The Pune racing season began on Friday with a card of nine races, featuring a mix of winning favourites, a few upsets, and a false start that caused confusion. The day started well with Lord Eric winning under Trevor Patel, who later rode Fourth Wing to what was a narrow victory. However, the race was later declared void after it was found that not all starting gates had opened together. Despite the starter indicating a false start, the jockeys failed to notice the siren, and the flagman positioned a furlong away perhaps did not wave the red flag, possibly because he did not hear the signal.

In the day`s feature event, the Gamblers For Love Trophy, Faisal Abbas-trained Thalassa caused a minor upset. Carrying a low weight due to a 5kg apprentice allowance, she accelerated strongly in the straight and, under apprentice Aditya Waydande, caught Christophany close to the post. Market King finished third. The well-supported Snowfall failed to make an impact. Thalassa was likely ignored in the betting as she was returning to a shorter trip after four long-distance runs at Mumbai, including a notable fourth behind Indian Derby winner Ranquelino.

The Season Opener Plate, split into two divisions, was a friend to the favourite-followers. Bee Magical won as if racing alone, while the real battle raged behind her for the crumbs — with Zephyr edging out Mojo and Diligence.

Lord Eric, the aforementioned opener, was also part of this race double-header, trained by Dallas Todywalla and ridden with confidence by Trevor Patel, who practically waved goodbye to his rivals turning for home. Lightning McQueen, who saw some money in the ring, forgot to turn on her turbo and woke up far too late, finishing a suggestive second. Menjou`s Moustache was third.

The D K Ashish Salver, for three-year-olds, saw debutant Darcy hit the runway in full model stride, speeding away in the final furlong. Favourite Merlet who had the racing experience and a noteworthy effort to back her claims, was left clutching air and excuses, while Between Lands found a spot on the podium.

And then came the shortest-priced favourite of the day, Challenge Accepted, who unfortunately decided not to live up to his name. Despite boasting race fitness from a Bangalore campaign, he surrendered meekly to Wind Dancer, a Dallas Todywalla long shot who led from the start and refused to look back in the Vibrant Plate (Div I). Maybe Challenge Accepted should`ve challenged sooner. The lower division saw the favourite Fable, also from Adhirajsingh Jodha`s yard, actually do what was expected — kick clear and win, while Beyond Stars and Moonlight Kiss wilted in the straight .

In the lowest rung of the racing ladder, the Elegance Plate (Div I), She`s A Teaser teased nobody and simply galloped off to an easy win, leaving the favourite Zip Along looking like he forgot his zip. Continental Drift filled the frame, drifting in late. The lower division was much kinder to form followers, as Bohemian Rhapsody, supported in the ring was guided ably by apprentice Waydande, Purple Martini and Talking Point followed her home.

All in all, a rollercoaster of a season opener — with starters needing new batteries, apprentices stealing the show, and a few favourites reminding us that racing form can be as dependable as the weather forecast during the monsoon season.