After making a habit of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, Prasanna Kumar-trained Prana finally did everyone (including himself) a favour by actually winning—the Gr 2 Amokbash BTC Anniversary Cup, no less. It was supposed to be one of the glittering highlights of Derby day, and it delivered drama for those who enjoy watching favourites crumble.

Kolkata raider Meropi was all the rage in the betting ring. He led them along gamely but then ran out of steam when it mattered. Enter Prana, with Suraj Narredu working harder than a tax auditor in March, flying home to snatch the win. Crown Drive did his best from behind, weaving through but the late detour cost him a shot at glory. As for African Gold, the less said the better: this former Colts Champion has apparently given up on ambition, fading out so quietly you`d have missed him if you blinked.

The Five Stars Shipping Million was billed as a clash of the big names—Vijay Singh`s Schoenberg was favourite ahead of Cigar Galaxy and Knight Regent. But racing, being the reliable heartbreaker it is, served up a result featuring two debutants at odds. Baychimo decided to test the outer edge but still got his neck in front where it counted. Arrived, who seemed to have forgotten he was in a race until the final bend, flew up the inside but discovered the finish line a fraction too late. Knight Regent tried valiantly for third, while Schoenberg, who led them into the straight, folded without a fight.

The Mumbai Cup produced its own brand of mischief. Hyderabad challenger Uchchaihshravas brought off the day`s big upset, no doubt to the horror of favourite backers. Shezaan Shah`s Credence had been so reliable you`d think he paid rent on the winner`s enclosure. Ramswarup had him leading like the good old days, but then Uchchaihshravas arrived late and fast, finishing with such a rattle you`d think he was auditioning for a snare drum. Imperial Blue also put in a belated challenge, missing second by a whisker and presumably sulking all the way home.

Promiseofthefuture was last seen handing Positano a thrashing before disappearing for over six months with physical niggles. Irfan Ghatala finally brought him back for the 1400m Hyderabad Silver Salver, where he encountered Mountain Jewel and Don Carlos, both enjoyed more support. Don Carlos missed the start so thoroughly he may as well have taken the scenic route, and finished a weary third. Mountain Jewel led for a while but realised that taking on class was not just hard work. Meanwhile, apprentice Pavan rode Promiseofthefuture like he was chasing a bonus cheque—winning with contemptuous ease. Now that he`s back, let`s hope he stays sound for at least as long as it takes to win again.

Money Bags, who last time out burned punters worse than a faulty toaster, made amends in the 1200m Indian Pattern Committee Trophy (Div I) by winning start-to-finish in such arrogant fashion he probably waved at the opposition on the way. The margin was six widening lengths over Basilica and Bellavita, who contested for the second positon. The lower division went to Flaming Sword, who also had it easy except for attempting a gentle nudge on Slice of Luck in the final furlong. The stewards watched, shrugged, and let it stand. Eclipse Pulse trotted in third to complete the formality.

Finally, Inspire, Arjun Mangalorkar`s long-suffering project who hadn`t won in over 500 days decided to put her issues behind her. Her last run was the first sign she remembered what winning meant. On Sunday she put the matter to bed with a comfortable victory over Storm Shadow, who rallied late in an unconvincing show of enthusiasm. Lux Aeterna was third, apparently content to round off the places without undue fuss.