Rakesh trained Ace Princess proved formidable and brooked no opposition in the Midnight Cowboy Cup, the feature event of the races on Wednesday at Mysore. The victory of outsiders Beautiful Green, Bucethalis and Miyarsprincess dented the pockets of punters. Ace Princess and Duma, won as favourites but both were at cramped odds and as such the seven event card had little cheer for the race goers who hoped to strike it rich on the opening day of the summer season.

Three year old Ace Princess who was showing out in trials was backed to the exclusion of the others. The well-bred filly went on a start to finish mission and kept on expanding the lead to win as she pleased. Vaideeshwaran had an armchair ride to victory on the favourite. On the basis of this win, Ace Princess can be expected to strike again. Rickety Rock who chased the winner in vain also drifted out under pressure but nevertheless finished second. Others in the fray were spread out far behind.

	Ace Princess (R Vaideeswaran up) winner of the Midnight Cowboy Cup, being led in by trainer Rakesh

Bucethalis`s unrelenting attitude put paid to the pretentions of favourite Shaka Zulu as the former skipped away in the final furlong into a decisive lead which held the rank outsider in good stead as the favourite took time to warm up and fell short. Orient Glory on whom there was a quiet touch found the going tough and all that he could manage was to finish a tame third.

Sky High found Miyarsprincess a hard nut to crack as he tried desperately to catch up with the front runner. Sky High tired out in the end and as Esoterical snatched the runner up berth from the favourite close home. Esoterical could have possibly got the better off the stablemate Miyarsprincess had she been shown the daylight a bit early. The top weighted Miyarsprincess took over the running from the start and never showed any distress and kicked on gamely to win easily despite the top weight.

Cash Is King tasted success immediately after shifting base to Mysore from Bangalore. Medium of a successful gamble, Cash Is King was in front right from the start and never seemed to be in danger of being caught up at any stage of the race as favourite Mountain Glory failed to accelerate when asked for an effort and Huckleberry Finn also found it difficult to match strides. It was left to Sivanta who was seen finishing on well to occupy the runner up berth. If this run is any indication, Sivanta should prove too good to miss next time out.

After reeling off two wins at Mysore, Duma who had found one better in Solitaire Royal in Bangalore proved too good to the opposition here. Though she missed the kick at the start, she was quick to come into striking fourth position within the first two furlongs. As the race progressed she steadily bridged the gap and came into contention in the last 200 meters and when she put her best foot forward it was all over for the front running Alabama. April Showers who was a fast finishing third is one for the notebook.

Beautiful Green caused the biggest upset of the day when he merrily stayed in front and held on to win. God Is Great who was the favourite though was up in fifth failed to accelerate when asked for an effort but can be expected to do well over a little longer trip. Four year old Mischief showed good turn of foot while occupying the second spot from behind and seems to have improved well and should be soon in limelight.

Diamond Flame, who had failed as a favourite at Bangalore, had no problem in beating the opposition with ease with Small Made, the front runner, unable to withstand the onslaught of the eventual winner.