Pradeep Chouhan-trained El Greco recorded his second consecutive win of the season—and his sixth overall—in the 1600 metres Karl Umrigar Salver, a race for horses rated 80 and above, which starred on a card so dull it could double as a cure for insomnia. With race days dwindling, the club now struggles to cobble together even seven races per day. It`s a situation that`s doing no favours for the sport.

This uninspired card hurts the sport in two key ways: first, the glaring absence of competition, which leaves races as predictable as tomorrow`s sunrise; and second, the cost-benefit analysis of attending races these days makes even the staunchest fan think twice. With travel expenses, sundries, and entry fees mounting, all for the privilege of watching a field thinner than a jockey`s lunch break, punters might just find Netflix a more economical—and entertaining—option.

But let`s get back to the "main event" (if we can call it that). The Karl Umrigar Salver managed to attract a grand total of four runners—yes, four. Naturally, El Greco stood out, thanks to his recent win, but the supposed "better performer," S S Shah-trained Mojito, brought his usual cocktail of conditions to the table. Mojito`s form depends on everything aligning perfectly: the weather, the track, the alignment of the planets, and perhaps even the jockey whispering affirmations in his ear. More often than not, though, he serves disappointment straight up.

As for the rest of the field, it was a tale of long droughts and fading hope. Coeur De Lion has been winless for 298 days, while Rasputin, last victorious 593 days ago, might as well have applied for retirement benefits. Meanwhile, It`s My Time had won a mere 100 days ago, but given the field`s current state, that might as well have been yesterday.

In a race that felt more like a coronation ceremony than a contest, Coeur De Lion did his obligatory front-running act, leading the field into the straight before inevitably stepping aside for the inevitable. El Greco who was travelling well within himself was pushed to take charge by jockey Neeraj Rawal and the favourite stormed clear to record an easy win. Mojito covered some ground to edge out It`s My Time from the second place while the other dutifully completed the formalities.

S S Shah-trained Turn And Burn lived up to his fiery name, recording an encore in the 1000 metres Maharaja Sir Pratapsingh Gaekwad Trophy, a race for horses rated 40 to 66. Goddess of Dawn made an earnest attempt to lead from the front, but Turn And Burn, stalking her closely, decided enough was enough in the final furlong, surging past to clinch victory. Goddess of Dawn gamely held off Aries by a narrow margin for second place, while Fast Approach was content to offer more of a leisurely stroll than a serious challenge. Meanwhile, hot favourite Credence, backed for a hat-trick, had other plans—namely, throwing a tantrum at the gates and running a race so disinterested that her mind was not on the race.

Dallas Todywalla, enduring a lean patch of late, found some respite with Champagne Smile`s dominant victory in the 1000 metres Regal Equity Plate, a race for horses in the lowest category. Having dropped in class, Champagne Smile capitalized on the opportunity and delivered a winning performance. Golden Goose played the obliging pacemaker, escorting Champagne Smile into the straight before fading. Champagne Smile then kicked away decisively to hold off Dagger`s Strike, whose late dash relegated favourite Ekla Cholo to third.

The Y M Chaudhry Memorial Trophy for maiden three-year-olds saw Pesi Shroff-trained Oliver come into his own. After a sharpening run last time, Oliver displayed dominance over his rivals, comfortably winning the 1400-metre race. Stablemate Fynbos and Pristine Glory had their moments of support in the betting ring, but neither could challenge Oliver`s authority. Pristine Glory briefly took over in the straight, but Oliver, under a composed ride by Vivek G, swooped in with ease to register his first victory, giving his sire at Deauville a notable maiden win. Warlock edged out Pristine Glory to snatch second place in a thrilling finish.

The Faisal Abbas-trained Medusa was well-backed to deliver in the 1200 metres Flaming Arrows Plate, and she didn`t disappoint. Under Sandesh`s confident handling, Medusa seized control early and never relinquished it, keeping Fable at bay with a comfortable margin. Desert Classic nosed out King Ke for third, though neither truly threatened the front pair.

Finally, Bezan Chenoy-trained Flashman was in a league of his own in the 1200 metres Ferrari Plate for horses in the bottom category. Jockey Vivek G had little to do but sit tight as Flashman galloped away to a facile win. Between Friends, with a late burst, took second ahead of We Still Believe, but the result was never in doubt.