The Sunderji-trained Kildare outclassed his four rivals in the Republic Cup, the prime event of Friday`s nine-race card. Kildare, ridden by A Sandesh, clocked 1m:24.54s for the seven furlong trip. The five-year-old gelding is owned by the mother-daughter duo of Mrs M B Dubash and Ms Farida B Dubash.

Iron Age, ridden by S Zervan who substituted Y S Srinath on the Imtiaz Sait-trained horse, hit the front as usual, but could not open a decisive gap as Sandesh quickly got Kildare alongside to contest the lead. By the time they approached the home turn, it was clear that Iron Age was not his usual self and he virtually surrendered the race, plodding to finish last of five.