Classic winner Evaldo has now reached that distinguished career phase where nostalgia runs faster than he does. Yet drop him among lesser mortals, and the old appetite returns like a veteran actor hearing applause from the wrong stage. That script played out perfectly in the 2400 metres Homi Mody Trophy, a race for horses rated 80 and above, the feature of a nine-race Sunday marathon that tested stamina, patience, and several betting accounts.

Trusting stables these days is like trusting weather forecasts printed last week. Once upon a time, punters followed big names for comfort. Now even comfort comes with odds. Sunday`s card was a festival of long shots, plot twists, and vanishing “certainties.” The Spot The Winner contest now requires astrology, philosophy, and possibly divine intervention.

With only three runners in the feature, Evaldo was the people`s banker. Regina Memorabilis attracted polite support, while Shubankar went to the front as if enthusiasm alone could rewrite form. Akshay Kumar kept Evaldo in cold storage till the turn, pressed the right buttons, and the old pro took over without fuss. Shubankar folded, Regina Memorabilis discovered the trip was longer than advertised, and finished last with admirable punctuality.

Esperanza was expected to make the 1000 metres T M Goculdas Plate, a race for horses rated 60 to 86, a formality. Unfortunately, Your Unforgettable chose the same race to become extremely memorable. Despite a résumé built over longer trips and a 190 day gap since the last win, he stormed past late and left banker backers revising their definition of “safe.”

Azalea returned from classic pace making duties to handicap company in the lowest category, where confidence in the betting ring lasted exactly one race last time. This time she was ignored with determination. Tajiri and Beyond Stars drew the money, Vivek G drew Azalea, and logic drew a blank. Silver Braid threatened an upset before Azalea arrived late with interest and penalties. Tajiri flew home from the rear, which is always heroic and rarely sufficient, finishing third by a nose that deserved better planning.

The Municipal Commissioner`s Trophy, a race for horses rated 20 to 46, produced civic level shock. Undercover stayed true to the brief and remained undercover for most of the race. Juracan lacked early speed and late excuses. Long shot Charisse pounced and won from Marcus, leaving the favourites to occupy decorative frame positions.

El Moran, after two highly informative demonstrations on how not to win, finally cleared the test in the Ahmed I Rahimtoola Trophy, a race for horses rated 20 to 46, making every post a winning one at odds generous enough to restore faith and bank balance. Those who kept the faith collected. Those who did not explained why they almost backed him. Lucio finished second, while the heavily backed Money Fair stayed true to the day`s theme and contributed handsomely to the punters` disappointment.

Gunfire repeated neatly in the Roman Rose Plate, a race for three-year-olds, though Zayyan looked like he had arrived for a rehearsal. Europe appears to be waiting for more ground and perhaps a written invitation.

Miracle of Hanukah justified favouritism in the Amateur Riders Club Trophy, a race for horses rated 40 to 66, but only after being vigorously negotiated home. Don Julio nearly spoiled the celebration and lost by a neck that will feature in post-race debates how the four year old gelding consistently finds one better.

Angelisa won the maiden race at odds that suggested the bookmakers were feeling charitable. She led throughout and never entertained doubt, which is more than can be said for most favourites on the day. Alpha Strike was second ahead of Lorenzo.

Viennoise, who had recently perfected the art of losing by a whisker and settled matters cleanly in the lowest class sprint, the Stunning Plate. She shot to the front, drifted outward late just to give the stewards something to discuss over tea, and still won with daylight to spare. Arbitrage chased dutifully for second ahead of Regal Galleria, while the winner kept a margin of over four lengths.