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The runners went at a pretty strong gallop in the backstretch with no-hopers Copenhagen and Jedi Knight cutting a fast pace ahead of Bold Request, Amazing One and Turf Raider. The other runners led by War Head were strung out at the back. The field began to bunch up as they took the turn and straightened for home. While those in front began to drop through the field, Turf Raider and War Head showed deep pockets of stamina. The duo began to power away from the rest. Chandrasekhar on Turf Raider and Gnaneshwar on War Head pulled out their sticks and were involved in a brief duel. But it did not last very long, as Turf Raider overwhelmed his hapless opponent and charged away for an impressive victory. There was a hectic scramble for the minor placings, which resulted in Artistic Way getting up in the last couple of strides and pegging back Bold Request at the wire.
This completed a treble for Kishore, as he had already scored with Way To Wealth and Al Qamar in the first two races of the day. Both these horses had been steadily brought down in their ratings and were running in the lowest class today. Racegoers had been waiting for the day when the right money would come on them. A sudden drop in the bookmakers’ odds was all that was required for them to realize that today was the "right" day. The two of them received further support in the ring. Way To Wealth was held back in mid-division before he was pushed in the straight. He responded immediately and ran away from Roto Rooa and Nano Blue. Al Qamar, on the other hand, was sent to the front and had to be ridden hard to ward off a challenge from Everlasting Joy and Raging River.
Chandrasekhar joined Kishore and shared the professional honours by riding a treble. Apart from Turf Raider in the day’s feature, his other two wins came astride Magical Ecstasy and Royal Flynn. The three victories were scored for three different stables. Tejaswi's Magical Ecstasy had been knocking on the door with some forward runs this season. He had saved place money on all four occasions. He came from the rear to go past the fancied pair of Zindabad and Tropical Flyer in the last 100 metres to score an overdue success.
The successful jockey reserved his best for trainer Ranjeet's Royal Flynn. He knew that in this sprint race, it was important to stay out of trouble. He gave her a couple of taps at the jump and sailed into the lead. Royal Flynn settled nicely in front and led into the final furlong. She was challenged strongly by King Adler in the centre and Spanish Crown on the wide outside. Chandrasekhar began to use the stick on Royal Flynn, but was quick to realize that the mare was not giving him the desired response. He put it away and rode her hands and heels thereafter. Royal Flynn put her head down and kicked again. She lasted out to win in a photo from King Adler.
The best finish of the day was witnessed in a seven-furlong event for horses in Class III. Two of the best-performed three year olds at Mysore, namely Saddlers Glory and Theworldismine were set to clash in this race. Saddlers Glory had beaten Theworldismine last season, but the fact that he was running for the first time since that day was a cause of concern for his connections. Theworldismine had already run twice in the last one month and was reported to be in good condition. With both stables equally confident of their charges, a nice and exciting race was in prospect. They weren't disappointed, as the two horses fought every inch of ground and produced a grandstand finish. Saddlers Glory won by a neck at end. The two of them were almost a distance clear of the third placed Alejandros. Trainer Bipin needs to be commended for keeping the winner in such fine condition, and completing a hat-trick of wins with this well built horse. Saddlers Glory and Theworldismine are definitely headed for the highest class in the coming months.
The day ended on a disastrous note for the punters, as unfancied Amelia Cordell made all the running and shocked the followers of form by lasting out to win a race over seven furlongs. The five year-old had never won over this trip. The speedy mare would go to the front and get tired. It was a rejuvenated Amelia Cordell, who was racing today. Fresh after a long rest of a couple of months, she pegged back favourite Missiszippy and the other fancied runners in an extremely close finish. Less than two lengths separated the first five finishers in this race.
