Srinivas Reddy-trained Pleasant Star is quickly becoming Uchchaihshravas’ worst recurring nightmare, completing a hat-trick of wins in commanding style in the 1400 metres Turf Authorities of India Cup (Div I). While Sunday’s Malakpet Derby Day races featured plenty of drama, Pleasant Star left little to chance and a lot to Uchchaihshravas’ frustration. If this were a Bollywood movie, Uchchaihshravas would be the long-suffering sidekick, always coming close but never getting the spotlight.

Last time they met, Uchchaihshravas’ camp was confident of payback. But guess what? Pleasant Star didn’t just win again—he delivered the racing equivalent of a mic drop. And for the third showdown, surely Uchchaihshravas would at least turn the tables, right? Wrong! Pleasant Star proved once more that supremacy isn’t measured by mere margins but by sheer dominance. With jockey Akshay Kumar in the saddle, the star galloped to victory, leaving Uchchaihshravas once again ruing his fate. Déjà vu? More like déjà doomed.

The ever-consistent Imperia tried her best, leading the charge in the final furlong, but Pleasant Star’s trademark turn of foot turned that effort into a valiant but futile endeavour. As for Uchchaihshravas, he had yet another “close but no cigar” moment, finishing two lengths behind Pleasant Star. Imperia gamely hung on for third, which, considering the circumstances.

The lower division of the Turf Authorities of India Cup provided the thrills that the upper division lacked. Donald Netto’s One N Only extended his unbeaten streak to five, outlasting D Minchu in a finish so close. David Allan brought D Minchu from the back of the field with a bold move in the final furlong, and for a moment, it looked like victory was his. But Kuldeep Singh wasn’t in the mood to play supporting actor and drove One N Only to a narrow, heart-stopping win.

The streak stays alive, and Netto’s stable continues to celebrate what’s shaping up to be a golden season. D Minchu’s valiant effort earned respect, if not the win, while One N Only reminded everyone that winning streaks aren’t built on luck—they’re built on grit (and maybe a little stubbornness).

In the 1100 metres Royal Calcutta Turf Club (Div I) for maiden three-year-olds, Nilesh Rawal trained Dubai Touch delivered the goods, redeeming herself after a narrow defeat last time. Under jockey Neeraj Rawal’s guidance, Dubai Touch took command early and shrugged off a late challenge from Royal Warrior. Calabasas settled for third.

Meanwhile, in the lower division, Double Bubble gave Donald Netto yet another reason to smile, exacting revenge on Emerald Touch in a gripping duel. With Kuldeep Singh steering her home, Double Bubble held off a desperate bid from Emerald Touch, piloted by none other than the trainer’s brother, Neeraj Rawal. Racing Ruler showed some late promise, finishing a suggestive third, possibly plotting a mutiny for next time.

Jockey Vivek G and Romantic Grey, trained by Leo D’Silva, teamed up to clinch a hard-fought victory in the 1200 metres Bangalore Turf Club Cup, a race for horses rated 20 to 45. The well-backed favourite didn’t just lead the race—he practically declared ownership from the start. As they rounded the final turn, Vivek decided it was time to hit the accelerator, and Romantic Grey bounced clear, opening up a healthy lead over his rivals.

But, as they say in horse racing, it’s not over until it’s really over. While Romantic Grey galloped confidently ahead, he veered out under pressure. Enter Perception, who came rattling down the stretch like an uninvited party crasher, nearly stealing the show. Alas, the effort came just a whisker too late, leaving Perception to wonder what might have been. Meanwhile, Cherish The Lady showed some late resolve to fend off Peanut for third. Peanut, on the other hand, might be wondering why life keeps serving him crumbs instead of podium finishes.

Magan Singh Parmar’s aptly named Catchme If You Can is making sure her rivals know that her name isn’t just for show. Once jockey K Mukesh Kumar pressed the "go" button, it was all over but the shouting. By the time they hit the final furlong of the 1400 metres Mysore Race Club Trophy, a race for horses rated 20 to 45, Catchme If You Can had stormed clear, leaving the others playing an extended game of tag.

The favourite didn’t just win—she demolished the field, expanding her lead to a yawning six lengths by the finish for a back-to-back victory. Bold Beauty managed to claim second, while Blue Pantheress scraped into third in a tight contest for the minor places. The rest were left catching their breaths.

Favourites continued their love affair with winning as Donald Netto’s Nonpariel strolled to an effortless victory in the 1600 metres Madras Race Club, a race for horses rated 40 to 65. With jockey Akshay Kumar barely needing to break a sweat, Nonpariel toyed with the field before pulling away for a commanding four-length triumph.

Behind her, China Town and Shah of Iran engaged in a close tussle for second, with China Town nosing ahead at the wire. For Shah of Iran, it was a case of close but no cigar—yet again.

If there’s one thing trainer Ravinder Singh excels at, it’s turning the script on its head—even if it means derailing his own fancied runners. High Heels, under Gaurav Singh, staged yet another Ravinder-style ambush in the 1200 metres Royal Western India Turf Club Cup, a race for horses rated 40 to 65.

Favourite Calistoga seemed to have things well in hand, grabbing the lead in the final furlong and looking every bit the winner. But then came High Heels, who was practically sightseeing at the back of the field for most of the race, until she decided it was time to stop fooling around. Flying down the wide outside with the ferocity of a late commuter chasing a departing train, High Heels caught the hapless Calistoga, who could only hope the winning post might mercifully inch closer to save him.

Meanwhile, NRI Dheera added insult to injury for Linda, snatching third place in the dying moments of the race. Adding to the drama, Ravinder’s other runner, Arion One, was a joint favourite with Calistoga. But in true Ravinder fashion, it was a case of “looking East and delivering West.” Arion One? Not in the reckoning.

Jasbir Singh-trained Exclusive Spark proved that sometimes, the shortest path to victory is the one closest to the rails. In the 1400 metres Delhi Race Club Cup, a race for horses rated up to 25, jockey Mohit Singh showcased precision navigation, weaving through the gaps. By the final furlong, Exclusive Spark surged ahead, determined to make the most of the opportunity.

But it wasn’t smooth sailing to the finish. Rani Ruckus, true to her name, staged a spirited rebellion, chasing down the leader with all the firepower she could muster. For a moment, it seemed like she might succeed, but Exclusive Spark wasn’t ready to dim just yet, holding off the challenge to secure a well-earned win.

Further back, Silver Arow flew in late to grab third, ensuring the minor placings didn’t lack their share of drama. With both Exclusive Spark and Rani Ruckus attracting serious betting, this was a finale that kept punters and spectators alike on the edge of their seats.