Sulaiman Attaollahi-trained Positano has finally cultivated the winning habit. A horse who once specialised in running second to just about everyone has now stitched together a hat-trick, the latest being a stylish triumph in the 2400 metres Idar Gold Trophy, a terms race for four-year-olds and over, at Pune on Sunday. Of course, it helps when all those who used to beat you are either enjoying long vacations in the paddock or limping around elsewhere. But in racing as in life, you only beat who turns up — and Positano`s new favourite hobby is to benefit from the situation.

The betting market had the gall to put Duke of Tuscany on a pedestal, conveniently ignoring Positano`s higher rating and the weight advantage, all because the Attaollahi ward had a reputation for being allergic to the winning post. For a while, it looked like the old story was about to repeat itself, but Sandesh — playing the part of quick-witted getaway driver — saw a gap in the final furlong, slipped through, and left the rest gasping. Dream Alliance, the other horse with a “always the bridesmaid,” tag ran second, ahead of Arkadian and Pyrite. Duke of Tuscany ran like his heart wasn`t in it, while Golden Thunder thundered only till the bend before calling it quits.

Trainer Prithviraj, who has spent the last year in Pune and Mumbai wondering if he accidentally brought bad luck along with his luggage from Bangalore, finally saw the stars align in the 1400 metres Southern Command Gold Trophy, a race for maiden three-year-olds. His ward Money Fair proved that money may not grow on trees, but it certainly runs faster than Charlie Brown, who did everything but win under Trevor Patel`s relentless riding. The favourite huffed, puffed, and eventually fluffed his lines, handing a cosy win to Money Fair. Miracle of Hanukah popped up late for third, presumably to remind everyone that miracles don`t always mean victories.

The Millenium Force, trained by Pradeep Chouhan, decided to toy with his opponents in the 1600 metres Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Memorial Trophy, a race for horses rated 40 to 66. After allowing Wind Dancer his moment in the sun, the favourite switched on cruise control under Sandesh, zoomed past, and left the field chasing shadows. Wind Dancer stayed second, Finch fluttered into third, while Brave Beauty lived up to her reputation by being brave enough to run, but not beautiful enough to quicken from the gates.

Chouhan wasn`t done yet — he doubled his tally when Fontana pulled another easy one in the 1200 metres Shivalik Showers Plate, a race for horses rated 60 to 86. Apprentice Aditya Waydande, riding with the poise of a seasoned pro, stalked the leaders until it was time to tell Fighton to fight no more. Fontana surged clear, leaving Fighton hanging onto second ahead of Timeless Vision. Azrinaz joined the party too late.

The 1400 metres Col Kaikushroo Maneckji Bharucha Trophy, a race for horses rated 20 to 46, promised fireworks but fizzled into a one-sided show. Neutralist, who was backed as if defeat was out of the syllabus, ran like he hadn`t read the script at all, fading into irrelevance. Instead, Giacomo — cool, composed, and utterly unbothered — took over at the top of the straight and stretched away. Ember Tower chased without conviction, Allez L`etoile plodded into third, while Neutralist gave punters heartburn in fourth. Blue Bird, true to form, treated the race like optional homework and refused to gallop.

A meagre field of four turned up for the 1600 metres Jaidev Trophy, a race for horses rated 80 and above, where El Greco played hare until Jade decided enough was enough and stormed past under Vivek G. Golden Kingdom settled for bronze in this three-horse contest, while Ruling Dynasty stayed true to his name — ruling the last spot from start to finish after losing ground at the gates.

The day began with the 1100 metres Azzurro Plate, a race for horses rated 1 to 26, where the heavily backed Purple Martini turned out to be more soda than spirit. Instead, it was Between Friends, the consistent type who never overstays his welcome, that pulled off a neat win in the final furlong, collaring front-running Untitled. We Still Believe ended third, while the believers of favourites were left muttering about faith and bad investments.