Bangalore challenger Aristos who was favoured by the terms of the race, had no problem in swamping the opposition in the 1600 metres Qutab Shahi Cup, a terms race for four year olds and upwards, the feature event of races held at Malakpet on Sunday. The well performed seven year old got the measure of the front running horses inside the final 350 metres and sped away for an easy win.

Aristos, who has performed creditably carrying more weight on his back in races at Bangalore, was set to carry just 57 kgs and he was hardly conceding weight to his less acommplished adversaries. It was no surprise that he went into the race as a strong favourite. Vijay Damini who seems to have lost her zest led on sufferance with Iaepetus chasing. Ladjadj Stephane settled Aristos in the third position while Kohinoor Wish graced the rear as is his wont. Stephane had Aristos move up briskly rounding the final bend and measure the front runners with minimum of ease to go clear. Kohinoor Wish rallied from behind to take the second spot without threatening the winner.

The speedy Anacostia appears to have struck a purple patch. The got abroad filly recorded an encore with a strong run inside the final furlong to measure the front running Best Pal and then easily held off the late bid of Precisely that to win the Naloma Plate (Div I), a Category II race. Carlos Henrique managed to enable lesser fancied Valentine to survive by the skin of her teeth in the lower division of the race. The four year old filly led all the way and had a break of about a few lengths going into the final furlong but Lake Blossom under the new find of the season, apprentice, Pawar closed home with a rush only to miss the berth by a whisker.

Henrique was also successful on Anupam Sharma’s Young Soldier in the 1100 metres RWITC Cup. Young Soldier had served notice of an early win when he had finished a good second in his previous essay. Taken to the front from the outside draw, Young Soldier displayed good speed to steadily increase the lead which became unassailable as the race progressed. Dancing Touch along the rails and favourite Aphrodisiac made strong efforts to overhaul the front runner but in vain.

Laxman Singh trained Balladier left the field stranded in the 1400 metres Dark Angel Plate (Div I), a Category III race. Balladier was sighted a winner long way from home as the four year old kept on expanding the lead in the straight and gave no chance for his pursuers. Pegasus Belle necked out Tiara for the second spot. Glorious Bay held off the late rally of Midnight Beauty to win the lower division of the race by a whisker. Lake King the favourite was not spotted at the busy end.

Prasad Raju’s Strides of Glory recorded an encore with a resolute win in the 1400 metres Raja Sitharam Bhupal of Domakonda Samasthan Memorial Cup, a Category II race for three year olds. The well backed favourite tracked Allendale into the straight and went clear with a furlong left in the race. Hurricane Dancer chased in vain and closer home Dazzling Prince finished powerfully to add some pep at the finish.

Favourite True Diamond led all the way and won the 100 metres Starsky Plate, a Category III race, with ease from Drum Beat and Royal Turn. The noticeable trend in Category III races has been the domination of top weights who after a few unsuccessful attempts in the higher category strike straightaway when they get an opportunity to run in this category.