Donald Netto`s four-year-old filly, Gretsy, lived up to her reputation by claiming victory in the 1100-meter Salar Jung Cup (Div I), the highlight of a modest six-race card at Hyderabad on Monday. Rated for horses between 40 and 65, this feature event saw Gretsy, who had been a model of consistency with three wins from just five starts, go off as the second favorite. Under the skillful guidance of jockey Kuldeep Singh, Gretsy surged into the lead in the final furlong, bravely fending off a late challenge from the seven-year-old Blissful to seize the win. Meanwhile, it was a day to forget for jockey Akshay Kumar, who, despite riding several fancied contenders, failed to find the winner`s circle.

The Leo D`Silva-trained Adbhut, known for his blistering pace, entered the race as the favorite after a strong second-place finish behind Warwick in his last outing. With Akshay Kumar in the saddle, Adbhut quickly took command, establishing a healthy lead over Gretsy and Blissful, his nearest rivals. However, when it came down to the final furlong, Adbhut faltered as Gretsy unleashed a burst of speed, effortlessly overtaking the front-runner and sailing towards victory. Blissful, in a determined pursuit, closed in as Adbhut faded, but the finish line arrived just in time for Gretsy, who held on by a neck and a half length to secure the win in a thrilling three-horse finish.

In the lower division of the Salar Jung Cup, an upset was on the cards as Jasbir Singh`s Nucleus, quoted at generous odds, stormed from the back of the pack to snatch victory in the final 100 meters. The favorite, Lashka, had taken charge midway through the race and looked set for a comfortable win, having held off the challenge from Divine Connection. But Nucleus, with plenty of ground to make up, found his stride in the last 300 meters, powering home with giant strides to collar Lashka and claim the spoils in an impressive finish. Divine Connection settled for third.

Trainer Bharath Singh`s promising three-year-old, Secret Saint, proved far superior to his rivals in the 1400-meter Red Rum Plate, a race for maiden three-year-olds. With Suraj Narredu aboard, the heavy favorite hardly broke a sweat, as the rest of the field seemed resigned to playing for minor honors. Secret Saint, sent off at prohibitive odds, had the race well in hand from the start.

Suraj allowed Secret Saint to settle comfortably in the middle of the pack while Ashwa Ashvir set a brisk early pace, only to fade away as the field turned for home. Mountain Touch briefly enjoyed the lead, but it was short-lived. Secret Saint, with a powerful burst, surged past his rivals with ease, storming clear to claim a commanding victory. He crossed the finish line with plenty in hand, leaving Amigo to settle for second, while Mountain Touch, having given his all, faded to third. It was a win as effortless as it was impressive, further solidifying Secret Saint`s reputation as a horse of potential.

Leo D`Silva-trained Oliver`s Mount delivered a emphatic victory in the Fair Haven Plate, a race for horses rated 40 to 65. Despite Prasad Raju`s Star Forever attracting more support in the betting ring, Oliver`s Mount proved to be the real star of the day. These two were the clear market fancies, with the rest of the field was largely overlooked by punters.

As the race unfolded, Burgundy Black led the field into the straight but quickly faded, leaving the door open for Oliver`s Mount. Positioned in third, jockey Ekram Alam asked his mount for more, and Oliver`s Mount responded with a breathtaking burst of speed, storming clear of the pack to secure a commanding victory. Star Forever, who had languished at the back of the field for most of the race, made a late surge but could only manage second, while First Class took third. It was a decisive win for Oliver`s Mount, leaving no doubt about the dominance on the three-year-old colt.

Satheesh-trained Get Lucky lived up to expectations in the 1600-meter Karimnagar Plate, a race for horses rated 20 to 45. Sugar, a back-to-back winner, was the second favorite, with both horses drawing significant betting interest. Jockey Ekram Alam guided Get Lucky on a start-to-finish mission, securing an uncontested lead. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar, riding in his signature style, held Sugar back in the rear, planning a late bid. However, Get Lucky proved too strong, responding well to the jockey`s urgings and steadily widening the gap, making it impossible for Sugar to close in. Get Lucky secured a comfortable victory, with Sugar finishing second and Crimson Rose taking third.

In the 1200-meter Grand Parade Plate, a race for horses in the lowest category, Magan Singh Parmar-trained If You Like adopted a catch-me-if-you-can strategy under jockey K Mukesh Kumar. The tactic worked brilliantly, as If You Like maintained a healthy lead throughout to claim the race. Despite being at generous odds, If You Like proved superior, while the heavily favored Rochelle was left trailing and seemed out of contention well before the race`s climax. Reigning Queen held off Ben Pensant to secure second place.