Daniel Grant displayed courage and composure and steered the Bezan Chinoy charge – Yana (Razeen–Zaya) to a well-deserved victory over a fighting Sweeping Success (Colm O'Donnoghue). In the crucial final 600 metres as the crowd held their breath, Obelinna (Ruzaan) enter the home stretch all by herself a good 15 length clear. Daniel Grant remained unruffled while O'Donnoghue showed a hint of worry if not panic. O'Donnoghue started to urge Sweeping Success at the turn and Grant hung on, waiting even as they turned for the post. Soon Obelinna was falling back and both Sweeping Success and Yana surged past the leader from either side at the same juncture, Yana getting the royal rail run. Past the distance post, Sweeping Success did get her head in front for a moment, but the final 150 metres belonged to Yana who strode powerfully and safely holding Sweeping Success at bay.

 "Yana has proved to be an out-and-out stayer. She showed her Class. Daniel was brilliant and so was Colm. It was an interesting contest and the better filly prevailed," quipped Jayadev Mody, the owner. “I feel, had the pace been true and fast, Peninsula, my other filly, too would have been right there," he added.

"Yana clearly outstayed the rest. I knew she would last the distance but I must admit she gave us a pleasant surprise by winning so convincingly. She looked good, especially in the final furlong," said a visibly thrilled trainer Bezan Chinoy. What would be the next assignment for Yana? Bezan said, "She will get a well-deserved rest for now; we will take a call on her future plans a little later."

Obelinna marched ahead to take charge at the Hornby Vellard corner (2,000 m mark) from City Tamer (Hayes) and stretched forward to establish a good lead albeit at a leisurely pace. In fact, the 1m 19.78 seconds taken for half the journey is not exactly the ideal speed for a major Classic. Nevertheless, Obelinna went on increasing her lead and nearing the 600 m, the field was almost 20 lengths in arrears! Hereabouts began the duel between the top two.

Going by the timer, the last 600 metres showed the difference that mattered most. Yana, clocked a cracking 35.63 seconds for the final 600 m. This amounts to a rate of 16.84 metres per second for Yana while Sweeping Success took 35.97 seconds for the same distance covering 16.68 metres per second. This means Yana was gaining around 17 cms every second over Sweeping Success for the last 35.35 seconds. Eventually, Yana thus prevailed by a length and claimed the HDIL Indian Oaks (Gr 1) and a rich purse of Rs 24, 10,500 for owners Jayadev Mody and Ms. Ameeta Mehra, along with the Breeder's Premium of Rs 80,350 to the Mehra Stud Farms.

Mathematica (Fargeat) was a noteworthy third and Peninsula (Suraj Narredu) filled the frame. Alvarita bled and took no serious part in the race to finish last of all. City Tamer ended a good fifth.

Agha (I. Shaikh) sprung a surprise by holding on to a narrow but bitterly fought dual with favourite Evatina (Grant) and the result left punters aghast. Shyboy entered the straight and soon had both Agha and Evatina breathing down his neck. Agha went ahead but was soon challenged strongly by Evatina who looked like pulling it off. However, Agha was in no mood to relent and fought hard to prevail by a head. Shaikh was at his best and did play a big hand in the victory. Grant was all out too, but it just wasn’t his moment.

Ikaria (Narredu) was a fluent winner in the first race. The hot favourite, showed improvement after his first start and reposed the faith punters had on him. Entering the straight, Ikaria (Juniper–Symphony) made it to the front and won unchallenged. Agios Nikolas may have needed this run and will improve to impress very soon.

Athena (Rajendra) endorsed that her last start victory was no ‘fluke’ and produced a scintillating run in the straight to zoom past the front-runners to post a comfortable victory.  Kai, the more fancied runner, just couldn’t match the dazzle of Athena (Black Cash–Matter Of Time) and finished an unimpressive third. Mazan ran a good race and looks a good prospect next time out. Queens Court completed the frame.

Chardin was the popular fancy in the third race. The only possible challenge would come from the next in demand, Flashing Flame. Chardin (Rajendra) improved from a lethargic start to be in striking position early in the straight. However, when he began to test Flashing Flame, he found the latter proving to be a tough cookie and despite all effort from the saddle just failed to stay carrying the top weight and ended second best. Sunny Chinoy did a splendid job on Flashing Flame (Warrshan–Peperoni) to stubbornly hold Chardin at bay.

Intimacy (Hayes) showed good early speed and led the bunch till the last furlong.  Pacemaker weakened and faded. Oyster Gem (Kishore) burst on the scene and there was no one to challenge. Born To Lead was a good second and the long time leader Intimacy held on to place money.

Oasis Star (Srinath) was the most impressive winner of the day. Sitting well up with the leaders, the Katrak ward poked through the front-runners and accelerated keenly even without being asked. She toyed with the opposition and won handsomely. Hazelhead ran a good second, Englehart covered ground to finish third. Avec Plaisir disappointed.

Marmaris pulled off an impressive start-to-finish victory and by a good margin too. Entering the straight, Marmaris (Riyaz Shaikh) kept going and snuffed out any possible threat. Melba was the only contender nearby and she too didn’t look like troubling the leader. Astro Boy came up fast towards the end but only managed to beat Melba for the runner-up berth.

Among the professionals, trainer Bezan Chenoy had the most lucrative double, winning both the prime event and the supporting event. Jockey Srinath scored a brace as well.