A few good quality three-year olds were seen in action on Sunday. Classerville announced his arrival as a horse of immense potential by the gutsy manner in which he got up in time to get the better of Mystic Quest who is another noteworthy juvenile. Mystic Quest had run thrice and his last run was suggestive of an imminent success. However, he ran into Classerville who is rated highly by the stable.

The only thing that could have gone against Classerville was the sharp distance and lack of a race run. In the event, Mystic Quest who broke into a clear lead by the time Classerville could get his act right, was shaping like a winner as the favourite had considerable leeway to cover inside the final furlong. Classerville responded gamely and showed resolute qualities while overhauling the front runner in the closing stride of the race. Another three-year old to impress was Queen`s Collection who simply toyed with the opposition to win the lower division of the race as she please. Both the winners of these two divisions of the Managing Committee Cup are going to make their presence felt in graded races. Celestial Way who ran behind Queen`s Collection should profit from this run whle Sparkling Brownie may strike early if placed suitably.
Jockey David Allan managed to escape without any damage when Siberean Princess pulled up with a cannon bone fracture rounding the final bend. Luckily, the jockey reacted swiftly and moved out. Jockey Samuel Fargeat who was riding Sunny Gold was directly in line with the front-runner but the jockey showed good reflexes to prevent his horse from colliding with the front runner failing which both these jockeys who were riding the first two favourites in the Derby would have been thrown to the ground. Siberean Princess was strongly fancied to win the 1400 metres Animal Welfare And Veterinary Services Trophy ahead of Sunny Gold who had made a winning come back after a setback. Siberean Princess, who has been troubled by a hoof problem, had run a mighty race last time out and she was expected to have it easy. Siberean Princess was cruising in the second position when the filly appeared to have lost momentum which resulted in the hoof of one leg landing on the cannon bone of the other leg, causing a fracture. Kalyan who was backed spiritedly to come in place, found a fine opportunity to profit from the mishap of the fancied duo to record a long priced win at the expense of Kandiate.

Equidae had let down far too long but given a long break, the daughter of Desert Style finally came good with a decisive win in the Smt Saraswati Sajnani Memorial Trophy. However, Equidae had to be continuously goaded to get into her stride and only in the end was she striding freely. Silken Thomas failed to sustain his challenge in the front and ended up losing the runner up berth to Kajuraho. Equidae is no doubt talented but she still is not completely focused.

In one of the best finishes seen on the day, Cart Wheel edged out Mighty Heart, Claming Influence and Sugar Ray in the Ruia Stud Plate (Div I). Favourite Mark of Gibraltar bolted on way to the starting gate dropping the jockey and the horse was withdrawn from the fray though he had expended himself much. Mighty Heart led all the way and shaped to bring off a good priced winner for trainer Neil Darashah but Cart Wheel flashed him with a big run to get the nod the final stride of the race. Calming Influence was also gaining ground on the front runners while Sugar Ray was not far behind. The four horse photo finish was the icing on the Derby day proceedings.

The lower division of the Ruia Stud Plate too proved to be an exciting affair, with River Island recording a win after two years, after being re-united with jockey Harish who had partnered the got-abroad filly in her maiden win. There was inspired betting on Rimpuche who took time to warm up which enabled River Island who came with a flourishing run on the wide outside to just about manage to save the day. This win was the fourth win for trainer Padmanabhan who earlier had won on Classerville, Icebreaker and Equidae. Favourite Aquitaine was sluggish at the start and cut an erratic course. Jockey John failed to give an inspired ride on Colonel Duff who was taken the widest when he could have easily tucked the horse in. Despite going wide and losing maximum amount of ground, Colonel Duff came up with a fine stretch run which saw him finish fourth. Spiritofexcellence was a noteworthy third.

M P Mahaesh trained Quiet Achiever was a cut above the rest in the 1800 metres Shimoga Plate, a race for horses in the lowest category. The son of Razeen left the field standing at the top of the straight to win by a distance. Dante`s Peak who was toiling hard in the rear, ran on to finish second.

Smart N Special had every chance to win the M N Prakash Memorial Plate but the better riding skills of Samuel Fargeat ensured the victory of Refresh by a close margin. Girl Next Door edged out Buck Passer Junior in the mile long NRCE Trophy to land the spoils after run of poor performances in the day`s other action.