By Punters Mind
Trainer K. S. V. Prasad Raju reached the rare milestone of 1,000 career winners on Monday at the Hyderabad Race Club, cementing his place among India’s elite group of turf professionals. The achievement was not just historic—it was cinematic. His landmark win came in the day’s final race through Sangreal, a filly who rose to the occasion with authority. The day also witnessed a glorious treble for the trainer, with all three victories secured by his long-standing collaborator, jockey Suraj Narredu. Raju’s journey, which started in understated fashion, found full voice in this celebratory afternoon that combined nostalgia, dominance, and a glimpse of what’s yet to come.
Ashoka wins the Anab E Shahi Plate (1400m – Upper Division)
Ashoka Exibits Grit At the Post
In one of the day’s most gripping contests, the seasoned Ashoka delivered a gutsy performance to win the upper division of the Anab E Shahi Plate. Lashka initially shaped like the winner inside the final furlong, having loomed up confidently after Baisa gave up the lead. But it was Ashoka, always lurking behind the pace, who surged forward under the strong handling of K. Mukesh Kumar. In a powerful stretch battle, Ashoka edged ahead to win narrowly, while NRI Superpower, who found himself cramped for room mid-race, flew home late to finish third and left an impression as one to watch.
Star of Night finishes strong in Anab E Shahi Plate (Div II)
In the lower division of the Anab E Shahi Plate, Star of Night, trained by R H Sequeira, showcased his Bangalore-hardened fitness to perfection. Ridden confidently by Ajay Kumar, the favourite raced just off the pace as High Command attempted a bold pillar-to-post strategy. Star of Night steadily closed the gap approaching the final 200 metres and, despite drifting out under pressure, surged ahead to clinch the race in the final strides. High Command gave it everything but couldn’t resist the late burst. Siddharth stayed on gamely to deny Black Onyx for the minor placing. The win underlined the advantage of race fitness, especially in monsoon conditions.
Cherie Chevalier outclasses rivals in P M Bokawala Memorial Cup (Div I)
Cherie Chevalier, representing the Prasad Raju-Suraj Narredu combination, delivered a commanding performance that made the opposition look second-rate. Settling early behind Newfound Glory and Jira Mento, Cherie Chevalier bided her time until they straightened up. Once asked to go, she responded with a stunning burst of acceleration on the outside, taking charge well before the final 100 meters and extending her lead to win by a wide margin. The others fought only for minor placings, with Newfound Glory narrowly holding off Krystallos, but the winner was clearly in a class of her own.
Racing Ruler dominates the Falknuma Cup
Racing Ruler, a relatively quiet name coming off a Bangalore campaign, lit up the Falknuma Cup with an authoritative win that marked trainer Raju’s 999th career success. After tracking the leaders Perfect Light and Quality Warrior during the early stages, Racing Ruler made her move around the bend and surged ahead under confident riding by Suraj Narredu. Once in front, she kept increasing her margin, making the finish a mere formality. The rest, including Peppi and Perfect Light, had no answers and finished well behind, giving Racing Ruler a memorable homecoming.
Divine Secret justifies favouritism in the Kothagudem Plate
Trained by R H Sequeria and guided by B. R. Kumar, Divine Secret delivered a clinical performance in the 1200-metre Kothagudem Plate for maidens. Coming into the race with good Bangalore form, she was confidently backed and did not disappoint. She took charge soon after turning for home and pulled away from her rivals with ease. State Man tried to bridge the gap in the final 200 metres but could only reduce the margin, while early leader Tootsie Darling faded into third. Divine Secret’s timing and fitness gave her the decisive edge in this contest.
Berrettini returns to winning ways in the Hyderabad Plate
After failing to impress during his Bangalore campaign, Berrettini bounced back to form with a sharp and well-judged run in the 1200-metre Hyderabad Plate. Ridden by Sai Kumar, Berrettini was held back early before unleashing a strong finish in the final furlong. He swept past the leaders to edge out Reigning Beauty, who was also closing strongly but found the post coming a touch too soon. Proud Mary, who had shown early speed, stayed on to take third. The timing of Berrettini’s move was crucial, and his local form once again proved more reliable.
Miss Smiley Angel stuns Diablo in P M Bokawala Memorial Cup (Div II)
Diablo, who had returned from Bangalore with a win, looked all set to repeat the feat in the lower division of the P M Bokawala Cup. He led into the straight and appeared to be in complete command, but the script was rewritten late. Miss Smiley Angel, who had also benefited from Bangalore exposure, produced a late but telling burst under Mukesh Kumar to fly past the favourite. Clara, who made some headway late, finished a distant third. The surprise element in this race underlined the shifting form patterns of Bangalore-return horses.
Classy Dame springs a surprise in Bakhtawar Plate (Div II)
Trainer Sathish proved his knack for pulling off upsets as Classy Dame, with Abhay Singh in the saddle, edged out a competitive field in the Bakhtawar Plate (Div II). In a race where many had chances, Classy Dame took over in the final 200 metres and managed to hold off the fast-finishing Fashion Icon, who was unlucky not to get a clearer run earlier. Swiss Girl, who raced prominently, couldn’t match the final dash but did enough to finish in the frame. The winner showed tenacity and a good racing attitude in a tight finish.
Sangreal seals the day in Bakhtawar Plate (Div I)
The final act of the day could not have been more dramatic or poetic. Sangreal, the public fancy, broke cleanly from the gates and gradually improved position to sit in striking range by the 600-metre mark. Indra Danush, the early leader, was still ahead coming into the straight, but the writing was on the wall. As Suraj Narredu urged Sangreal forward, the filly responded magnificently, sweeping past the leaders and holding off a brief fightback from Indra Danush. Eminency stayed on to finish second, but the spotlight was squarely on Sangreal and her trainer, who celebrated a 1,000th win that will be remembered for years to come.
Summary
Monday’s Hyderabad card will go down as one of the most memorable race days in Indian turf history. K. S. V. Prasad Raju, with a well-deserved treble, reached the elite 1,000-win milestone, and each victory carried the stamp of experience, timing, and trust in his long-time jockey Suraj Narredu. From the gritty fight of Ashoka to the sheer dominance of Cherie Chevalier and Racing Ruler, Raju’s string looked in formidable form. Sangreal’s finale victory sealed a fairy-tale ending to a day of celebration, emotion, and excellence. With plans to focus on quality horses moving forward, Raju’s next chapter promises to be as purposeful as the thousand wins that built his legend.
Horses to Follow ( For the Punters’ Notebook)
Runaway Winners (Watch for possible repeat wins or class penalties)
Ashoka – Sprinted away from a good Class 3 field with ease. The manner of victory suggests he’s matured and may handle a class promotion.
Star Medal – Dominated gate to post, never in danger. On current form, can repeat even under penalty.
Divine Secret – Bounced away with a decisive win and left no doubts. Watch for back-to-back wins.
Sangreal – A commanding, start-to-finish winner. He made all the running and looked far from empty at the finish.Unlucky or Noteworthy Runs (Punters’ Gold)
Racing Ruler – Pulled away with authority. Left rivals flat-footed. Could win again even with penalty.NRI Superpower – Hampered mid-race, came flying late. Needs a clearer run next time to strike.
Lashka – Looked the winner till Ashoka’s late burst. Very fit, ready to win soon.
High Command – Brave front-run, only collared late by fitter Star of Night. Strong candidate in similar setups.
Fashion Icon – From nowhere to flashing second behind Classy Dame. One to keep tabs on.
Clara – Ran green but was gaining ground late. A possible improver next run.
Reigning Beauty – Shifted out and covered ground fast to trouble Berrettini. Keep her in mind.
Tootsie Darling – Gave them something to chase, may get away next time with no pressure early.
Krystallos – Looked to have more in the tank despite third. Could surprise.
Black Onyx – Responded late; a step up in trip may unlock better form.
Eminency – Ran consistently and kept on; not flashy, but steady.
