By Punters Mind
Sunday’s race card at the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) gave racing fans a day to remember—with seasoned champions proving their class, newcomers rising to the occasion, and a few favourites letting punters down in typical fashion. The main highlight was Time And Tide, who once again reminded us why he is India’s top sprinter. But there was plenty more to talk about as form, fitness, and flair collided across the eight-event card.
Time And Tide Reigns Supreme in the Chief Minister’s Cup
There’s dominance, and then there’s Time And Tide.
In the Chief Minister’s Cup, a 1200m terms race for four-year-olds and over, the superstar sprinter from Mukteshwar Stud Farm, trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha, scored his 13th career win in majestic style.
Sent off as a hot favourite under jockey A. Sandesh, Time And Tide sat calmly behind the pace-setter Magileto, and when the button was pressed in the final furlong, he simply accelerated away like a true champion. Crown Drive, trained by Suresh, impressed with a surprise late run to finish third ahead of Aldgate.
Trainer Adhiraj has masterfully transformed this once-raw speedster into a polished race machine. He now looks unstoppable in India’s sprint scene—unless, of course, he takes a mid-race nap again!
Trakila’s Jaw-Dropping Win in the Karnataka Sub-Area Cup
Punters were left gasping as Trakila, trained by Aashay Doctor, pulled off the performance of the day in the Karnataka Sub-Area Cup (1400m, 60–85 rating).
At the rear for most of the race, jockey Trevor Patel chose the inside route, slicing through the field and pouncing late to defeat the favourite Regal Reality, who had looked home and dry until the final strides. Trakila had to carry 8 kg more than her closest rivals, yet she stormed home with authority.
- Victoria Doresaani ran a much-improved third.
- Bashir ended up fourth in a hot field.
The way Trakila won suggests she is in peak form and deserves respect next time out.
Divine Star Wins Battle of the Debutants in Adler Plate
In a two-horse affair, Divine Star from Aman Hussain’s yard edged out Kolkata challenger Pantazi in the Adler Plate (1200m, 40–65 rating). The two runners fought hard in the final furlong, but Divine Star’s prior run and fitness gave him the edge.
- Pantazi lost no admirers and is expected to improve significantly with the outing.
- Power of Beauty ran a decent third and is worth following.
Mindful Outclasses Rivals in the Astronomic Plate
The Astronomic Plate (2000m, 3YO) saw Mindful from Deepesh Narredu’s yard produce a front-running masterclass under Yash Narredu. The gelding led from the start and kicked clear without ever being seriously threatened.
- Odysseus, trained by Pesi Shroff, was well-backed but lacked acceleration.
- Moon Star took third.
- Victor Hugo, who had looked promising earlier, stayed at the rear and was a major disappointment.
Mindful’s stamina and cruising speed were on full display, making him a serious middle-distance prospect.
Victoria Cross Wins Maiden with Authority in the Littleover Plate
Trainer Neil Darashah struck gold in the Littleover Plate (1200m, maiden 3YO) as Victoria Cross, ridden by Neeraj Rawal, made all the running and never looked in danger.
- Favourite Konkrah finished a distant second after waking up too late.
- Blue Storm finished third with minimal impact.
Bezawada Sultan Crushes Rivals in the Tudor Jet Plate
In the Tudor Jet Plate (1200m, 20–45 rating), Bezawada Sultan avenged Saturday’s loss for the Joseph Awale stable. Jockey J Chinoy gave the favourite a perfect ride, tracking Divo before storming ahead in the final furlong.
- Gandolfini narrowly held off Agera for second.
- Springsteen and Isabelle ran below par.
Ashwa Kali Bhani Holds On in the Desert God Plate
In the Desert God Plate (1600m, 20–45 rating), Ashwa Kali Bhani, trained by Rajesh Narredu and ridden by Suraj Narredu, took early control and did just enough to deny the late challenge from Continues.
- Continues, who finished last by a distance last time, came back with a vengeance to grab second.
- Dubai Safari finished third.
Form reversals? Yes, but that’s Bangalore racing for you.
Sunlit Path Dominates in the Mahalakshmi Plate
The card opened with a bang as Sunlit Path, trained by Purshotham, made amends for his previous failure with a dominant seven-length win in the Mahalakshmi Plate (1600m, lowest class). He looked a completely different horse this time.
- Anchorage ran a distant second.
- Embosom took third.
The punters who stuck with Sunlit Path were handsomely rewarded.
Horses to Follow (For Punters’ Notebook)
- Time And Tide – Still the best sprinter in the country; untouchable in form.
- Trakila – Stunning win under top weight; must follow in similar class.
- Pantazi – Will improve after this Bangalore debut.
- Mindful – Loves the longer trip; has potential in middle-distance races.
- Victoria Cross – Strong front-runner; smart maiden win.
- Power of Beauty – Consistent and close to breaking through.
- Continues – Major form reversal; worth tracking next time.
- Sunlit Path – Looks rejuvenated; one more win likely in current shape.
Summary
Sunday’s races at Bangalore had a little bit of everything: superstar dominance, eye-popping finishes, unexpected flops, and exciting future prospects.
Time And Tide proved yet again that he’s in a league of his own among sprinters, while Trakila delivered a breathtaking last-to-first performance. Divine Star, Mindful, and Victoria Cross stamped their class in their respective races, and punters were mostly satisfied with five favourites obliging on the day.
Racing form largely held true, and a handful of horses clearly stamped themselves as ones to follow in upcoming weeks. If this trend continues, Bangalore’s Summer racing season could be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
