Pesi Shroff trained Christofle who had been sidelined by a physical ailment since finishing third to Knotty Charmer in the Gr 1 Colts Championship Stakes at Bangalore in June, marked a triumphant return at Mahalakshmi on Thursday. Christofle, a well-bred son of French Derby winner Le Harve, showcased resilience by securing a decisive victory in impressive timing, effectively signalling his return for the classic fray. The racing results on the day left punters dismayed, as form appeared unpredictable across most races, raising questions about whether there is any discernible method behind the apparent madness in the outcomes.

Trainers seem to operate in pairs, leaving punters perplexed about their selections. One of the horses is the primary hunter, while the other serves as bait. However, the pre-race interviews often provide conflicting information, leading punters to make the unfortunate mistake of supporting the bait rather than the more deserving contender. Trainers rationalize this partnership by emphasizing the need to provide opportunities to various owners and by ensuring the presence of top-tier jockeys. An alternative approach to mitigate this issue could involve categorizing or bracketing the horses. This would minimize potential profits, but it could also result in a fair distribution of horses across different races, enhancing the overall integrity of the competition.

Christofle showcased his superiority in the 1400-meter A Campbell Trophy, a race for horses rated 60 to 86, despite a significant absence from the track. Interestingly, the odds experienced a considerable shift, with stablemate Emperor Roderic gaining substantial support, creating a puzzling dynamic. The apparent rationale behind this shift might be in the belief that Christofle lacked the advantage of a mock race, coupled with doubts about his effectiveness over the relatively sharper distance of seven furlongs, especially when competing against horses specialized in this distance. Jockey Umesh took Christofle on a start-to-finish mission, successfully fending off challenges from the stablemate and the late-surging It`s My Time. While Christofle seemed vulnerable entering the final furlong, he ultimately pulled away, securing a decisive victory. It`s My Time edged out Emperor Roderic for the runner-up position.

In the races featuring the lowest category, the domain often dominated by horses from trainer Narendra Lagad`s stable. Frequently, surprises unfold with the highly favoured contender failing and paving the way for an underdog to claim victory. This scenario played out once again in the 1000 meters V R Menon Plate, a race tailored for horses in the lowest category.

In defence of the trainer, it`s worth noting that the stable primarily races modestly bred horses that are also relatively advanced in age. Champagne Smile, trained by Dallas Todywalla, had generated expectations but fell short, garnering increased support in the 1000 meters V R Menon Plate. The hope was that the filly might find her stride on the expansive Mahalakshmi straight.

Lesser fancied Mirae took an early lead and tenaciously held on. As Champagne Smile closed in, C`est L`amour surged from the rear, swiftly surpassing the leading duo and securing a comfortable victory. Champagne Smile secured the runner-up position, narrowly besting Mirae in the final stretch.

The surprising twist of the day unfolded in the 1600 meters J M Shah & C M Shah Gold Trophy, a race catering to horses rated 40 to 66. In a compact field of six runners, the spotlight was initially on the prominent pair of Dream Alliance and Julius. Much to the dismay of punters, the dark horse Vincent Van Gogh, representing trainer Adhiraj Jodha`s stables, made a decisive move on the front-running Lord And Master in the final furlong, securing an unexpected victory. Brave Beauty, coming from the rear, claimed the third position.

Julius failed to make an impact, while Dream Alliance, who had previously finished third to Enabler in the Pune Derby, ended up in a disappointing last place. Notably, Dream Alliance had been involved in an incident on the same track that led to a one-year suspension for jockey Sandesh. The suspension had been widely considered disproportionate, and Dream Alliance`s continued struggle to secure a win only reinforces this perception.

Goldiva from the stables of trainer Dallas Todywalla let down expectations with a timid performance in the 1600 metres Fedora Plate, a race for horses in the lowest category. Goldiva`s defeat only added to the growing number of on money favourites playing truant everywhere in the country. Shazaan Shah trained Lord Murphy who came in for noticeable support, led the field from the start and provided apprentice jockey N Bhosale with an easy win. The front runner expanded the lead to a little more than five lengths at the finish, with Goldiva being a beaten horse by the top of the straight. Leo The Lion was third.

Pesi Shroff trained Bugatti obliged as an on-money favourite in the 1800 metres Bejan Bharucha Plate, a race for horses rated 20 to 46. Giant King who led from the start was inconvenienced in the final furlong by Bugatti who rolled on to the rails causing the front-runner to be pulled out to make his challenge. Bugatti won by a shade over one length. Big Red ran on strongly but narrowly missed snatching the runner-up berth. Jockey Neeraj Rawal who rode Giant King put an objection against Trevor Patel who rode the winner for interference. It did not find favour with the Stewards.

Imtiaz Sait trained Opus Dei who had run a forward race at Pune produced a powerful run down the final furlong to get past the fancied Azrinaz to win the 1400 metres Dr Jagjit Singh Trophy, a race for horses rated 20 to 46. Walter headed Angelo to get the third spot. Favourite Kanya Rashi who was a last outing winner at Pune ran way below expectations and was out of contention by the final furlong itself. C S Jodha who rode the winner had a fall soon after crossing the winning post.

Malesh Narredu trained Bubbly Boy had all the merit to have a decisive say in the 1200 metres Captain G Hall Trophy, a race for horses rated 20 to 46, a race for maiden three-year-olds. After no hopper Nelina led the field into the straight and weakened, Etoile led briefly before being overwhelmed by the favourite. King`s Retreat was third