Pesi Shroff continued his summer-long assault on Bangalore’s major races, adding yet another prized trophy to an already overflowing collection as the prolific Zuccaro asserted his supremacy in the 1800 metres H.H. Krishnaraja Wadiyar Trophy, the feature event of Sunday’s races.

The son of Kingda Ka once again showcased the devastating turn of foot that has become his calling card. Settled at the rear while others did the hard work up front, Zuccaro bided his time before slipping through along the rails in the straight. Once jockey and horse pressed the accelerator, the race was effectively over. By the final furlong, Zuccaro had swept to the front with the ease of a VIP cutting through a queue. The cramped odds reflected the confidence of the punters and the favourite duly delivered without causing a flutter.

Redefined, once a turf celebrity whose trophy shelf includes the Pune Derby and the Indian Turf Invitation Cup, attempted to make every post a winning one. Sadly, nostalgia is not a performance enhancer. After showing the way for much of the journey, he weakened in the straight, still searching for the brilliance that once made him a champion. Mayne Magic gave chase but it was more hopeful than threatening, while Siege Courageous stayed on for third.

Shroff’s domination of the season’s marquee events has reached the stage where rivals might soon start checking whether he has been granted exclusive rights to major trophies. With his classic hopefuls already scoring emphatic wins on the local circuit, he appears to hold a vice-like grip on the forthcoming classics as well.

Pradeep Annaiah-trained Reiko towered over the opposition in the 1200 metres Speaker’s Cup, a race for horses rated 60 to 85. In the hands of apprentice Savin, Reiko adopted straightforward tactics, led from the start and never gave his rivals a look in. Flight On warmed up late to finish second ahead of Power Of Beauty.

Darius Byramji-trained Regal Beauty had signalled her readiness to win after a fast-finishing second last time out and looked the one to beat in the 1200 metres CNN Family and Friends Legacy Trophy for maiden three-year-olds. The betting ring, however, preferred Calix and Legacy Field, proving once again that bookmakers are not the only ones capable of being surprised.

Calix led the field into the final furlong while Regal Beauty was still searching for top gear. For a few anxious moments, it appeared the race might slip away. But Regal Beauty found her rhythm just in time and quickened impressively to overhaul the leaders. Sensuous flashed home late for second, while Legacy Field finished third. Calix, meanwhile, appeared stunned by the amount of support he attracted and faded out of the picture with remarkable efficiency. Regal Beauty shapes like a filly who will relish a longer trip, while Sensuous should improve considerably from this effort.

Lokanath-trained Turf Paradise turned the 1600 metres Astounding Plate into a procession. Sent off at nourishing odds, he seized control from the outset and steadily increased the pressure on his rivals. Pledge, who was seeking a third successive win, found the eventual winner far too hot to handle. Turf Paradise powered clear to score by six lengths from Imperador, who briefly kept him company before being left behind. Pledge was a disappointing third.

Satish Narredu-trained Glorious Strides, who had let down his supporters as an odds-on favourite over a mile, appeared in a far more cooperative mood over the shorter trip. Racing aggressively in front group,
he established a useful advantage and then dug deep to hold off the late challenge of favourite Eagle Eye. Hazel finished third while the well-backed Sicyon ran as though he had not been informed of the day’s agenda.

Aravind Ganapathy-trained Star Comet captured the 1400 metres Bandi Plate at attractive odds. Taking charge by the final furlong, Star Comet quickly settled the issue and drew clear with authority from Southern Force and Elveden. Favourite Dynamic Force finished fourth, proving that names, unlike racehorses, do not always have to live up to expectations.