Rakesh-trained Raise A Buck, the Mysore specialist stretched his record to eight wins from 14 starts, casually brushing aside a bunch of Bangalore imports who strutted in with classic wins and bloated reputations. Anthony Raj, who was “jockey of the day” with three wins, delivered a peach of a ride, while poor Akshay Kumar seemed determined to prove that even African Gold can`t shine if you ride it like a Sunday bicycle.

In the Gr 3 1400 metres H H Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar Memorial Trophy 2025, the supposed star African Gold, who once looked like he might inherit Bangalore racing after winning the Gr 1 Colts Championship Stakes, turned in yet another episode of “How to Lose a Race in Style.” Akshay, in his usual “wake-me-up-later” fashion, kept him buried at the back, then thought it wise to circle the globe wide before mounting a late run. Unsurprisingly, he came up a length short — after also covering extra mileage that could have earned him frequent flyer points. Meanwhile, Anthony Raj threaded the eye of a needle through the middle on Raise A Buck, stormed past the lot, and made it look embarrassingly easy. Last year`s Mysore Derby winner Mandarino flew in late for third, but the real story was Akshay proving again that if there`s a bus, he`ll definitely miss it.

To his credit, Akshay salvaged some pride in the 1400 metres Somanathpur Plate (Div II), a race for horses rated 20 to 45, steering Power of Gold to victory after finding himself boxed in traffic. He eventually went wide (of course!) but this time the horse bailed him out, catching Carter before holding off a swooping Gandolfini. Verrazzano snatched third, while Carter finished fourth.

But consistency is a virtue Akshay avoids like a bad buffet. In the 1400 metres Lavasa Plate, a race for horses rated 60 and above, he was once again fashionably late on Mazal Tov, managing only third with another flourish from nowhere. The favourite Don Carlos, who seems to be an expert in finding ways to lose as favourite, was mugged on the post by long shot Crosswater, expertly guided by the day`s real star, Anthony Raj. Mazal Tov, in true Bollywood fashion, almost pulled off a dramatic finish but ended up a neck short.

Pradeep Annaiah trained Elfin Knight, who has made a career out of disappointing favourites, looked set to finally redeem himself under Trevor Patel, only to be ambushed late by Small Dreams, the Vishesh-trained spoiler who has made a habit of winning finales.

The 1400 metres Somanathpur Plate (Div I), a race for horses rated 20 to 45, was another tale of “punters vs reality.” Carat Love was backed into hot favouritism over the far better-credentialed Monterio. But punters` optimism met Anthony Raj`s riding — Monterio coasted from the front and won by daylight, leaving One Nation and Ancient History gasping. The win gave Anthony Raj a treble, making it officially his playground.

The 1100 metres Pune Plate, a race for maiden three-year-olds, was child`s play for debutant Splendid Dream from Sulaiman Attaollahi`s yard. Backed as if defeat was illegal, the colt never gave anyone a chance. Apprentice Shreyas Singh just sat pretty as the favourite won with all the effort of a morning jog. Midnight Blue chased gamely, Republican Star picked up scraps.

The 1100 metres Virija Plate produced a betting coup of sorts. Ranjeet Shinde-trained veteran Armament carried the money and delivered — barely. Apprentice Abhishek Mhatre rode him like a man who knew punters were watching closely. D Golden Cup, Miracle Honey, and Fashionista all lunged late in a tight finish, but Armament`s nose was in front when it mattered despite a lethargic start. Favourite Nimble Spirit, after galloping freely in front, simply ran out of fuel in the homestretch.