Hilton Sequeira-trained Star of Night decided that déjà vu was overrated and made the 1800 metres Bhagyanagar Million (for horses rated 80 and above) a one-horse show at Monday`s Hyderabad races. Last time, he had to work up a sweat to fend off High Command. This time, over the longer trip, he was switched off in the rear and then warmed up in the straight, collared High Command, and then left him marooned as he surged away to win by an expanding five lengths under B R Kumar. The “justified favouritism” line feels like an understatement.

High Command clung to second, while Silver Act did just enough to collect third. As for Siddharth, once the spark of his “formative years,” he stayed interested until the final bend—then apparently remembered he had other plans and faded into the ruck. Another race, another predictable script.

The 1600 metres Nawab Khaja Moindudin Khan Memorial Cup (for horses rated 40 to 65) had the betting ring buzzing. Life`s Journey and Gloria (chasing back-to-back wins) were in demand, but the money flood shifted to Freedom Touch, trained by Nilesh Rawal, in a late rally of wagers that could have been telegraphed from space.

Ajay Kumar shot Freedom Touch to the front and enjoyed the kind of uncontested lead most jockeys dream of. She came under pressure late from Black Dust, who came home like a freight train, but Freedom Touch dug deep to hit the post first. Life`s Journey and Gloria had perfect stalking trips but discovered in the final furlong that pace isn`t just a suggestion—it`s a requirement.

The 1200 metres Rachakonda Cup (Div I) (for horses rated 20 to 45) had Mystical Dawn as the punters` pick, though Rolls Royce from Satheesh`s yard attracted enough backing to earn “second favourite” bragging rights. Apprentice Sonu Kumar floored the accelerator early on Rolls Royce, opening a daylight lead, but Ashhad Asbar simply pushed the button on Mystical Dawn in the straight, and the favourite inhaled the leader with ease for a comfortable win. Dontblockmyway was third.

Satheesh did get his reward in the lower division, thanks to Misty Night. With odds on Calabasas nearly doubling at race time, it was clear the punters weren`t buying the hype—and they were right. R S Jodha let Misty Night do her thing, taking control long before Calabasas remembered what sport she was in. Analysis nosed out Only The Brave for third.

The 1400 metres Royal Windsor Plate (for horses rated 20 to 45) was supposed to be competitive, but Noble Heart had other plans. In the hands of Santosh Raj, Donald Netto`s charge had the race sewn up a furlong out, cruising in more than three lengths clear of Federer, with Blue Pantheress third. The only mystery was why anyone bet against him in the first place.

The 1600 metres Grand Parade Plate (lowest category) saw more drama in the betting ring than on the track. Heavy money on Mauser sent the odds on Silver Arrow drifting upward, but Imran Khan`s filly simply bided her time. She looked reluctant early, needing vigorous reminders, but once she found her stride, she rocketed past the field to win by a street over Desert Sultan—who, despite a sluggish start, still looked the pick of the also-rans. Ilene took third, and Mauser`s wallet-heavy backers went home considerably lighter.

The 1200 metres Razia Sultana Plate (for maiden three-year-olds) had Sharanga and State Man as the money horses, but the race didn`t read the script. State Man got the better of Sharanga, who switched off like a faulty streetlight, but both were floored late by Srinivas Reddy`s long priced Authoritarian. Gaurav Singh timed his run to perfection, sweeping past in the closing strides to win from State Man, with Sharanga limping into third.