The Grade 1 Indian 2000 Guineas, the second Classic of the Mumbai season, will be staged at the Mahalaxmi race course on Sunday (Dec 21).
Despite the lack of a sponsor, the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) has assured the event will retain its traditional glamour and high-octane action.
RWITC has organised a free contest of skill for racegoers, offering total prize money of ₹25 lakh. Entry forms will be available at the Members’ and First Enclosure entrances and participants must predict the winner. The top three will receive ₹15 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹2.5 lakh respectively with ₹2.5 lakh earmarked for consolation prizes.
Open to three-year-old colts, fillies and geldings and to be run over one mile (1,600m), the race is he first of the coveted Indian Triple Crown (along with Indian Derby and the Indian St. Leger). Ten contestants will vie for honours, with a total prize pool of ₹7.5 million, including a winner’s purse of ₹4.5 million.
Trainer Pesi Shroff’s colt Zacharias, the winner of the Pune Derby and likely to be partnered by Irish jockey Oisin Murphy, has impressed in his morning trials and should be a leading contender.
Western Star, an unbeaten colt schooled by Narendra Lagad, who has looked sharp in his recent victory and subsequent track performances is expected to come good.
Adhirajsingh Jodha’s ward Baychimo, winner of three races from four starts, continues to display winning form in his workouts and could pose a serious threat. Stablemate Sovereign King, who captured the Bangalore Colts during the summer season, has shown promise in his mock race and morning trials and may have a say at the finish.
Malesh Narredu-trained Big Bay, winner of the Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million in February, has maintained his form with a recent victory and may cause an upset.
Published – December 18, 2025 06:52 pm IST
