Mumbai’s three-year-old division steps into the spotlight on Sunday, December 21, with the running of the Grade 1 Indian 2000 Guineas, the second Classic of the local season and the traditional starting point of the Indian Triple Crown.

Even without a title sponsor, the Royal Western India Turf Club has moved to protect the race’s status and atmosphere. RWITC has confirmed that the Guineas will retain its customary sense of occasion and has added an incentive for racegoers by staging a free contest of skill. Open to all patrons, the competition carries total prize money of ₹25 lakh, with ₹15 lakh awarded to the top entry, ₹5 lakh for second, ₹2.5 lakh for third, and the remaining ₹2.5 lakh set aside for consolation prizes. Entry forms will be available at both the Members’ and First Enclosure entrances, with participants required to correctly select the race winner.

On the sporting side, ten runners are engaged for the one-mile (1,600m) contest, which is open to three-year-old colts, fillies, and geldings. The overall prize pool stands at ₹7.5 million, with ₹4.5 million going to the winner. Success on Sunday also places the victor firmly on the Triple Crown trail, alongside the Indian Derby and the Indian St. Leger.

Trainer Pesi Shroff’s Pune Derby hero Zachariah (Western Aristocrat (USA) out of Watchmyscript (IND)). is among the leading hopes. The colt has reportedly pleased in his morning trials and is expected to be ridden by Irish star Oisin Murphy, a partnership that has drawn significant attention in the buildup.

Western Star brings an unbeaten record into the race for trainer Narendra Lagad. He impressed in his most recent victory and has continued to look sharp in his subsequent work, marking him as a serious contender at the highest level.

Baychimo, trained by Adhiraisingh Jodha, has developed a reputation for consistency, having won three of his four career starts. His ongoing strong workouts suggest he remains firmly on an upward curve. Stable companion Sovereign King, winner of the Bangalore Colts race during the summer season, has also shown promise in both mock races and morning trials and cannot be discounted.
Adding further depth is Big Bay from the Malesh Narredu stable. The Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi Million winner from February has sustained his form following a recent victory and could spring a surprise if conditions fall his way.

With Classic prestige, Triple Crown implications, and a competitive field assembled, the Indian 2000 Guineas once again shapes as a defining moment of the Mumbai racing calendar.

IMAGE SAHorseracing/RWITC