Nilesh Rawal-trained Emerald Touch had absolutely no difficulty in doing what most favourites dream of but rarely manage — actually justifying favouritism in the 1200 metres Mir Mushtaq Ali Khan Memorial Cup, a race for horses rated 40 to 65, which featured Monday’s races.

Jockey Aashad Asbar, a man of mysterious moods — brilliant one day, baffling the next — chose to ride with surgical precision this time. Settled around fourth or fifth, Asbar resisted his usual temptation to swing wide and instead slipped through the narrow inner gap with a confidence that would make a diamond-cutter jealous. Only The Brave blinked, Clara blinked twice, and Emerald Touch flashed through to put the issue beyond doubt by the final furlong. Meanwhile, NRI High Power, drawn wide and travelling as if exploring the outer limits of Hyderabad, finally arrived too late to share second in a head heat with Clara.

There was no royal hesitation this time from Sandeep-trained Hugh Capet, who made up for his earlier tardiness by doing everything right in the 1400 metres Sandown Park Plate, a terms race for three-year-olds and over. Jockey Akshay Kumar decided to stay glued to the rails, saving every inch of ground and every ounce of breath. So invisible was the favourite’s stealthy progress that even the commentator thought he had a mountain to climb — until he popped out along the rails, seized command, and sealed the deal in style. Brooklyn Beauty chased home for second, while Reigning Beauty had to be content with third.

Then came that familiar turf tale — punters losing their shirts chasing horses from big stables with little to show for it. The case in point: Prasad Raju-trained Equine Power, who had finished nine lengths behind last time but was backed as if he had sprouted wings overnight. He hadn’t. The favourite never looked likely, lumbering along as Srinivas Reddy-trained Foxy Girl — all speed, sparkle, and attitude — made every post a winning one in the 1200 metres Nijinsky Plate (Div I), a race for horses rated 20 to 45. Apprentice Sonu Kumar, in the form of his life, steered the filly to a commanding win. Equine Power’s late effort was a fine example of “too little, too late,” finishing four lengths behind. Dream To Fly took third.

Ironically, the horse that didn’t attract any betting — Greif, the other Prasad Raju runner — put on a show in the lower division of the Nijinsky Plate, leading all the way and bolting home by over five lengths under Sai Kumar. Sharanga edged out the favourite NRI Range for second, reminding punters that sometimes, the best value in the ring is the horse nobody wants.

In the 1400 metres Sircilla Plate, a race for horses rated 20 to 45, Hilton Sequeira-trained Arizona Sun proved too hot to handle. French Lady tried some early escapology by opening up a dozen-length lead, but the inevitable happened — Arizona Sun reeled her in, took charge at the furlong pole, and coasted home. Special Star came in second, while Elegant Lady, who looked promising on paper, finished like a tired debutante at a ballroom dance.

There was another strong favourite which failed to oblige. Jasbir Singh-trained Hoping Star landed the 1400 metres S S Cardmaster Memorial Cup, a race for horses rated 20 to 45, at long odds, leaving punters clutching empty tickets and broken dreams. The heavily backed Juramento was expected to win in a canter but couldn’t even manage a convincing trot when it mattered. Jockey Sai Kumar, however, timed his move on Hoping Star to perfection, taking charge midway in the straight and refusing to let go. Juramento had to play bridesmaid, while Alcohol Free filled the frame in third.