The two main attractions of the day – Red Romeo's reappearance and the Suresh Mahindra Cup were run and won in contrasting styles. Red Romeo (Steinbeck–Allspice) was all grace and dominant right from the start. Nitrous (Major Impact–Cinnamon Fern) had to gather every ounce of energy and stamina to stay ahead from a persistently pouncing pair; and when he returned victorious, he suffered a traumatic uneasiness which ended in his requiring emergency medical assistance. Fortunately, Nitrous recovered and is now resting in the stables and will enjoy a well deserved rest.

Red Romeo (Kamlesh) was so keen to re-surface on the race track that he immediately rushed to the front and threatened to pull away. Native Strategy came alongside and the pair was 7-8 lengths ahead of the rest in no time. Kamlesh had to hold the Katrak ward in check and make a sensible race of it; so he settled him in third. Siroco, who was a bit slowly off, began to cover lost ground and was soon in touch with the leader, just ahead of Red Romeo. Native Strategy brought the field homeward and Kamlesh could not keep Red Romeo from bounding ahead soon on straightening up. Red Romeo cruised ahead and romped home for a stylish victory. The place battle became intense with Native Strategy doing well to end runner-up ahead of Generalissimo and Fantastic Fury who finished together.

Nitrous hit the front as he usually does and was not actually crawling. The other two never let him go out of sight and were following within touching distance all through and they travelled in a line – Nitrous, Silver Tern and Flashing Flame. The race got really hot just as they crossed the 1000-metre mark and Nitrous was joined by the chasers. The three were inseparable as they turned for home. The entire length of the home stretch was a battlefield and each of the three were hanging in there to capture the title of "Champion Stayer". Nitrous fought the pair off bravely and the challengers were truly up to the task as well. In the end, the Suresh Mahindra Cup, though disappointing in terms of quantity, amply made up the way it panned out and was a remarkably close call indeed!

The Trainer-Jockey combination of MP Jodha and Tograllu struck in the first two races. Mypethoney (Case Law–Divine Honey) was very much in the betting and got down to business right from the beginning. Firecracker, the lone horse with more supporters, was in close attendance and even joined Mypethoney at the turn. Latest News and Chief Warrior were the only other contenders in realistic vicinity. In the straight, Mypethoney was first involved in a grim battle with the favourite who pushed him all the way. Closer home, Chief Warrior came up with a zestful challenge and Mypethoney managed to stave off the late assault and scamper home for a narrow victory. Chief Warrior is the one to remember in Mumbai early.

Medtias Pride had had a good rehearsal in his last outing a fortnight ago and put that practice to good use. Hitting the front soon on start, Medtias Pride had a handy lead on straightening up. Tapis, the favourite tried hard to make a fight of it but failed to apply any pressure. It was Nuncio who pressed the leader and Expensive Affair towards the finish that looked threatening. However, Medtias Pride (Case Law–Simply Honey) was stubborn and warded off the three-way challenge to emerge victorious in a close finish.

Aristocratical hogged most of the betting, mainly on the strength of her good morning track work. However, the filly could not match up to the expectation and went down without raising hope. Mysterio established a longish lead right through from the start; Anamika, Wind Storm, Grey Island, Forest Native and Aristocratical followed in that order, the last named was given a crack or two even before they turned for home. Into the straight, Mysterio kept going while the others spread out wide. Anamika was quickening well and joined the leader past the distance post. Aristocratical went wide then came in again but was clearly panting. Anamika (Barood–Dhanadal) managed to peg back Mysterio to spare a narrow neck at the winning post. Optimist was the one who caught the eye. Detached from the bunch at the turn and with only Noble Deeds behind him, Optimist was the one finishing the fastest falling short by less than a length from the winner. Optimist is the one to remember in Mumbai.

Bourbon Queen, after a decent effort in her last outing, was installed the firm favourite. The Imtiaz Sait trainee disappointed to say the least. She was quick at start and was one-paced. The entire field was huddled closely all the way to the homestretch. As they turned for home, they quickly spread out and each one had a clear run. Bourbon Queen, who had the first right to the straight, shifted a little under pressure but was certainly not quickening. It was Share My Dreams (Major Impact–Saraceno), who strode out well past the distance post and handled the late onslaught of Thanda effectively. Thanda looked threatening but despite Malesh going all out could not make a winning impact. Thanda is definitely for your note book and on the long Mumbai straight could finish better. Barbara was there but paid the price for not accelerating fluently. Barbara indicated that she might like it longer. Bourbon Queen still is a mystery, unsure if the mile is too long for her. She has to learn to press home the advantage after leading the pack homewards.

The Jonty Rhodes Plate was the most open race of the day with the bookmakers also unsure about their quotes. Fours or longer was what they offered, Ambrogio and Catalyst topping the list. Ambrogio (Case Law–Arabian Shuffle) proved a lucrative proposition in the end and won extremely well. In control right from the start, Ambrogio had Notable Runner and Stellar Affair hounding her till the turn. Once in the straight, Ambrogio stepped on it and was away in a flash. Walking Tall and Red Dawn were soon fighting but only for the runner-up's slot. The duo finished closed together with Catalyst sandwiched between them. Red Dawn ended a short head in front of Walking Tall and another short head behind was Catalyst. Walking Tall is sure to pick up a race over a sprint in Mumbai.

The day was memorable for MP Jodha and Tograllu who scored a brace each. Red Romeo was assertive in his victory and will renew his battle in Mumbai to safeguard his reputation. Nitrous will be called the champion stayer for his remarkable stamina and fierce fighting qualities.

Horses from the day's races to follow in Mumbai – Red Romeo, Chief Warrior, Firecracker, Thanda, Ambrogio and Walking Tall.