Villoo C. Poonawalla Indian Oaks on Jan. 10

One of the most prestigious fixtures of the Mumbai racing season — the Villoo C. Poonawalla Indian Oaks (Gr. 1), popularly known as the ‘Ladies Derby’ — will be run at the Mahalaxmi race course on January 10 (Saturday).

This premier Grade 1 contest for four-year-old fillies, to be run over the classic distance of 2,400 metres, carries a total prize money of ₹7.5 million, with the winner’s purse of ₹4.5 million. 

Enhancing the nine-race card are two additional graded events, the Ramniwas Ramnarain Ruia Gold Cup and the Gool S. Poonawalla Million for juveniles.

As a special gesture, entry for ladies will be free, with the Members’ Enclosure offering a festive atmosphere through food counters and beverage kiosks.

Among the eight fillies vying for top honours, trainer Pesi Shroff’s leading filly Fynbos, who finished second to Kavya in the Indian 1000 Guineas, has been moving impressively in her morning workouts and could make amends this time.

Another contender from Shroff’s yard is Namiri, the only filly in the Indian 2000 Guineas, where she put up a courageous performance and finished a close third in a thrilling finish. Having proved her ability against stronger opposition, she is capable of fighting for top honours here.

Bengaluru-based trainer Prasanna Kumar’s Ravishing Beauty, the Mysore 1000 Guineas winner, enjoys the advantage of having gone through two mock races and appears to be in fine fettle.