EXCITING INDIAN 2000 GUINEAS ON THE CARDS

The spotlight shifts to Mahalaxmi on Sunday, December 21, as the prestigious Grade 1 Indian 2000 Guineas, the second Classic of the Mumbai racing season, takes centre stage. Even in the absence of a title sponsor, the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) has ensured that the race will lose none of its traditional grandeur, promising a spectacle rich in quality, competition, and excitement.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, RWITC has announced a free contest of skill for racegoers, with an attractive total prize pool of ₹25 lakh. Entry forms will be available at the Members’ and First Enclosure gates, where participants will be required to predict the winner of the Classic. The top three selections will be rewarded handsomely with ₹15 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹2.5 lakh, while a further ₹2.5 lakh has been earmarked for consolation prizes.

Contested by three-year-old colts, fillies, and geldings over the metric mile (1,600 metres), the Indian 2000 Guineas marks the first leg of the coveted Indian Triple Crown, followed by the Indian Derby and the Indian St. Leger. A select field of ten promising sophomores will line up for honours, competing for a total prize money of ₹75 lakh, with the winner set to pocket a handsome ₹45 lakh.

Heading the list of contenders is Zacharias, the high-class colt from Pesi Shroff’s powerful stable. The Pune Derby winner has been turning heads in his morning trials and, with champion Irish jockey Oisin Murphy likely to be in the saddle, Zacharias shapes as a formidable favourite.

Western Star, the unbeaten colt trained by Narendra Lagad, brings an aura of invincibility into the Classic. Sharp in his recent victory and equally impressive in subsequent track work, he is expected to play a major role, provided he sees out the metric mile.

From Adhirajsingh Jodha’s yard, Baychimo arrives with solid credentials, having won three of his four starts. His authoritative victory over Rosario in an open handicap underlined his class and resilience. Stable companion Sovereign King, the Bangalore Colts winner during the summer, failed to stay the Derby distance of ten furlongs behind Fynbos but has since shown marked improvement in mock races and morning trials, suggesting he could be a strong late challenger back at a mile.

Completing a highly competitive line-up is Big Bay, trained by Malesh Narredu. The winner of the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million, Big Bay has rediscovered his best form with a decisive win over Eagle Day and looks a lively outsider capable of springing a surprise.

With a blend of proven performers, exciting improvers, and Classic aspirations on the line, the Indian 2000 Guineas promises a thrilling contest that is sure to keep racing enthusiasts on the edge of their seats until the final stride.