Srinath pushed Mark of Gibraltar into an early lead and set a fast pace ahead of Archipenko. Fantastic Quest was a close third while Pallazio's Sun was held back in fourth place. Not more than a couple of lengths separated the four runners as they took the rising ground and turned for home. There was no change in the order and the runners were spread right across the track. Mark Of Gibraltar was holding on to his slender advantage on the rails ahead of a hard ridden Archipenko. Christopher Alford had pulled out the stick on the favourite and was making a nice forward move at that stage. Prakash produced Fantastic Quest in the middle of the track and asked him to quicken. Wayne Smith made his move with Palazzio's Sun on the outer strip of the race grass and began to gain ground on the leaders. The four of them were almost abreast at one stage, before Fantastic Quest grew stronger and put his neck in front. He finally won by three parts of a length from Palazzio's Sun, while Archipenko shortened his strides and faded into third place. Just two lengths covered the entire field as they went past the winning post. The supporters of Archipenko were dismayed to learn that the horse had returned "Lame" after the race. With the victory of Star Wave in the 1000 Guineas earlier in the season, trainer Ganapathy was delighted with the performance of Fantastic Quest on Friday. The two of them will be the frontline contenders in the Mysore Derby to be held later in the month. Both the Classic's have produced exciting and close finishes. It may not be surprising to see one of the placed horses putting up an improved performance over the extended trip of the Derby, and walking away with the big prize. With no clear favourite in sight, it may be worthwhile for racegoers to go to Mysore on the 26th of October and watch this interesting event. Robert Foley's relentless march towards setting a new record for the trainer's championship, gained further momentum when he scored a treble during the afternoon. Last outing winners Potential Star and Star Flight scored encores while Royal Host made a winning debut for the season. Potential Star was the shortest priced horse in the day's card and had no difficulty in cantering away from Golden Kiss and Royal Liason. The winner belongs to a different Class and should be supported till beaten. Prakash scored again in the very next race with Royal Host. This four year old had no credentials apart from some smart track work. The odds against him began to expand as there was strong support for Panjury. Royal Host was travelling well in the early stages of the race, while Appu was struggling to keep Panjury in touch with the leaders. Prakash released his grip on the favourite and Royal Host accelerated remarkably. Perfectremembrance and Great Combination were able to save place money while Panjury was a dismal fourth. Foley's Star Flight completed a hat-trick of wins, when this four year old won a sprint race for horses in Class II. Srinath has been riding with great confidence and this was another example of his abilities. He took a good jump with this on-money favourite and sat an unperturbed third behind Ansonia and On a Roll till well into the straight. Srinath took Star Flight to the front thereafter and rode him hands-and-heels to kick away from Spiritofexcellence. India Shining was a faraway third. The Chief Minister's Gold Cup was the added attraction on Guinea's Day. This nine furlong event for horses in the highest Class had a well represented field of a dozen acceptors. Last outing runner-up Perpetuity from Darius Byramji's stable was installed as the first favourite. He had lost to Guided Missile in a close finish in their last clash, and with a reversal in handicaps today, was considered to be good enough to win this race. Srinath's mount Mischiefinhiseyes had broken the course record in his last run, but was tackling superior company in this race. Newfoundland and Stylish Bay had won their previous starts with a measure of comfort and were also considered to be a live threat to the favourite. The race had a very competitive look about it. Storm Regent was taken to the front and led from Perpetuity, Cafe Coffee, Newfoundland, Stylish Bay and Guided Missile as they straightened for home. Suraj Narredu seized the initiative thereafter and took Perpetuity to the front and seemed to be travelling well. Guided Missile and Swift Fire made a strong move from the rear and joined issue with the favourite. Perpetuity started sending distress signals near the distance post and shortened his strides. Guided Missile, on the other hand, relished the longer trip and sailed away to win from a hard ridden Swift Fire. Perpetuity plodded-on to be third. The last named has let down his backers on numerous occasions, and should be left alone from a betting perspective. Satish Narredu has done extremely well with Guided Missile. The most exciting finish of the day was witnessed in a Class III race over seven furlongs. Foley's Mystified and Neil Darashah's My Friend Paul were equally fancied to win this event. This duo was opposed by a bunch of older horses, who were not given much of a chance by the punters. Keeping My Friend Paul in a handy third position for most of the way, Gnaneshwar seized the initiative and led into the last furlong of this race. Prakash produced Mystified down the middle and the two of them were fighting a grim battle. They were oblivious to the fact that two rank outsiders were making a move on the wide outside.Estrella and Suryarath came with gigantic strides and joined issue with the two market fancies. The four of them were locked together as they flashed past the post. 100/1 outsider Estrella was declared the winner ahead of Suryarath, Mystified and My Friend Paul. Jockey Md Kareem rode a winner after a very long time. Sprawling Elegance and Loremo were the other two winners in the days' card. While Prakash and Robert Foley shared the professional honours, the afternoon shall be remembered for the brave performance put up by Fantastic Quest while winning the Mysore 2000 Guineas.
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