In a stunning display of skill and strategic acumen, Suraj Narredu guided Deccan Derby champion Synthesis to an impressive victory in the HPSL Indian 2000 Guineas, the second classic of the season at Mahalakshmi on Sunday. Suraj Narredu, exuding confidence, expertly piloted the overwhelming favourite, effortlessly fending off local champions to secure a triumph that marked the second Indian 2000 Guineas win for his younger brother Rajesh Narredu.

Following Synthesis`s remarkable triumph in the Deccan Derby, he had established himself as the standout in his age category. Despite initial scepticism among some regarding the Usha Stud Farm product by the consistently successful stallion Speaking of Which, who had been dominating the classics, Synthesis proved his mettle once again. Even with the Pune Derby winner, Enabler, showing promise with a strong mock race, Synthesis went to the post as a firm favourite. The superior talent and racing experience of Synthesis prevailed on the day.

Synthesis had no trouble subduing the challenge posed by Enabler, securing a comfortable victory. Christofle, who led until overtaken, settled for third place. The horse, owned in partnership with breeder Ameeta Mehra by Anil Saraf and Balam Mohla, has been enjoying a remarkable streak, consistently winning almost every classic race held throughout India.

As the starter released the field for the mile-long journey, Trevor Patel urged Christofle to take the lead, with Irish Gold and Capitolium following closely, and Synthesis positioned in the fourth position. At the same time, Enabler held about the sixth position. Christofle maintained the lead well into the straight, but vulnerability became apparent as Synthesis, driven vigorously by Suraj Narredu, unleashed his trademark burst of speed. Synthesis decisively overtook Christofle in the final 100 meters, pulling away for a comfortable victory. Enabler made a late surge, edging out Christofle to secure the runner-up position. Capitolium performed as expected, finishing fourth.

A commendation is due to trainer Rajesh Narredu, whose exceptional care and expertise played a pivotal role in ensuring that Synthesis won the Deccan Derby and bringing the horse to peak condition for the Guineas. Ameeta Mehra, the breeder, acknowledged Rajesh`s remarkable efforts, highlighting that Synthesis faced a significant hurdle with a serious injury, raising doubts about his racing career. Despite these challenges, Rajesh Narredu`s outstanding work with the horse proved instrumental in its success, turning around its fortunes after remaining unsold due to the injury. Congratulations to Rajesh Narredu for his skill and dedication in nurturing Synthesis.

It`s evident that Synthesis possesses impressive credentials, establishing himself as a formidable contender for the upcoming Indian Derby scheduled for the first Sunday of February. Enabler, bred for longer distances, is also poised as a strong contender, adding depth to the field that Pesi Shroff may present in the competition. The Indian Derby promises to be a compelling showcase of these talented horses.

Frequently, horses associated with the esteemed trainer Pesi Shroff generate considerable buzz, often due to their affiliation with a stable known for acquiring high-priced and stylishly bred equines. The prowess of these horses is frequently exaggerated, leading punters to blindly invest their confidence in them. Des Marquez, a foreign-bred horse, was a notable example, stunning stablemates in Pune with a commanding performance.

Despite being entered in the Nawabzada Rashiduzzafar Khan Trophy, a race intended for horses rated 40 to 65—a significant step up for him—Des Marquez was deemed invincible based on his prior performance. Carrying minimal weight, the horse, guided by apprentice jockey Navanath Bhosale, initiated a front-running strategy. Although leading into the straight, Des Marquez faltered when challenged by Alphine Star, failing to muster any additional effort and ultimately finishing second to last. The Godfather, a less-favoured contender from Malesh Narredu`s stable, outpaced Regal Command in the final furlong to secure victory. Regal Command thwarted Scaramanga`s late charge to secure the runner-up position. The Godfather, previously lacklustre in his debut, had finished fourth in the subsequent Pune outing as a favourite and was also identified as an EPIH bleeder.

Pesi Shroff`s Angelo underwent targeted preparation with a forward run over seven furlongs, appearing well-prepared to succeed in the 1600 meters Gulamhusein Essaji Trophy—a competition for horses rated 20 to 46. Despite a prolonged hiatus, Imtiaz Sait`s Booster Shot, a winner at Bangalore in July, garnered significant support. However, the considerable advantage in handicap and racing fitness favoured Angelo, skilfully ridden by the experienced Pradeep Chouhan. The Multidimensional progeny made a ground-saving run, effortlessly surpassing the front-running Lord Murphy and establishing a clear lead in the final furlong. Despite a robust challenge from Booster Shot, Angelo who is bred as full brother to multiple classic winner King`s Ransom, maintained smooth progress and secured victory with ample margin at the finish. Kimiko exhibited a strong finishing effort, securing the third position, just half a length behind the runner-up.

In the 2000 meters Astonish Trophy, a contest for horses rated 1 to 26, a five-year-old mare trained by Karthik Ganapathy sought redemption after a noteworthy second-place finish behind Gimme in the previous race. Second favourite Idealista made a move along the rails to seize the lead in the final furlong after Leo The Lion led the field into the straight. Jockey Bhawani Singh guided Midas Touch into contention on the wide outside. Despite drifting off a straight course, the favourite managed to edge ahead by a neck in the closing moments, securing a successful redemption. Leo The Lion weakened and settled for third place in the race.

In a remarkable debut as a licensed trainer, Aman Altaf Hussain achieved his maiden victory with Art Collector, defying market expectations in the 1200 meters Faiz Jasdanwalla Trophy (Div I), a race catering to horses rated 20 to 46. This triumph came at the expense of Etoile. Unfortunately, veteran trainer Altaf Hussain, Aman`s father and mentor, passed away in November of this year. Despite Aman`s relatively limited experience, he was licensed by RWITC to continue his father`s legacy.

Aman`s early success in his training career exceeded expectations, as Art Collector emerged victorious. Among the fancied runners were Roll The Dice, Littorio, and Etoile. Littorio took an early lead with Art Collector in the chase and seemed poised for victory, but faltered near the finish. Against the odds, Art Collector, despite going wide under pressure, surged ahead and successfully fended off challenges from Etoile and the late-closing Malet Spring to claim victory. Roll The Dice faced an insurmountable challenge in covering ground during the stretch and was out of contention well before the race reached its climax. Aman`s maiden win should come as a big boost to the young lad.

The day proved to be exceptionally noteworthy for the young trainer Aman, who swiftly secured his second victory in the very next race with the surprise winner Magileto. Continuing the winning streak from Pune, Magileto dominated the 1200 meters K M Munshi Trophy, a race designated for horses rated 60 to 86. Apprentice jockey Mustakim Alam strategically positioned Magileto in a close second position behind the pace-setting Superlative before urging the long shot to seize control early in the stretch. The offspring of Sedgefield exhibited remarkable acceleration, establishing a substantial lead and effectively securing the victory well before the final furlong. Despite a late surge from Buckley, the front-runner proved unreachable and was forced to settle for the second position. Fortunate Son and Pride`s Angel completed the top positions in the race.

However, the heavily favoured Emperor Roderic, despite receiving one-sided support, faced disappointment. Jockey Pradeep Chouhan`s positioning of the horse was suboptimal, leaving those who had placed their trust in the horse in despair. Emperor Roderic failed to come into contention at any stage of the race, playing truant and leaving supporters disheartened.

The Constable, unfortunately, stirred into action late in the race, which proved detrimental for the Pesi Shroff-trained horse in the Faiz Jasdanwalla Trophy (Div II), a race for horses rated 20 to 46. Racing as the firm favourite, Constable faced the weight of public expectations in its debut run, with Ricochet being the second choice. The remaining contenders, including the eventual winner Madras Cheque from trainer Adhiraj Jodha`s stable, carried long odds.

Light of Life took an early lead, pursued by Madras Cheque and Ricochet, while Constable lingered in the rear group. Madras Cheque overtook the front-runner in the final furlong but faced a formidable challenge from Ricochet, with Constable making a late rally. Despite the strong efforts from both Ricochet and Constable, Madras Cheque maintained his lead with a determined performance under jockey H M Akshay. The Constable`s delayed surge ultimately worked against his chances in the race.

Trainer Antia tends to dominate in races designed for horses in the lowest category, despite the advanced age of his charges. Remarkably, he transforms them into productive contenders, securing victories when the right wagers are placed. Ten-year-old Untitled, who had disappointed in the previous outing, garnered significant betting interest, although Intense Belief from the stable of Dallas Todywalla was the favoured choice as post time approached.

Jockey Amit guided Untitled to lead right from the start, successfully repelling the strong challenge posed by C`est L`Amour in the 1000 meters Castlebridge Trophy. The fancied runner, Untitled, showcased resilience and determination throughout the race, securing victory. Moment of Madness claimed the third position, with Between Friends following closely. However, Intense Belief failed to exhibit the expected intensity, disappointing as the race unfolded. Trainer Antia`s ability to elicit top performances from seasoned horses in the lowest category once again proved noteworthy.