After 448 days of playing hide-and-seek with victory, Nazak Chenoy-trained Ataash finally remembered her day job and stormed to success in the Dakshin Maharashtra & Goa Sub-Area Trophy, the feature event of Sunday’s Pune races. Dismissed in the betting ring like an old has-been, Ataash turned cheeky under apprentice A Omkar’s featherweight handling, flooring favourite Fighton and proving that even forgotten horses have their day — eventually. The five kg allowance made a critical difference to the outcome.

The betting ring had other ideas, of course. Fighton was the people’s choice, Bashir the fancy upset hope, while poor Ataash — the “always-the-bridesmaid” type — was dismissed as an also-ran. But when Cellini’s brief fling with the lead ended and Parmar urged Fighton to take charge, Ataash suddenly found a second wind and fought like she’d been insulted. The two locked horns in a ding-dong battle, Ataash pulling out just enough to win by half a length. Fighton, burdened with seven extra kilos, huffed home second, while Bashir, who apparently left his early speed in the stables, made up the numbers in third.

Veteran Imtiaz A Sait’s ever-reliable Pride’s Prince made the Enigma Trophy (1600m) look like a solo gallop, notching up his seventh win in 20 starts — a record that would make most racehorses jealous. Madam Rich, who hadn’t won for 414 days, threatened briefly before remembering her losing habit and politely surrendering. Shubankar ran like he’d borrowed fuel on credit — great in front early, nothing left by the bend. Jockey Prakash guided Pride’s Prince with ease, overtaking Madam Rich as if she were standing still. Mojito got third; Shubankar faded to last, perhaps still searching for his reserves.

The Dr P K Sardeshmukh Maharaj Trophy (1200m) for maiden three-year-olds went to Esteban, who finally justified the hype with Neeraj Rawal doing the honours. He stalked Santana Row before asserting himself like a horse with a plan. Lucio tried to argue but Esteban wasn’t in a mood for democracy, pulling away for an easy win. Santana Row settled for third.

Trainer M K Jadhav’s Kavya turned the D N Zodge Plate (1600m) into a personal parade. The well-fancied Substantial lived up to her name only in the betting ring, leading early before running out of substance altogether. Parmar timed his move like a patient assassin, taking full advantage when Mansa Musa shifted out, and Kavya cruised home unbothered. Shirsa and Black Thunder filled the frame, while Substantial was among the first to wave the white flag. As for Flaming Lamborgini, he didn’t even bother to start — perhaps saving fuel prices.

Neptune, a short-priced favourite, made no mistake in the Royal Barbershop Trophy (1400m), proving that some favourites can still do their job. Sandesh rode him with confidence, kicking clear on turning for home. Ashwa Gypsy came flying late but Neptune had already booked the barber’s chair. Believe ran on for third, while early leader Desert Classics ran out of steam faster than a dry hair dryer.

Moonlight Kiss showed that lightning can indeed strike twice, completing an encore in the Oakwood Residence Pune Trophy (1200m). Sandesh again pressed the accelerator at the right time, and the favourite simply coasted home. Ariyana Star tried to make things interesting late, but it was a lost cause. Empower finished third, possibly wondering when his name will translate into performance.

Finally, Behram Cama’s Floyd, who thrives in the lowest class like a rockstar in a dive bar, returned to familiar pastures and made it count in the 1600 metres Gold Bag Plate. T S Jodha took no chances, sending him straight to the front and never looking back. Baleno and Alexandria were left chasing shadows. Meanwhile, favourite Speak The Breed — expected to challenge — waved the white flag before the home stretch, pulling up as though reminded mid-race that running is, in fact, optional.