After much uncertainty due to incessant rains, racing proceeded on Sunday as the weather cleared just enough for the event. Despite the challenging conditions, professionals were keen to race, and the event went off without a hitch. Nazak Chenoy enjoyed a successful day with a double win, including a victory by Ataash, who finally found his stride. Guided by the lesser-known Vishal Bunde, Ataash clinched the 1200 meters J E Hughes Trophy, a race for horses rated 60 to 86, the feature event of the day.

Ataash hadn`t won in over 400 days, finishing second in his last two races. He was among the favorites, especially after the withdrawal of the strongly fancied Miss American Pie, which opened up the race. Ataash seemed to thrive in the wet conditions. Vishal Bunde kept him in the mid-group as Soup And Sandwich set a good pace at the front. Approaching the final turn, Anthony Raj on Dexa made his move, taking the lead into the final furlong. However, Ataash, strongly ridden by Bunde, surged ahead with a strong effort, for a comfortable win. Dexa finished second, while Fortune Teller rallied late to secure third place. Bubbly Boy, who had shown great form in Mumbai, seemed to be out for an airing, possibly on a weight-reducing mission, and El Greco found the trip too sharp.

Dallas Todywalla trained Field of Dreams bounced back to winning ways in the 1400 metres Janardhan Trophy, a race for horses rated 40 to 66. Field of Dreams had been well prepared and was a strong favorite ahead of Bangalore challenger In Thy Light. Field of Dreams, staying close to the pace set by Christohany, got a good ground-saving run on the inside, quickened well on the home turn, and grabbed a decisive lead by the final furlong. The second favorite, In Thy Light, had to come around at the final bend and, though he was full of running at the finish, the front-runner had sealed the win by the time the Bangalore challenger warmed up to the task. In Thy Light should make amends before long. Christohany stayed on to take third position. The commentator`s repeated emphasis on poor visibility clearly highlighted the challenging conditions.

The 1200 meters Atomic Prince Plate, a race for horses rated 20 to 45, saw a dramatic finish with Attained coming from behind to overtake Pure, who made a tremendous rally along the rails, snatching the victory in the concluding strides. Nazak Chenoy`s ward, winning after 300 days, was ridden with full aggression by Anthony Raj, whose profile has risen significantly in recent years, making him a jockey in demand at all racing centers in the country. The race featured Majestic Challenger, who hasn`t won in over 500 days, putting up a big fight by leading until being overhauled in the final moments. This was the 72nd career race for the eight-year-old veteran, trained by another veteran, Narendra Lagad, who believes in running his horses regularly and often planning some nicely priced gambles.

Adhiraj Jodha trained Windborne was spot on for the target in the Winfair 247 Rising Stars Trophy (Div I), a race for maiden three-year-olds. With many inexperienced horses in the fray, the money favored those showing promise in morning workouts, particularly Windborne. Jockey C S Jodha capitalized on the favorite`s alertness and speed, bolting to the front and storming clear in the straight. Cache put in a strong effort to finish second ahead of Star Impact.

In the lower division of the race, Narendra Lagad trained Storm Cloud looked well-prepared despite the betting trends not reflecting it. Jockey Mustakim Alam took Storm Cloud to the front, maintaining enough speed to keep rivals at bay throughout the race. In the final 100 meters, Storm Cloud appeared vulnerable to the challenge initially posed by Gypsy Soul, but it was the Adhiraj Jodha trained favorite Timeless Vision who made a powerful late run, only to see Storm Cloud escape to victory. Needless to say, the favorite should recoup the losses before long.

Interestingly, horses with rain-related names took the spotlight, fittingly as racing action resumed after days of heavy clouds and rains. Karthik Ganapathy trained Golden Thunder had recorded a smashing win on debut, and the performance of this progeny of Crystal Ocean was closely watched to see if it would confirm the promise shown earlier. Unlike the last occasion when Golden Thunder lacked early speed and came from behind, this time he raced in a handy second position behind pace-setting Desert Classic. Although the favorite was inclined to run out at the final bend, jockey Anthony Raj kept the horse under a tight rein. Golden Thunder hit the front at the top of the straight and maintained the lead, with the rest unable to catch up. Seeking Alpha found the front-runner too hard to catch but fought tenaciously to retain the runner-up spot from Little Minister. Golden Thunder appears to be a promising youngster, and his next run will be eagerly anticipated to gauge his future potential.

Rehanullah Khan trained Black Thunder secured a welcome win with the lesser-fancied Black Cloud in the 1400 meters Ismail Khan Plate, a race for horses in the lowest category. After Lagad trained Moonlight Kiss ran freely at the front and expended her energies early in the straight, Black Thunder made an inspiring run to come into contention. Black Thunder held off the late challenge of favorite Yuletide, bringing a smile to the veteran trainer who has been facing tough times with winners being elusive for his small stable. Tyrone Black finished third.

Faisal Abbas trained Mojo, who was the subject of one-sided betting in the 1000 meters Beyond Expectations Plate, a race for horses in the lowest category, secured a gutsy victory as the favorite. Jockey Sandesh guided Mojo to overtake the long-time leader Mirae. Mirae, after performing the customary front-running role, slackened closer to home, allowing Mojo to catch up and pass the lesser-fancied runner near the post. Phanta finished third.