Racing once again reminded everyone that reputation counts for little once the gates fly. The Gr 1 Indian 1000 Guineas, the first classic of the Mumbai season, held on Sunday, was expected to be a coronation for the accomplished Fynbos, instead saw the script turned firmly on its head. Against the run of logic, form and popular belief, M K Jadhav`s Kavya, ridden with icy assurance by David Allan, seized her moment and stunned the favourite, underlining yet again that classics are never won on paper.

That truth played out vividly. Pesi Shroff`s Fynbos, armed with two classic wins and a reputation that arrived well ahead of her, towered over the opposition. With the outstation challengers kept out due to the glanders scare in Bangalore, this was meant to be a coronation rather than a contest. The cake was baked, iced and ready to be sliced.

Except racing, in its infinite wickedness, had other plans. What is racing if it doesn`t garnish the menu with an unexpected twist, just to keep egos on a tight leash? Kavya seized the moment while the crowd waited for Fynbos to switch on the afterburners. Trevor Patel eventually did ask the daughter of Kingda Ka for an effort, but by then the surprise guest had already locked the door and pocketed the key. Kavya held on by half a length, and theory died a quiet death in the grandstand.

At the start of the season, suggesting Kavya would beat Fynbos would have earned sympathetic smiles, if not outright laughter. Yet here was veteran Jadhav, celebrating 55 years in the profession, adding another Indian 1000 Guineas to his résumé, his first since Thumbelina in 1993. History, it seems, enjoys the occasional encore.

Allan, traditionally associated with the late S Padmanabhan, was this time contracted to race horse owner Prashanth Nagar, and the decision proved inspired. Riding with calm assurance, unmoved by Fynbos` towering reputation, Allan delivered a percentage-perfect ride. Social Butterfly added further gloss to her future stud value by holding Fourth Wing by a whisker for a placing, completing a finish that left breeders nodding and bettors blinking.

Fynbos went to post a short-priced favourite, with Kavya next in demand. Some whispered that the upset might come from the favourite`s stablemate King`s Gambit, but she removed himself from the conversation with a lethargic exit from the gates. Azalea did the pacemaking duties for Fynbos, followed by Social Butterfly, Fourth Wing and Kavya, with Fynbos patiently anchored behind them. Turning for home, Social Butterfly struck the front, Allan gradually wound up Kavya, and by the final furlong the lead looked commanding. When Fynbos finally launched her challenge, many waited for the familiar whoosh. It never came. Kavya simply refused to read the script.

The Win Legend–Maun Vrat filly also neatly compensated for the absence of another classic winning progeny of Win Legend Ravishing Beauty, sidelined by a new testing clause requiring two clear tests 21 days apart before Mumbai participation. Racing rules evolve; racing surprises remain eternal.

David Allan continues to inspire confidence, his mounts rarely short-changing their ability. That was evident again in the 2000 metres R J Kolah Trophy, where only three runners lined up, two with chequered histories. Aman Altaf Hussain`s Evaldo, the most accomplished, was solidly backed along with Shubankar. Shubankar led, Charlie tracked, and Evaldo waited. In the final furlong, Evaldo swept past with disdain and stretched clear for a facile win, leaving Charlie, returning after a long absence, a well-beaten third.

Pesi Shroff`s Jade, having spent time stretching her legs over longer trips at Pune, was sharply switched back to sprinting in the 1200 metres Mahalakshmi Sprint Million, a terms race for three-year-olds and over. On paper, it was one of those races where everyone had a reason and no one had certainty. Constable was installed favourite, with Miss American Pie, Credence and Jade all hovering menacingly in the betting ring.

Constable, however, decided to live up to his name only partially. Instead of enforcing the law, he loitered suspiciously at the rear and never quite reported for duty. Credence and Miss American Pie took charge, and when David Allan pressed the button on Miss American Pie in the final furlong, it looked like the five-year-old mare would finally end a 427-day winning drought. Storming down the outside came Jade, ridden with perfect timing by Vivek G, delivering a withering late burst to snatch the verdict on the post at nourishing odds. Credence held on gamely to deny Christophany the third spot.

The 1600 metres M N Nazir Trophy for horses rated 40 to 66 revolved almost entirely around Pradeep Chouhan`s Break Point, who was backed as though defeat had been outlawed. Eagle Day, meanwhile, drifted, the market clearly unimpressed. Vivek G sent Eagle Day to the front and dared the favourite to come and get him. Break Point did just that, but only after an all-out effort, pinching the verdict right on the post. Treat trailed home third, having witnessed the drama without participating in it.

Bahram Cama`s Foxy went in search of a hat-trick in the 1000 metres Jehangir P Dubash Trophy, but the betting public chose to pin its hopes on Elusive Art, whose recent form suggested nostalgia rather than momentum. Foxy, ignored at the windows, thrived on the lack of attention. Apprentice Aditya Wadydande rode with admirable composure, biding his time before boldly shooting through along the rails. The Surfrider progeny quickened smartly in the final furlong to win comfortably. Bee Magical finished second, while Moonlight Kiss nosed out stablemate Storm Cloud for third in a tight scrap.

Trainer Sanjay Kolse opened his Mumbai season account when the well-backed Ashwa Gypsy showed marked improvement to land the 1400 metres Korea Racing Authority Trophy for horses rated 20 to 46. Having run behind Neptune at Pune, Ashwa Gypsy stepped up confidently, putting the race to bed with authority. Star Impact finished second, while early leader Chelsea waved the white flag late after doing the donkey work up front.