Arjun Mangalorkar-trained Inspire arrived late to the party but still managed to collar Efficacy in the dying metres of the 1500 metres Kempegowda Cup, the only real spark in an otherwise comatose six-race card on Saturday. Whenever the calendar throws up back-to-back race days, the entries evaporate faster than punters’ hopes. Add to that the exodus of top jockeys and trainers to Kolkata for a Classic, and what we had left was a field so thin it could pass through a keyhole. But expecting racing authorities to align fixtures sensibly is like expecting warring kingdoms to share a tea table. Ego, after all, is the only thing galloping at full steam these days.

Inspire, who had narrowly missed out last time, was widely tipped to make amends, though “tipped” is generous; betting in Bangalore usually resembles a stampede towards the wrong horse anyway. Efficacy, partnered by Shreyas Singh, shot off with Bezwada Sultan as if trying to win the race before the favourite had even warmed up. To his credit, the son of Top Class refused to surrender until Anthony Raj coaxed Inspire past with a neck to spare. A stronger rider might well have flipped the script. Lux Aeterna, meanwhile, finished a respectful but remote third, possibly still figuring out where the others went.

Mangalorkar struck again with Royal Deccan, a long-shot who erupted through the pack in the 1100 metres V Venugopal Naidu Memorial Trophy. The script was supposed to be about Goddess of War and Mutual Trust, but racing gods had other plans. Flaming Sword led them in, Mutual Trust briefly flirted with victory, but Anthony Raj finally waking up, unleashed Royal Deccan late to seal the deal. Thessalian mugged Mutual Trust for third, Gloriousness ambled into fourth, and Goddess of War’s stumble at the bend ended her evening before it could begin.

Drama came next via Agrador, the favourite in the 1600 metres Muthyalamaduvu Plate. Akshay Kumar, returning from injury, produced a ride that can only be described as interpretive art. Agrador bolted like he was late for an appointment, burned all his fuel in the first half, and was swallowed whole in the straight. Hyperdrive lived up to his name to win, Stella Maris was second, Acantha third, and the favourite faded like a bad Wi-Fi signal. Akshay subsequently reported sick, only the stewards will know whether it was his hand or the loss that hurt more.

Rocking Star, trained by Pradeep Annaiah, justified the hype in the 1200 metres November Plate for maiden three-year-olds. Backed as if defeat were illegal, the youngster seized command early and brushed off the rest with authority. Behind him, Politesse, Celestria, and Jade Mountain finished in a photo.

The Sajid Quereshi-trained Thrill of Brazil was backed off the boards after a promising third last time and duly obliged. Jockey Jagadeesh pushed the button at the final furlong, and the favourite disappeared from the scene, leaving Feeling Good and a late-running Elveden fighting over a distant second.

The genuine excitement of the day came with the Shoban Babu-trained Double Vision snatching the 1300 metres Chintamani Plate from long-time leader Duffy in the final stride. Dynamic Force, too, stormed home to ensure the finish looked like rush hour traffic.