Lokanath Gowda-trained River Deep timed his run with the precision of a commuter catching the last Metro, collaring Flight of Fancy in the shadow of the post to complete a hat-trick at rewarding odds in the 1200 metres Dr K M Srinivasa Gowda Memorial Cup, the feature event of a rain-ravaged card that eventually resembled a T20 match reduced by the weather. Only four races were completed before a relentless downpour persuaded the authorities to postpone the last two races to Sunday.

If the rain was predictable, the form book certainly was not. In two of the four races, it was treated as optional reading. Apprentice jockey Sachin also landed himself in hot water over his handling of favourite Estefania. With this being the fourth short-priced runner under his care to disappoint in similar fashion, the Stipes have reportedly opened an enquiry. They may soon need a dedicated file cabinet.

Last-start winner Kabali, from Gregory Sandhu`s yard, and Darius Byramji-trained Flight of Fancy attracted stronger support than River Deep, who quietly played the role of the forgotten guest at the party. Flight of Fancy dictated terms from the outset with Kabali in attendance until the bend, after which the latter exited the contest with remarkable punctuality, a storyline that is beginning to acquire serial status from that yard. Flight of Fancy looked home and dry after opening a handsome lead entering the final furlong but discovered that races are won at the winning post, not before it. River Deep found another gear and swooped late to win by a neck. Fortis grabbed third in a blanket finish, while the eye-catcher was Sapporo, who emerged from the postal district of nowhere to finish with an electrifying flourish.

Jockey Suraj Narredu, whose recent strike rate has been unusually modest by his lofty standards, found welcome relief with a double. Arc of Life, making his debut in the 1400 metres Cape Dance Plate for maiden three-year-olds, enjoyed solid support although Solana wrested favouritism close to race time. Solana promptly veered out at the start and effectively left her chances there. Burevestnik, already threatening to qualify for a long-service award despite still being in his first season, showed the way and briefly raised hopes. Those hopes evaporated when Arc of Life, under vigorous riding from Suraj, swept past to score comfortably for trainer Satish Narredu. Savanna Storm filled a rather distant third.

Gregory Sandhu-trained Estefania was backed as though defeat had been cancelled. Unfortunately, her race position suggested otherwise. Never placed anywhere near striking distance, the six-year-old mare was handed arithmetic that even a calculator would have rejected. Asked to bridge impossible fractions in the straight, she finished third in the 1200 metres Bold Gesture Plate (Div II) for the lowest class. Meghann led them into the straight before the lesser-fancied Mystical Queen, ridden by apprentice Asirvatham, swept past and quickly turned the race into a one-horse procession. Hold Your Breath finished well to snatch second, while Estefania finally arrived when the important work had already been completed.

Suraj completed his brace with Shrishti, who made light work of the 1600 metres Doncaster Plate for maiden three-year-olds. Content to stalk Shining Path into the straight, Suraj pressed the accelerator inside the final 300 metres and Shrishti quickly settled the issue. Favourite Aprameya gave earnest chase but the outcome had been decided well before the winning post came into view. Tipped Off stayed on for third.