English champion jockey Oisin Murphy secured his second consecutive victory in the Indian Classic, guiding Pesi Shroff`s Jendayi to triumph in the Gr 1 Villoo C Poonawalla Indian Oaks, the third classic of the season, on Sunday. Negotiating the mile-and-a-half distance with finesse, Murphy piloted the daughter of Gleneagles to success. Despite being tested over the challenging trip, Jendayi faced a relatively modest field that lacked the credentials for such a prestigious race. This win contributed to Pesi Shroff`s growing success in the Oaks, marking his 12th triumph, occasionally interrupted by unexpected champions like Juliette.

However, the competitive significance of the Indian Oaks has diminished, given the availability of multiple classic options for horses in various centres. Apart from the highly competitive Indian Derby, other Indian classics tend to involve local horses, with Pesi Shroff, who manages an extensive stable, exerting considerable influence in these races. Shroff`s remarkable success can be attributed to the presence of some of the finest horses in his stable and his consistent prowess in handling and training them.

In a move to ensure a faster pace in the race, Aloysia, the stablemate of Ameerah, took the lead, setting a brisk pace with Waikiki, Cordelia, Ameerah, and Jendayi closely following. Oisin Murphy, riding the short-priced favourite Jendayi, remained unfazed by the developments upfront. His plan was to bide his time and wait until the last possible moment to unleash Jendayi`s potential in the stretch run.

The race unfolded as expected, with Cordelia making a swift move approaching the final turn, seizing control as Aloysius dropped back. Waikiki also made her move, with Jendayi joining the fray. Saqlain`s inexperience became apparent when he attempted to navigate along the rails, encountering obstruction and having to switch to the outside. This maneuver cost valuable ground which perhaps ensured her to fight for the second berth which otherwise she would have got easily.

Jendayi smoothly overtook those in front, accelerating to a commanding victory with a substantial margin of nine lengths, completing the race in a smart time of two minutes and 29.808 seconds. Ameerah, after angling out for a clear run, secured the runner-up position, narrowly beating Waikiki. Cordelia trailed behind in the third position, while Aloysia finished significantly behind the rest of the field.

Jendayi who recorded her fourth success, two of them being classics, will be targeted for next month`s Indian Derby, with Oisin Murphy expected to return to continue his association.

The Gr 3 Ramniwas Ramnarain Ruia Gold Cup, a race for four-year-olds covering 2000 meters and serving as a lead-up for Derby hopefuls, featured a thrilling battle between Christofle and Enabler. In the closing strides, Enabler managed to secure victory by a neck. Unfortunately, the favoured Synthesis performed below par, finishing a distant fourth. The subsequent revelation of Synthesis returning lame might explain his underwhelming performance, considering his previous victory over both Christofle and Enabler in a mile-long race.

Capitolium set a brisk pace at the front, with Christofle, Synthesis, West Brook, Enabler, and El Greco in pursuit. Capitolium maintained the lead into the final furlong, but Christofle surged ahead as Synthesis struggled to showcase his usual acceleration. Yash Narredu, riding Enabler, chose the rail route, bringing his mount into strong contention. Despite Oisin Murphy`s determined efforts on Christofle, the superior staying power of Enabler, sired by Ruler of the World, allowed the second favourite to overtake the front-runner at the post. Oisin Murphy`s exceptional riding skill nearly propelled the progeny of French Derby winner Le Harve to nearly topple the horses that had previously defeated him. For young jockey Yash Narredu, this was the third straight success in this event.

Enabler emerges as a strong contender for the upcoming Indian Derby, where both Christofle and Jendayi are expected to join the competition. The recovery of Synthesis, who reportedly returned lame, will determine whether he can pose a significant challenge. The Indian Derby, scheduled for the first Sunday of February, promises to be an engaging and closely watched race.

Trained by Malesh Narredu, Dash, who had previously secured a victory in his debut at Pune as a two-year-old, continued his winning streak with a commanding performance in the 1200 meters Gool S Poonawalla Million, a race for three-year-olds. Taking charge from the outset, Dash faced no obstacles and surged ahead in the final furlong, clinching a remarkable and authoritative victory. Despite Field of Dreams being anticipated as a contender, the eventual winner proved too formidable for any comfort. Fiorentini, guided by Pradeep Chouhan and not overly exerted, claimed a notable third position in the race.

Trainer Malesh Narredu enjoyed a successful day, starting with Giant King`s impressive victory in the 2000 meters Uttam Singh Trophy, a race for horses rated 20 to 46. Under the confident guidance of Yash Narredu, Giant King seized the lead and maintained dominance throughout the race, surging clear in the final furlong to secure a resounding win by over six lengths. Metzinger fended off the favourite Angelo for the second position, as Angelo`s performance fell short of expectations.

In the 1600 meters Yawar Rashid Trophy, Adhiraj Jodha-trained Vincent Van Gogh asserted dominance with a start-to-finish victory. Jockey Pradeep Chouhan positioned Vincent Van Gogh in the lead. While the front-runner appeared vulnerable in the final furlong as Kariena posed a threat, Vincent Van Gogh dug deep to secure a comfortable win. The favoured Golden Glow gave a disappointing performance, and Zarak displayed erratic behaviour, veering violently to the left.

Trainer Rehanullah Khan`s frustrating wait came to an end as Arbitrage, a consistent performer, surged powerfully in the final furlong, guided by apprentice jockey Haridas Gore. Arbitrage edged out market favourites Mi Arion and Mirae in a close battle, marking a long-awaited victory for Rehanullah Khan.

The 1000 meters P D Avasia Trophy witnessed the trend of the horse with better odds prevailing when the long-priced Superlative narrowly held off the heavily favoured Buckley by a whisker. Taking the lead into the final furlong, Superlative faced a strong challenge from Buckley, and the two crossed the post in a tight finish. The photo finish revealed that Superlative had secured victory by a narrow margin, with Soup And Sandwich finishing in third place.

Despite several disappointments and falling short of expectations, Phenom defied the odds to secure a victory at long odds, dealing a blow to Constable in the final strides of the race. Oisin Murphy`s presence in the saddle for Constable had bolstered punters` confidence in the progeny of Multidimensional. Constable surged into contention in the final furlong and took the lead. However, Phenom, against the odds, managed to edge out the favourite in a neck-to-neck finish. Mazal claimed a commendable third place despite facing challenges in securing a clear run.

Trainer Narendra Lagad showcased his strategic prowess, playing a game of chess with his horses. Mighty Thunder, following a profitable campaign at Pune with two victories, continuously raced and earned a favourable drop in handicap in the process. In the 1000-meter Marchetta Trophy (Div I), a race for horses in the lowest category, Mighty Thunder, quietly backed without much fanfare, surprised in a field without much buzz. Jockey Mustakim Alam orchestrated a powerful surge in the final furlong, guiding the progeny of Ampere to overtake the frontrunners with ease. Mighty Thunder secured a convincing win over the fancied Dowsabel, with Tanhaiyaan finishing third ahead of the favourite, Emerald Queen.