Padmanabhan-trained Miracle Star, who had earlier finished a bold third in the Bangalore Derby, reaffirmed her growing stature with a commanding victory in the Bangalore Summer Million, the feature event on Thursday which is the penultimate day of season.

In a season where outstation horses waltzed in and helped themselves to the local classics, Miracle Star was the rare homegrown performer to remind the visitors that Bangalore hasn’t entirely forgotten how to train a racehorse. It’s a far cry from not-so-distant times when local yards kept a stranglehold on the Summer Classics.

As for Padmanabhan—one of Indian racing’s classic institutions—the veteran continues to turn out winners despite setbacks, including a politically convenient suspension that might’ve floored lesser mortals. But as ever, his stable remains one of the few that don’t turn odds-on favourites into tragic cautionary tales.

Miracle Star, backed like there was no tomorrow, galloped with a sense of entitlement. Neeraj Rawal played it safe, tucked her behind pace-setter Ashwa Kali Bhani, and then almost on cue, pushed the go-button around the final bend. The filly did the rest, lengthening majestically and slamming the door on her rivals. Sicyon chased in vain for second; El Rey ran on to take third. On this evidence, Miracle Star looks good enough to gatecrash a few classic parties.

Elsewhere, the script largely stuck to expectations; fancied runners obliged, the monsoon gods stayed away, and the track played no mischief.

Anthony Raj rode like a man on a mission, booting home four winners and inching within striking distance of Trevor Patel in the jockeys' championship. With one day left, the title race promises more drama.

He guided Inspire to a win that might have finally justified the hype she arrived with.. Trained with patience and optimism by Arjun Mangalorkar, Inspire unfurled a late burst to pip Lux Aeterna, while Alamgir did just enough to keep Dubai Safari off the board.

Raj showcased his timing to perfection aboard Winfield in the Holding Court Plate, swooping late to snatch victory and push Supreme Success into a rather forgettable third, just ahead of the fast-finishing Ksepiman. As for Final Call, the less said the better—missed the jump, made a fleeting impression, and vanished without a trace. Favourite Glorious Strides, partnered by Suraj Narredu, wasn’t ridden out in the closing stages, and it was swiftly announced post-race that the runner had returned lame.

Sulaiman Attaollahi’s Xanthe, a non-factor in the Fillies Championship, found both rhythm and rivals she could actually beat in the Own Opinion Plate (Div I). Despite warming up late, Trevor steered her skilfully along the rails for a late and decisive punch. Stablemate Skagen was runner-up; Darrington nosed out Konkrah for third.

The lower division was all set to be Goddess of War’s coronation—until it wasn’t. Leading inside the final furlong, she seemed to think her job was done. Enter Unforgettable Star who flew home under Suraj Narredu to ruin the celebration. Lots of Luck ran third, aptly named for a horse that could use some.

Flight of Fancy, trained by Darius Byramji, delivered another professional win in the Baraloy Plate (Div I), brushing aside Perfect Attitude, who tried gamely. Exceed took third without setting any fires.

Padmanabhan’s Amazing Stride scraped home in the lower division, collaring Knotty Affair at the post. That the horse bled during the race makes the victory all the more gritty—and the trainer’s sigh of relief audible across the paddock.

Zuri remains a riddle wrapped in mystery, sprinkled with punters' regrets. Backed like a sure thing, considering her close finish with Mayne Magic and Emphatic at Chennai, the mare ran with all the enthusiasm of a retiree. Vyasa, piloted by Anthony Raj, swept in late to deny Dynamic Force, with Super Marvella third.

Mega Success justifed favouritism in the Sha Tin Plate, a race for horses in the lowest category, narrowly holding off Chinky Pinky in a photo-finish. This was the first of the four winners that the jockey booted home during the course of the day’s action Absolute Katrina picked up the pieces for third.