Exactly two weeks after his disastrous show on his home turf, the Hyderabad challenger Machiavellianism rose like a phoenix on the Mahalaxmi racecourse track to win the Nakshatra Indian 2000 Guineas (Gr.1) in taking style. It would not be an exaggeration to state that Machiavellianism made his seventeen rivals look like novices.

Late Pratap Chander Reddy, whose dream was fulfilled with the Group I double of Vijays Pride and Machiavellianism. Unfortunately Pratap Chander Reddy who was one of the biggest race horse owners at Hyderabad, died a few days before Vijays Pride could win her first Grade I race at Bangalore in June.

Machiavellianism (Jazil – Empress Jessie), the odds on favourite for the Deccan Bookmakers Golconda 2000 Guineas run at Malakpet, Hyderabad two weeks ago had suffered an ignominious defeat at the hands of Mumbai-based Maximus, who belonged to Class III. This had a devastating effect on the minds of section of race-goers; so much so that his chances to win the second Indian classic of the season were rated as very dim even against some local challengers who were short on experience. Not surprisingly then if the bookmakers too carried a negative bias against Machiavellianism and offered him at 12 to 1 against.

Macedonian set the early pace when the starter`s flag came down but had Sumo, Blue Ace (fighting for his head) and Shivalik Hero in close attendance. Meanwhile Silver Birch too came from the widest draw to be in touch with the leaders. The order of running was more or less remained unchanged except for Franklin, Commander and Montezuma creeping towards the leaders while Machiavellianism making gradual progress on the outside lane.

Machiavellianism (P S Chouhan up) winner of the Nakshatra Indian 2000 Guineas (Gr.1), being led in by trainer L V R Deshmukh & Mr.Vijay Kumar Gupta

Silver Birch entered the home stretch first with Joseph O`Brien bringing Montezuma into contention and Richard Hughes too alerting Franklin to his task. Both Shivalik Hero and Commander too were trying to throw their gauntlet but their bid was marred for want of a clear run. Meanwhile, before any of the local challengers could assert his superiority, Pradeep Chouhan brought Machiavellianism with a scintillating run. Soon Vittal Deshmukh`s ward bounded forth and returned triumphant in solitary splendour. His rivals were stranded some lengths behind fighting for the minor places. Despite veering out under pressure, Shivalik Hero finished runner-up ahead of the late finishing An Acquired who was a head in front of Manyatta. Hachiko ended fifth while Franklin followed him home. Hemisphere, Montezuma and Commander were not too far away. The lack of experience proved to be a major drawback for Pesi`s troika Franklin, Montezuma and Hemisphere. Mind you, they were not disgraced in this defeat.

Machiavellianism had not only tamed his opposition but achieved a rare feat of winning the first two Indian classics for his joint owners late D Pratap Chander Reddy, Ashish Bajaj, Vijay Gupta and Susheel Kumar Gupta and not to mention his master, Vittal Deshmukh. Machiavellianism earned a whopping Rs 1.60 crore as prize money in twelve career starts, including three group races, which incidentally were all in one calendar year. Machiavellianism had made a winning debut on New Year`s Day at Hyderabad.

It was a red letter day for horse-breeder Nirmal Singh, the owner of Haryana-based Hazara Stud Farm. All the first four horses that finished on the judge`s board in the 2000 Guineas were bred at this fledgling stud farm.

With this stellar performance, Machiavellianism will be a force to reckon with in the McDowell`s Indian Derby scheduled for 3rd February 2013.