Mayne Magic extended his remarkable winning streak with a fluent victory in the Gr 2 Maharaja`s Cup at Mysore on Friday, while jockey Anthony Raj underlined his fine form with a well-deserved treble. Trained by Kishan Thomas, Mayne Magic pulled off what can only be described as serial winning behaviour—his seventh straight victory, graduating into graded company in fine style. Already boasting six wins on the trot, the son of Moonlight Magic didn`t just extend his streak, he did it the hard way—fending off strong challengers.

Anthony Raj produced Mayne Magic at just the right moment in the homestretch, picked off African Gold (who looked good for about five seconds) and then swatted away the late lunge from Global Influence, who ran like he had misplaced the script but still finished second. African Gold had to be content with third, nosing out Promiseofthefuture—a horse whose name is basically one big spoiler alert.

Champions Way and Mystic Bond tried their hand at leadership, Raise A Buck hovered, Mayne Magic bided his time, while Promiseofthefuture was switched off at the back, possibly catching up on a nap. Then Trevor Patel sent African Gold to the front at the top of the straight, only to discover that Mayne Magic had other ideas. Inside the final 100 metres, the strongly fancied runner was a sitting duck as the magic act surged ahead, ignoring Global Influence`s late protests. Promiseofthefuture, meanwhile, came with a storming late run, to finish on the frame.

Trainer Kishan Thomas deserves credit for keeping Mayne Magic as happy as a horse can be—placed cleverly, trained to perfection, and unleashed at just the right time. African Gold, on the other hand, continues to be a case study in underachievement since his Colts Championship glory days.

Not that Anthony Raj stopped at the Cup. He made the day his with a treble. In the 1400 metres Kumaradhara Plate, Adornment looked destined for embarrassment when long-shot Star Symphony went storming ahead in the furlong. But Anthony had other ideas—reminding everyone why strong hands matter, driving Adornment back to snatch victory in the dying strides. Southernaristocrat followed them home in third. Jockey Afsar on the runner up was found wanting.

And then came the 1600 metres Psychic Strength Plate, where Coorg General, a seven-year-old veteran with more racing miles than a used car, decided to oblige his supporters. Sitting a few lengths behind pace-setter Ineffable, Anthony waited, then pushed Coorg General early in the straight. The gelding veered out a bit but still kept enough to see off Sorrento Secret, with Tigerking running on for third. That sealed Anthony`s treble.

Elsewhere on the card, other stories unfolded, though admittedly in the shadows of Mayne Magic and Anthony`s heroics. Dominic-trained Flaming Sword justified the sharp edge of his name in the 1200 metres Civil Services Trophy. Trevor Patel switched him off at the back before producing him wide, slicing through the field with disdain. Serai and Southern Force followed at a respectful distance, while early leader Prince Corporate was left gasping in fourth.

In the 1200 metres Sidapur Plate (Div I), Mark One, who had failed narrowly last time, made amends by outsprinting favourite Smile of Beauty. Apprentice Pavan gave the winner a well-judged ride, proving stronger at the finish. Amazing Attraction managed third. The lower division of the same race was all about Vayu. Strongly supported in the market, J Chinoy took no chances, sending him to the front from the start. Versace gave chase but wilted, leaving Sea of Adventure to grab second.