Shamrock had been dropping enough hints in his recent races to suggest that a return to the winning enclosure was only a matter of time. His brilliant second to Money Bags last time out was particularly encouraging, especially since his saddle had decided to shift at the start and give him an unwanted handicap before the race had even begun.

Mysore has always been Shamrock's happy hunting ground. It was on this very track, about 335 days ago, that the seven-year-old recorded his 15th win from 30 starts. With the mile of the Gr 2 Maharaja's Cup, a terms race for four-year-olds and over, looking tailor-made for him, the Satish Narredu trained Shamrock had plenty going for him. The return of jockey Suraj Narredu, fresh from a winning appearance in Japan, only strengthened his credentials.

The betting public agreed, sending Shamrock out as the well-backed favourite ahead of Prokofiev, African Gold, Once You Black and the rest.

African Gold, once regarded as a serious proposition as a three-year-old but yet to justify that reputation, set the pace. Shamrock was settled comfortably in fourth or fifth place with Prokofiev keeping him company, while Once You Black, true to his usual script, was content to bring up the rear.

Suraj began winding up Shamrock as they approached the final bend and had him within striking distance at the top of the straight. Once given the signal, Shamrock responded enthusiastically and by the final furlong had taken command. Prokofiev came charging along the rails and Once You Black produced his customary late flourish, but Shamrock was not in the mood to surrender. He held them safely at bay to record an impressive victory.

The win could prove significant with the Invitation Cup weekend races scheduled on the same track next month. If Shamrock can keep his body parts behaving themselves, he could be a major force in the Super Mile. Once You Black, the Mysore Derby winner, continues to look like a horse who arrives at the party rather late. On the day everything falls into place for him, he could yet find his way back into the winning bracket.

Sulaiman Attaollahi-trained Sicyon looked an interesting proposition in the 1200 metres Urs Kar Trophy, despite dropping back from a mile to six furlongs. Prasanna Kumar-trained Flight On, however, was the short-priced favourite, although the horse has developed something of a reputation for keeping expectations on tenterhooks. Since finishing second in the Poonawalla Multi Million, he has struggled to reproduce that promise, and the public was hoping his second to Reiko in June would prove the beginning of better things.

Flight On chased Ocean into the straight and then surged to the front, appearing to have matters under control. But the finish had other ideas. Sicyon produced a devastating burst in the final 100 metres, while the favourite suddenly looked as though somebody had quietly removed his batteries.

In a trice, Sicyon had shot clear and stretched the advantage to seven lengths, leaving Flight On a distant second. NRI Ace ran on to finish third.

Trainer Prithviraj, who recently shifted base from Mumbai to Mysore, could hardly have asked for a better way to open his local account. Money Fair provided him with his first winner in the 1400 metres Sri C Sashachalam Memorial Trophy for horses rated 40 to 65.

Money Fair looked distinctly too good for the opposition and the betting ring agreed, sending him down to a very short price. Jockey A R Pradeep had little to worry about once the favourite took charge. Money Fair gained the upper hand by the final furlong and drew away to win by more than three lengths. Cynosure finished second ahead of Mystic Charm.

The withdrawal of Mriga sent the odds on Surender-trained Sunway Lagoon tumbling almost before the betting boards had finished adjusting themselves. The favourite duly justified the confidence in the 1200 metres Valaroso Plate (Div I), for horses rated 20 to 45.

Sunway Lagoon was given a patient ride by apprentice Laxman Singh and, once unleashed in the straight, simply put the issue beyond debate. Misty Warrior was second, with Secret Shadow third. Once the favourite hit top gear, the race was effectively over.

The lower division produced a smart gamble on Somashekar-trained Satin Lass, who rewarded the confidence in some style. Ridden by Shyam Kumar, Satin Lass thundered home despite racing on the edge of the grass track and showing a tendency to wander away from a straight line.

She made rapid progress approaching the final bend and then swept past the front-running Knotty In Blue. The favourite was left looking decidedly uncomfortable as Satin Lass powered away to win by more than five lengths. True Gold was third.

James McKeown-trained Regal Aristocracy seems to have developed an unfortunate habit. Just when she looks ready to break through, someone else turns up with a slightly better answer.

The same story unfolded in the 1600 metres Alekona Trophy for horses rated 20 to 45. There was strong support for Sands of Dubai to repeat his recent success, which resulted in Regal Aristocracy drifting out in the betting.

Sands of Dubai took the field into the straight but could not sustain the effort. Dynamic Force, available at more attractive odds, swept past the front-runner and quickly established what proved to be a winning lead.

Regal Aristocracy came roaring home with a determined effort, but the winning post had other plans. Dynamic Force held on to win by just under a length, leaving Regal Aristocracy once again wondering what exactly she has to do to get her turn. Sunlit Path was third.

Rakesh-trained Alluring Beauty had finished a close second last time out after producing a strong finish and this time there was no stopping her in the 1400 metres Jayanagara Plate for horses in the lowest category.

Favourite Brocston was travelling earnestly in front and appeared to be doing everything asked of him. But Alluring Beauty, produced at the right moment by apprentice Mohd Talib, swooped down the straight and quickly settled the argument. She won with plenty in hand. Looking For Ladoo finished third.