Nirad Karanjawala’s Baychimo clearly enjoys adversity. In Bangalore, he had already shown a flair for theatrics by drifting all the way to the outer rails and still winning. At Pune, he decided to up the stakes in the Gr 3 S A Poonawalla Million, a mile-long slog run under conditions better suited to ducks than thoroughbreds—steady rain, slushy underfoot, and visibility that made jockeys wish for headlights.

The last two races of the day were cancelled by the Stewards citing unsafe underfoot conditions and the adverse weather.

The favourite, Zacharias, arrived with all the Pesi Shroff polish, and punters lined up like devotees at a shrine. There was also chatter for Bangalore’s Ice of Fire, who had been busy torching opponents until she had to lug around more weight than a punter’s regret. Meanwhile, Baychimo’s chances glimmered thanks to Arrived’s Pune exploits. Once the gates opened, Waitara did the donkey work up front, dragging along Encino, Baychimo, and Zacharias, Ice of Fire not finding her rhythm, while Gun Smoke seemed more interested in atmospheric effects was tailed off last.

At the business end, Anthony Raj shoved Baychimo into action, grabbing the lead. Zacharias, momentarily boxed in, wriggled through, but by then Baychimo had pinched a crucial break. Zacharias flew late but, alas, the runway ran out, and Baychimo landed the prize by a neck. Gun Smoke eventually remembered he was in a race and lumbered into third. Ice of Fire, meanwhile, vanished faster than a candle in a downpour.

The Villoo C Poonawalla Million, a 1200-metre scamper for maiden three-year-olds, promised fireworks with Mutual Trust and All For Love. Mutual Trust, trained by Sulaiman Attaollahi, decided enough was enough and went straight to the front, travelling like she had stolen the script in the hands of jockey Sandesh. All For Love, the favourite from Malesh Narredu’s yard, ran as if struck by stage fright—finally beating Foxy to sneak into second, though never threatening the winner.

In the 2400 metres Serum Institute of India Trophy, Pesi Shroff’s Bugatti proved he’s less sports car, more bullet train. He toyed with the field before shifting gears in the straight and disappearing by seven lengths. Black Thunder was thunder only in name, finishing a tame second, while Land of Plenty and Exuma followed in dreary procession.

The Excellent Trophy, a 1200-metre race for horses rated 80 and above, was supposed to be a shootout between Divine Star and Dream Seller. Instead, both were no-shows in spirit if not in body, flopping without drama. What followed was a blanket finish so tight it looked like a family picnic photo. Turn And Burn had the first run and clung on desperately as Christophany, Its My Time, Cellini, and Son Of A Gun finished in a heap, noses twitching in unison.

In the day’s opener, the Excellent Sorrento Plate, a 1200-metre battle for the basement dwellers, Red Dust, a seven-year-old veteran from Faisal Abbas’s yard, pulled a rabbit out of the hat. Apprentice Aditya Waydande guided her past Lightning Blazing, and though Etoile came charging, Red Dust held firm for a shock win. The favourite Ariyana Star, weighed down by punters’ wallets and expectations, floundered into third—reminding everyone that “certainty” in racing is usually just a bookmaker’s joke.