Trainer Pradeep Annaiah hit the high note of his career when Echoes of Time tuned perfectly to capture the Gr 3 Mysore 2000 Guineas — the season`s second classic — with the sort of authority that makes rivals look like background noise. The filly, a half-sister to the celebrated Adjudicate (remember her twin Invitation Cup triumphs?), looks every inch a Derby contender. She`s got breeding that whispers stamina and an engine that roars performance.

Originally trained by Vijay Singh in Chennai, Echoes of Time found her way back to breeder Sultan Singh`s Sohna Stud before settling into Pradeep Annaiah`s yard in Bangalore — a transfer that turned into a jackpot for the trainer who recorded his first classic success. Three Mysore wins later, he`s now eyeing the Derby with the calm confidence of a horse who already has the answer sheet tucked up his sleeve.

The betting ring had Echoes of Time as the strong favourite, with Money Bags expected to test him, though the latter`s name turned out to be ironic — all flash, no fuel. True to form, Money Bags bolted like he was late for a flight, dragging poor Suraj Narredu along for the ride. By the final furlong, the horse had emptied his tank and his hopes.

That`s when Anthony Raj pressed the button. Echoes of Time shifted out briefly under pressure but once straightened, he flew past Money Bags with such disdain winning by a widening four lengths. Mahler ran on for third, while Sicyon and Splendid Dream filled the frame, the latter finishing so far behind that his old tendon issues probably waved him goodbye mid-race.

K Purushotham`s Knotty Blush made sure there were no blushes this time, stamping his authority in the Justice P Medappa Memorial Trophy (1200m). The betting ring wobbled early, with Metzinger finding unexpected backers, but sanity returned when the money thundered back on Knotty Blush.

Suraj Narredu, ever the professional, parked the favourite behind Star Concept, waited for the turn, and then hit the accelerator. Knotty Blush left the field standing as if they were still discussing tactics — four lengths clear at the wire. Star Concept clung to second like a cat on curtains, while Metzinger forgot to bring his speed.

If there was a contest for unluckiest race of the day, the Meerut Plate (1400m) would`ve won hands down — or saddles down. Both leading contenders, Live The Dream and Connecting Dots, had their saddles slip at crucial moments, leaving their jockeys improvising like jazz musicians.

Meanwhile, Aurele — a seven-year-old mare most had forgotten existed — seized the moment. Apprentice Pavan kept her balanced, urged her late, and stole the race by half a length from a fast-finishing Live The Dream, who ran on despite having more problems than a leaky faucet. Connecting Dots finished third, connecting nothing in particular.

In the Penambur Plate (1100m), a bunch of horses ran, few inspired. Eventually, Bobby-trained Beautiful Bloom sneaked through along the rails to pip runaway leader Adena, who ran like she`d seen a ghost but faded when it turned out to be her own shadow. Knotty In Blue made a late move for third but only succeeded in reminding punters why they didn`t back her.

Money spoke clearly in the Srirangapattana Plate, and it said one word — Dufy. Backed off the boards, Sriram Komandur`s charge justified every rupee, brushing past Blue Origin, Walter, and El Alamein without breaking a sweat.

The lower division was a formality for Gandolfini, who turned in a cool, professional performance for Trevor Patel, winning without fuss. Chinky Pinky ran on gamely for second, but by then the winner had already started posing for the photo.

Ruban P`s Fashionista strutting her stuff in the Mandakalli Plate (1200m), where competition was as lazy as a Sunday nap. She fended off Real Happiness, whose name didn`t quite match the trainer`s face at the finish. Cool Winter nosed out Pearl of Mysore for third, while Gismo, once a market fancy, stayed rooted to the rear like a spectator. His effort was so disinterested it could be filed under “Performance Art.”