of the race and was never headed till the end. Destiny's Wish, Executive Spirit and Musical Signature filled the rest of the frame. The winner seems to have come right and should be supported again in his next start.  Imperial Applause won a Class IV scurry for her trainer.The favourite  Royal Host was not very smart at the gates and was seen toiling in mid bunch as they came into the final stages of the race. Imperial Applause overtook Exceptional near the bend and went away from a late finishing True Confidence. Miss Pukka ran a good race to run a close third.

Dhariwal's Just In Time put daylight between herself and the rest while coasting to an effortless victory in the lowest class at this centre. This was the first start of this three year old filly who is the daughter of Lyrical Bid. Her dam was a Sprinter's Cup winner in her times. There were rumours about her fitness level, but she dispelled them with utter disdain. Ashok Kumar took a smart jump with her and led by a couple of lengths from Artic Princess till the 200 metres marker. He gave her a tap thereafter and she lengthened her strides beautifully. Just In Time won by a distance from her rivals.  The winner has a lot of Class and should be backed with confidence in her next assignment.

The last two races were won by horses who had won their previous starts. Chocolate Brownie was bidding for a hat-trick and was supported with confidence. Gaurav Sapra kept her out of trouble for most of the way before skirting the field and galloping on the wide outside. Chocolate Brownie was so much superior to the field that he cantered away in the end. The fact that this winner traversed more ground than required indicates his readiness to win again in similar company. Magical Spirit and Glint Revelation came with late runs to figure on the board. The other runner trying to score an encore was the Prakash ridden Silken Lines in the last race of the day. The Foley stable had been winless during the afternoon and the punters were finding it difficult to accept that fact. They backed Silken lines with confidence and were delighted to see this horse winning with a degree of comfort. Prakash took a smart jump from the outermost draw and Silken Lines won from end-to-end. Double Emerge and Allegro had to be satisfied with the minor placings. Suraj and Lokanath were the two professionals to score more than once during the afternoon.