Ice of Fire won the 1400 metres Coromandel Gromor Bangalore Million, the feature event of the pre-Derby day races at Bangalore on Saturday. Having already scorched the turf last time out, she repeated the feat just to make sure everyone understood she`s there to earn greater glory.

Meanwhile, the spotlight was all on Big Bay, trained by Malesh Narredu—because, you know, winning the Poonawalla Multi-Million once is a lifetime certificate of permanent excellence. The pundits said seven furlongs would suit him “perfectly.” Indeed it did, if you interpret “perfectly” as “perfectly terrible.” He carried the weight of public expectations—and then collapsed under it, plodding along at the back like he was out for an evening constitutional.

Of course, punters who bet him heavily must now console themselves with the usual philosophical questions: Was it the trip? The company? Mercury in retrograde? Perhaps the Stipes, so good at interrogating improved performances, might one day investigate these majestic implosions so that racegoers can bet on horses rather than reputations.

Anyway, Big Bay and Bishop vacuumed up the betting money while Ice of Fire lounged at delicious odds waiting to take the spoils. Jockey Trevor Patel, who until then had been riding a selection of equine armchairs, finally decided enough was enough. He angled out Ice of Fire for a clear run by the final furlong and let her stretch her legs—an effective strategy. The daughter of Gusto blasted home well clear of Echoes of Time (herself no slouch with back-to-back Chennai wins) and Sicyon, leaving the rest to admire her exhaust plume. Trainer Prasanna Kumar looked ready to bet the family silver on her for the Mysore 1000 Guineas next month.

Emphatic was another horse who helpfully decided to live up to her name in the 1600 metres Chennai Cup for horses rated 60 to 85. The Padmanabhan trainee was backed with unshakable conviction, though she did try to spice things up at the start by tangling with the field and giving punters a minor heart attack. Displaying the patience of a monk, Trevor parked her at the back and waited until the final furlong to demonstrate that burst of speed Excellent Art stock are apparently contractually obliged to show. She sailed past the well-supported Rock Bank for a win that was, yes, emphatic. Bashir arrived late and finished third. Padmanabhan, ever the optimist, suggested his charge might mature into a bigger performer by winter.

Maana, trained by Darius Byramji, was another crowd-pleaser, making a stunning debut in the 1400 metres Hooves of Steel Million (Div I). Despite the hype swirling around Agrador and Silver Quest, the debutant was unimpressed by reputations. She ambled at the back before producing a finishing kick so violent it may have violated decency laws. The daughter of Dauville out of Yana surely has immense potential given the fact that she will be at home over longer distances. Darington and Konkrah fought over the silver medal, while Silver Quest found herself wondering if a better saddle would also have included a motor. She`s got potential—but only if “potential” stops taking sick leave.

The lower division of the same race was a formality for Neptune, trained by Karthik Ganapathy, who barely broke a sweat brushing aside debutant Knotty Cruise.

Elsewhere, the day`s racing saw the favourites repeatedly forget their lines. Your Unforgettable, trained by Sulaiman Attaollahi and declared “unbeatable” (always a good sign), ran in the Mysore Cup for horses rated 20 to 45, only to be mugged in the final furlong by Star of India, trained by Padmanabhan. Hyperdrive managed third, at a safe distance from the action.

Speaking of Narredu`s form, Satish also fielded hot favourite, Verrzzano, in the day`s opener for horses in the lowest category. If you squinted, you could see Suraj Narredu urging the beast to catch Cascais, who just laughed and led from start to finish under Akshay Kumar.

Starvinsky, trained by Narayan Gowda, proved that “when intent matches the betting trends,” positive result could accrue. Backed like there was no tomorrow and ridden by Angad, he made a successful start-to-finish bid, foiling Aquamatic for his second straight win. Blue God, the favourite, made no impact.

And let`s not forget the award for Most Disappointing Favourite of the Day—Mahler, trained by Sulaiman Attaollahi, whose supporters fondly remembered his last-to-first heroics last time out. Sadly, Mahler left his jet engine at home and was beaten out of sight by NRI Victory, who decided the easiest way to win was to lead from the start and not look back. Long shot Luca was second ahead of the favourite.

All in all, a day that taught punters the timeless lesson: reputations are like demonetised currency notes— they`re not worth what`s printed on them.