Malesh Narredu Colombiana who is one of the principal contenders for the Guineas, was on course when winning his lead up race, the 1400 metres Maharaja of Morvi Trophy, a terms race for three year olds, with minimum of workout. A semblance of order returned to racing, with horses of impeccable credentials, ruling the roost.

The Maharaja of Morvi Trophy has been a traditional lead up race for the Guineas though the jinx that is associated with the race that the winners of this race rarely achieve the kind of success that their merit warrants. This year trainer Pesi Shroff who has won this race more than anyone in recent times, did not have a runner. Jockey Kamlesh who replaced Yash in the saddle for the first time, had Colombiana held back and raced off the pace unlike in the past when the horse would attempt an aggressive effort in front. Sugar Ray was the reluctant pace maker ahead of Mount Rushmore followed by Colombiana, Bold Appeal and Magnificence who was a little sluggish at the start.

Colombiana smoothly cruised to take over the running midway in the straight and stretched away for an effortless win over Magnificence who covered the leeway on the front runners in the straight and claimed the runner up berth ahead of Bold Appeal who perhaps found the trip sharp for his comfort and finished third.

Altamash Ahmed trained Avant Garde is perhaps overrated. After her runaway success in Bangalore where she beat Amazing Charm by a wide margin, the got abroad filly was expected to mature as a classic prospect. Amazing Charm had since gone on to record two runaway wins. However, the filly appears to be hopelessly one paced and perhaps she may find her rhythm over longer trips where stamina has a greater role to play than speed. Top weighted Sweeping Star who went to the front from the beginning, stayed put and lasted out the mile long trip of Star Admiral Plate, a race for horses rated 40 to 66, quite capably. Avant Grade went in chase of the eventual winner but found it hard to increase the speed to be more effective and eventually finished a tame second ahead of Traherne who too galloped in snatches.

Confiance shook off Another Conquest to claim the 1400 metres Maharaja Sir Pratapsingh Gaekwad Cup, a race for horses rated 60 to 86. After Beyond Horizons ran freely in front and wakened in the straight, Another Conquest was pushed to take over the running. Favourite Confiance too joined the issue and the duo fought out a grim battle before Confiance got stronger closer home and won with a measure of comfort. Eduardo was faraway third.

Pesi Shroff trained Solange had recorded a runaway win in her last outing at Pune and as such, came in for one solid support in the 1400 metres Col Mahadik Memorial Trophy, a race for horses races 20 to 46. It was because Majestic who was blazing the track was also strongly backed to win that the price on Solange was good. Grand Vitesse took over the running from the wide outside draw within the first two furlongs, with Solange too taking a forward position in second spot followed by Speed of Sound and the rest. Grand Vitesse stubbornly refused to give up even as Solange mounted pressure but in the final furlong slackened, allowing the favourite to take charge. Solange then skipped away to establish a commanding lead. Majestic came up with a late rally which only resulted in Grand Vitesse being relegated to the third slot.

Faisal Abbas trained Sumaaq changed course several times in the straight but got going finally on the inside and got stronger in the final furlong and landed the spoils in the 1400 metres Gateway of India Plate, a race for horses in the lowest category. Apprentice jockey Ajinkya tried to bring Sumaaq on the wide outside but ducked towards the rails in the final furlong where there was huge space. The progeny of Kingda Ka found her rhythm and stretched out well for an easy win from late finishing Magic Vision who held off Sanam for the runner up berth. Magic Vision reportedly burst her blood vessels.

Pesi Shroff trained Lord Jim was presented with a gift race as he had just one runner to contend with in the 1600 metres Royal Calcutta Turf Club Trophy, a race for horses rated 80 and above. Jockey Parmar had Lord Jim dictate the pace in front without being hassled and the progeny of Ifraaj stormed away from his only rival, Rodeo to win with ease.

M P Jodha trained Mt Tianmen brought off an upset in the 1000 metres Monet Plate, a race for horses rated 20 to 46. Stablemate Song of Africa who was the favourite, led in earnest but when the race came on the boil in the straight, found the pressure exerted by stablemate too hot to handle. Mt Tianmen shot ahead with about 200 metres left in the race and had no problem in winning from Pretty Hot who displaced Song of Africa for the runner up berth.