Dhariwal trained Cruising who had let down her supporters innumerable number of times finally obliged in the F K Iran Memorial Gold Cup, a race for highest rated horses which featured the card of nine events held on Thursday at Mysore. The daughter of Glory of Dancer sped away from her rivals in the hands of new partner Arshad Asbar. Three favourites won in the card of nine events but punters did not profit much as the domination of rank outsiders continued to pose a daunting prospect to their fortunes.

	Cruising (A Ashhad Asbar up), winner of the F.K.Irani Memorial Gold Cup, being led in by trainer S S Attaollahi (deputising for trainer J S Dhariwal) & Mr. Ashraf Salam

Ohiyesa set a decent pace with Einstein, Star Wave, Cruising and the rest following in that order as the field set out for the seven furlong race. Rounding the final bend, Ohiyesa faded out from contention with Einstein and Star Wave showing out prominently. However, Cruising picked up speed in the straight and surged ahead with a furlong out to go away for a comfortable win over Flaming Lamborgini who made a good rally from behind. Einstein ran on to finish third. Hyderabad jockey Arshad Asbar who is coming into prominence in recent times judging by the confidence with which the bigger trainers are using him, appears to be on the upgrade if success does not go to his head. He did a tidy job on Cruising and expectedly he was delighted that he was justifying the decision of the trainer to summon him from Hyderabad for this ride. Star Wave continued to disappoint. The Spartan, who was bidding for a hat-trick, appears to have found his mark.

The RWITC Trophy meant for three year old maidens saw Endurance shed his maiden ranks quite easily. It was Don Diego who was backed down to the exclusion of the others on his close second to Scionic. The latter`s performance in the Hyderabad Fillies Trial Stakes was indeed flattering to the prospects of Don Diego. However, Don Diego did not live up to expectations, plodding on in the third position where he stuck glued and eventually finished fourth. Foswell led the field till overhauled by Endurance who came up with a big run from behind to land a quiet touch. Though Shafiq lost his whip during the race, it did not hamper the prospect of Endurance who proved too good. Elite Land once again ended second best.

Spark Of Bronte recorded an encore while winning the D Gopalaraj Urs Memorial Cup by a narrow margin. Spark Of Bronte who had a sizeable lead entering the home stretch was not unduly extended when staving off the belated rally of Always For You.

India Shining upset the applecart of heavily backed Bullish Luck close home. Bullish Luck had the first run over Indian Shining but was overhauled with ease by the latter. Bullish Luck made a renewed effort but was found wanting. War Head finished well to take the third spot. Shafiq`s objection against the winner for interference was overruled in quick time as it had no substance. An enquiry has been ordered into the improved performance of Indian Shining.

Soviet Melody was quietly fancied by the connections and the daughter of Brave Act picked up speed in the final furlong to get the measure of Rose of Texas who too was backed with conviction by the people in the know. The odds on Scarlet Knight who was the favourite started drifting out and he ran true to market predictions. Apprentice Naushad Alam did a tidy job on Soviet Melody.

Sandalwood Star showed reversal of form in the 20-45 J Tyrrell memorial Plate (Div II). Travelling well off the pace, he started moving up briskly with a furlong out and had the measure of front running Cute Style. Youre Rocking was prominent till the final turn but thereafter went wide and lost all chances. The Stewards have ordered an enquiry into the improved performance of this Sharat Kumar trainee.

Despite taking a fly jump, African Sky put in a fast run and found herself in front quickly and the lead she built held her in good stead when Mr. Ambassador came with a late bid.


Rich Radiant who was backed to the exclusion of the others won quiet well. However, Rich Radiant ran into a well of horses with a furlong to go in the race and jockey John pulled him out violently and this caused severe interference to Hamsafar who finished second. The objection was overruled because the winner was too good on the day. However, jockey John was stood down for four race days for careless riding on the winner.

The last race of the day saw rank outsider Secret Fury come home with a rush to land the spoils at big odds. Jedi Knight was shaping to cause a much bigger upset but was overhauled close home. Spark of Joy who was the on money favourite to win, jumped out from the gates but did not raise a gallop thereafter. Now that she has made a habit of not jumping out, her prospects are indeed gloomy.