Leo D`Silva trained Huntingdon was guided successfully guided by Mukesh Kumar to a comeback victory, recording a narrow win over Great Guns in the 1400 meters Turf Authorities of India Cup (Div II) on Monday at Malakpet. This featured race, open to horses rated up to 85, showcased a thrilling battle between the favoured runner and Great Guns in the final stages.

After claiming victory in the Colts Championship Stakes during the monsoon season, Huntingdon faced challenges in making an impact, even in handicap races. The feature event provided him with the ideal opportunity to break the pattern, garnering significant support for a win against the last-start winner, Strauss. The final furlong presented a formidable challenge as Great Guns surged ahead, appearing poised for victory. However, a determined effort from jockey Mukesh Kumar and Huntingdon secured a narrow triumph, with Strauss finishing in third place.

The professionals seem less apprehensive about authorities. Instances of questionable racing manoeuvres are noticeable, and though Chief Stipe acknowledges these occurrences in the racing incident reports, little action is taken beyond recording them for future reference. The lack of decisive action allows such incidents to repeat on the same horses without consequence, emboldening professionals to adopt erratic strategies. This trend particularly affects favourites with strong credentials, making them susceptible to manipulations.

Jockey Ashad Asbar`s riding style has raised eyebrows, seemingly challenging authorities with varying approaches based on intent. In the 1100 meters Bodhan Plate, The King And I, previously a favourite, saw a significant drift in odds by race time. Despite having won impressively at Mysore, the horse, ridden by Asbar, finished second last, indicating a deliberate deviation from its potential. Meanwhile, Satheesh-trained High Reward, ridden by Jockey R S Jodha, claimed victory at lucrative odds. The late surge from Thanks, a previous day`s winner carrying a penalty, fell short. City of Bliss, heavily backed close to race time, failed to contend, securing a third-place finish behind Bangor On Dee.

A similar performance was anticipated in the 1200 metres Royal Western India Turf Club Cup (Div II), a race for horses rated 40 to 65. The odds on the favourite Minecraft who was expected to record a treble drifted out so much that a repeat performance like the one enacted on The King And I was on the minds of the punters. Donald Netto trained Ragnarok was heavily backed in the light of lack of support for Minecraft. This time out, Ashad Asbar kept his horse in a forward position and held off the threat from Malibu to land the spoils. Ragnarok who was also bidding for a hat-trick, raced without hope while claiming the third position.

The 1400 meters Kollapur Plate, featuring maiden three-year-olds, saw Prasad Raju-trained Star Forever, a favourite in the ring, succumb to a surprise defeat. Long shot Get Lucky from Satheesh`s stables, guided by jockey Nakhat Singh, led from start to finish with ease. Star Forever, struggling to justify its favouritism, narrowly retained the second spot against the late-charging Dapper Look.

Hoping Star, trained by Jasbir Singh, stood out in the day`s action, winning the 1100 meters Chevella Plate for horses rated 20 to 45. With strong support, Hoping Star overtook Shadow Fax in the final furlong, securing victory. Deccan Daisy rallied late to claim the second position ahead of Shadow Fax.

Mumbai import Midsummer Star, now under Prasad Raju`s guidance, dominated the 1200 meters Banswada Plate for horses rated 20 to 45. The favourite`s commanding performance in the final furlong resulted in a five-length lead over Swiss Girl, with Classy Dame following at big odds.

Leo D`Silva-trained Canterbury, winless in 33 attempts, finally tasted victory in the lowest category race for five-year-olds. Racing prominently, Canterbury pulled away in the final furlong for a comfortable win over long shot Silver Arrow, while the well-backed favourite Royal Ban settled for a subdued third place.