Leo D’Silva trained El Paso asserted himself in the Gr 3 Godolphin Barb Stakes, the feature event of races held at Malakpet on Sunday. Jockey Harish had the son of Young Senor take charge of the proceedings inside the final furlong and El Paso quickened nicely to go clear and his lead held him in good stead when Suchiman and Alborado came charging home. What went in favour of El Paso was the fact that he was able to the lead before the others could warm to the task. Alborado was the fastest traveling at the finish and had his jockey positioned him better instead of believing that Suchiman was his only danger and racing almost in the rear of the field, the result could well have been different.

Chestnut Charmer did the customary front running job as the field set out for the seven furlong trip with Greek Fire was in close attendance while El Paso was held back in the fifth position. Alborado held position at the fag end of the field. Rounding the final bend, Chestnut Charmer was not inclined to give up in a hurry and hung on grimly but with his reserves running out, gave way for El Paso who came through the centre with a big, flourishing run. In a trice, El Paso went clear of the rest and was beyond the reach of Suchiman and Alborado who made a late rally. Favourite Suchiman nosed out Alborado from the runner up berth.

Trainer Ananth Vatsalya had a frustrating day. Alborado lost due to poor pace reading on the part of his jockey. One horse suffered interference and lost a possible race and two others were nosed out in the dying moments of the race. Vijayraaj was widely expected to win the Category II race but the son of Black Cash who was running for the fifth time during the season, weakened after having all the chances at the top of the straight, possibly feeling his legs. Vijayraaj has had tendon problems and this has curtailed his achievements. Doing My Best shaped to win in the final furlong but Hurricane Bay who came with a sweeping run from behind, managed to squeeze out a win close home. Shikara’s last charge enabled the progeny of Gasawar to take the third position.

Millennium Queen led all the way expect at the post to add to the frustration of trainer Vatsalya who had luck deserting him. Millennium Queen went into the lead at the top of the straight even as Sweetie Boy slipped along the rails but it took the length of the stretch to nose out the front-runner by the eventual winner. Vatsalya had reason to be unhappy at the way Kansas City Max was taken out by Laxmikanth who was astride Indian Gate. The beneficiary of the skirmish was Al Jeezaan who was backed to the exclusion of his rivals from a higher quote to on money favouritism to land the spoils.

Vijayrath barely managed to pull it off over another Vatsalya trained Nano War in the MCEME Rolling Trophy over eight furlongs. Vijayrath and Nano War were engaged in a thrilling duel, the bobbing of heads going in favour of the former in the final stride.

Super Brand, who had been campaigned over longer trips, was brought back in distance and the five and half furlong trip suited the son of Brave Hunter fine as he came home ahead of Lenavi and Walk In The Park to win at nourishing odds. The fast pace set by Al Jouf helped Super Brand to warm up as he came from behind with a good flourishing run to sail past the front runners to win with some ease.

Ave Maria virtually toyed with the opposition to win the race meant for three-year olds at very cramped odds. Queen of Sheeba chased the winner without hope.

The biggest upset of the day was the victory of Taste of India who had performed so poorly that his turnaround was something which was inexplicable. Music Express was a well beaten second.