With three weeks of the Bangalore Summer Season galloping past, all eyes were on the fresh-faced three-year-olds — the hormonal teenagers of the turf world — expected to bolster their classic credentials. Some came in with reputations so inflated they could float away, while others were still fumbling around like they`d wandered into the parade ring by mistake. And as always, when it comes to three-year-olds, form is a concept as slippery as a greased surface — unpredictable, volatile, and endlessly entertaining.

This season, as tradition demands, reputations were shredded, egos deflated, and a few new stars decided they were done with the kiddie pool and ready for the deep end of the classics. The Summer Season, in its typically dramatic fashion, continued its long-standing tradition of turning ‘highly rated` horses into cautionary tales and launching nobodies into stardom — all in time for the monsoon and winter classics.

Enter Big Bay and Fynbos — the poster children of hype. Both strutted into the Benaka Developers Million promising a power packed performance. But then they flopped harder than a damp dosa. It was Sovereign King, trained by Adhirajsingh Jodha, who decided he was done playing supporting actor and delivered a starring performance — despite carrying two kilograms of ‘no thanks` on his back. He had finished a humble four lengths behind Big Bay previously, but this time around, he galloped past the field as if he had a plane to catch, leaving reputations in the dust.

Whatever promise Big Bay held before, Sunday`s performance suggested that the rest of the field has not only caught up but might`ve lapped him already. Sure, he may improve but as it stands, he`s now part of the ever-growing “Maybe Next Time” club.

Fynbos, on the other hand, discovered that seven furlongs is a rather long way to sprint when the competition is breathing fire. She did finish on — slowly, dramatically, almost wistfully — but Sovereign King was already signing autographs by the time she crossed the wire. The Top Class progeny clocked an excellent time of 1:23.86, and this was his way of announcing his arrival on the classic scene.

Mukteshwar Stud Farm must be breaking out the champagne — or at least a strong cup of tea — as Sovereign King`s turn of foot was dramatic. The winning margin of six lengths was less a race and more a public service announcement: I have arrived. As for Fynbos, yes, she might do better over a mile — as long as no one else decides to show up.

Meanwhile, over in the Pesi Shroff Department of Consistent Excellence, we had Bishop — daughter of Deauville and Winds of Fortune — who decided that narrow wins are boring and crushed her opposition by five lengths in a casual seven-furlong trot. Apparently, this filly doesn`t believe in subtlety.

Another name on everyone`s lips — at least before the race — was Prokofiev. Trained by Prasanna Kumar and carrying the burden of a Poonawalla Million failure, Prokofiev was supposed to redeem himself. Instead, he once again played the role of "Well Beaten Favourite" to perfection. Maybe he`s just misunderstood.

Back in Pesi-ville, Rosario, the son of Western Aristocrat, returned just a week after his last run, presumably still sweating, and casually won by more than six lengths. Clearly, the "tired horse" theory doesn`t apply here. He took control from the get-go and didn`t even pretend to be polite about it over the mile long trip.

Elsewhere, Irfan Ghatala`s Sunshine turned heads with a neat maiden win over seven furlongs. The Speaking of Which progeny did everything right, but as with all bright young things, there`s always the nagging question: “Can she handle the pressure of classics, or will she be another one-hit wonder?

Among the other promising three-year-olds, Siciyon made a bold statement in the newly introduced 1300m trip, winning by a yawning eight lengths for his second straight victory. Then there was Challenge Accepted, another of Jodha`s brigade, who made short work of the six-furlong affair, proving that Gusto`s kids don`t need much encouragement to show off.

Now, a word on the handicaps — that bizarre realm where form is a hallucination, betting trends are red herrings, and punters are reduced to chanting ancient mantras while clutching their tickets. Bangalore racing, true to form, continues to be predictably unpredictable. One-sided betting plunges are followed by upsets so outrageous you`d think the script was written by a prankster. And yet, punters persist — guided more by the direction of the betting ring wind than any hard logic.

Authorities, bless their paperwork, continue to accept explanations that wouldn`t pass in a kindergarten debate. And as long as the "information" flows to the right power groups, the circus rolls on — complete with disappearing favourites, overnight stars, and the occasional hint of actual racing brilliance.