It was redemption time for N Rawal trained Commanding Knight, as the horse, previously disappointing with a timid performance, staged a late surge to outdo the long shot The Inheritor in the 1200 meters Raja Narasimha Rao Memorial Cup. This race, meant for horses rated 40 to 65, took centre stage in Monday`s racing events. The Bangalore import, The Inheritor, seemed poised to cause an upset, but Commanding Knight, skilfully ridden by Sai Kumar in an aggressive fashion, clinched victory in the final stride of the race.

With Commanding Knight, Adbhut, and La Mirage all having their fair share of supporters, picking a clear favourite became challenging. Despite The Inheritor`s promising run, Commanding Knight, as the sole nearest challenger, managed to close the gap in the final furlong. Despite hanging slightly, the jockey guided Commanding Knight adeptly, ensuring the favoured runner edged ahead at the finish line. Adbhut, initially in a striking position, faded to a subdued third place.

In the 1400 meters Osman Sagar Cup (Div I), a race for horses rated 40 to 65, City of Blessing and Stunning Force drew equal betting attention. However, the front-runner Despang, from trainer Vittal Deshmukh`s stables, displayed extra strength when seemingly vulnerable, securing a comfortable win with jockey Surya Prakash. Stunning Force claimed second place, leaving City of Blessing in third.

In the lower division of the same race, the highly favoured Morior Invictus succumbed to a late challenge from Delhi Heights. Despite Morior Invictus appearing on course for victory in the final furlong, Delhi Heights showcased remarkable zest, surging ahead in the concluding strides to steal the race. Sun Dancer settled for third place in a race that defied expectations, culminating in a surprising triumph for Delhi Heights.

B Nikhil, the jockey aboard the Magan Singh Parmar-trained Delhi Heights, displayed a similar level of enthusiasm earlier in the day while guiding the heavily favoured Black Onyx to a determined victory in the 1200 meters Brave Dancer Plate. This race, a terms race for three-year-olds and over, showcased Black Onyx, a prolific performer in early seasons, hadn`t secured a victory in over 329 days. Despite the prolonged drought, Black Onyx`s class and thorough preparation hinted at a potential return to the winner`s circle, a belief affirmed by the one-sided betting in his favour.

The race saw Baisa taking the lead into the final furlong, presenting a strong case for victory. Meanwhile, Black Onyx, lacking early speed, trailed in the rear group. Jockey Nikhil faced the challenge of coaxing a response from Black Onyx. The favourite found his rhythm only in the final furlong, and when angled out from the rails, he responded with brilliance. Black Onyx`s finishing burst ensured a comfortable victory over Baisa, who had every chance to win but couldn`t withstand the late surge. Unsung Hero claimed the third spot.

In the 1100 meters Flying Treasure Plate, a race for maiden two-year-olds, Prasad Raju-trained Dictator and Bharath Singh`s Amboseli attracted equal betting interest. Dictator, a progeny of Phoenix Tower bred at Majri Stud Farm, showcased remarkable speed right from the starting gates. Maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the race, Dictator eventually crossed the finish line with an impressive margin of over five lengths. On the other hand, Amboseli struggled to keep pace and secured the runner-up position, fending off Hoping Queen by a narrow margin.

The overwhelming support for Leo D`Silva-trained Sacred Bond reflected the confidence of the connections, a belief that was substantiated by Sacred Bond`s dominant performance in the 1800 meters Crack Regiment Plate, a race for horses rated 20 to 25. The progeny of Speaking Of Which positioned a handy third while turning for home, swiftly accelerating to surpass the competition and secure a comfortable victory in the hands of jockey Afroz Khan. Flashing Memories and the long-time pacesetter Toffee claimed the next two positions in the race.

The day commenced with a favourite delivering as expected but concluded with a surprise from Ravinder Singh`s stable clinching victory in the 1400 meters Solitaire Plate, a race for horses in the lowest category. The form of the horses appeared uncertain, and fittingly, It`s My Life, with a 35-outing winless streak and lacking commendable recent form, stunned punters with a comfortable win over the favoured Chica Bonita. The winner seized the lead entering the final furlong and maintained a considerable advantage, securing victory well before the finish line. Track Blazer settled for third place, while the other fancied runner, Canterbury, positioned well at the final bend, failed to accelerate sufficiently to contend for the win.