Be Safe hogged the limelight on the day of the second Indian Classic conquering the rich spoils and the glittering trophy for the ABV Nucleus Indian 2000 Guineas (Gr1) along with universal admiration that is priceless. Almost everyone opined that Be Safe is a special talent and the one to beat in the ultimate test, the McDowell Signature Indian Derby (Gr1). Should he win it as expected, his clash with the previous crop’s greats like Amazing Grace and Alaindaire, for the invitation Cup early March will be another epic battle of the turf.  

Marrinsky (Burden of Proof – Sabre Dance, (Kunigal Stud) provided a spirited precursor to the 2000 Guineas as she put in a sparkling run to win the Radheyshyam Jhunjhunwalla Million beating top class opponents with ease.

Star Trainer led the way with Keturah close behind, Amelia easing into the third spot with Marrinsky not too far behind. Keturah who seemed to be testing the waters and preparing for the long haul ahead, dropped out of contention as Amelia made a good forward move. Marrinsky, who was building up speed came to the fore past the distance post and took over smoothly from Amelia and darted away to sew up the contest early in the final furlong. Déjà vu improved from the rear to put in a sustained gallop and finish a good second. Silver Streak, Heat Wave and Amelia finished on in that order.

Brynhill put in a gutsy performance to smother the fast finishing favourite Mykonos and pick up the Ranjit V Bhat Memorial Gold Trophy over the scurry. Brynhill (Noverre – Chain Reaction, Sohna Stud) ripped off to a good start and jockey PS Chouhan had her cruising into the lead. War Horse and Victorious March followed the Nazak Chenoy ward closely with Mykonos sticking to the rails not far behind.

Brynhill was still on cruise mode when Victorious March moved to to challenge. The duo tussled hard but although Victorious March got alongside Brynhill, he could not do better than that much. Mykonos switched lanes and warmed up midway in the straight, but Brynhill showed good resolve to hold the emerging threat all the way to the wire and carve out a narrow win.

Costa Del Sol (Phoenix Tower – Shining Glory, Manjri Stud) lived up to his debut promise and scored his maiden win with minimum fuss. He settled in fourth and made his move early in the straight to pull away from his rivals to score a very comfortable victory, drawing away to pile up eight lengths in little time. Harvey ran on to end a good second although finishing some distance away. Blue Harbour had to labour hard to finish in the money. 

The General (Phoenix Tower – Sunshiner, Manjri Stud) powered his way in the homestretch to score a facile victory over favourite Highlander. Top Commander escorted the duo into the straight and faded out. The General picked up speed past the 400 and Yash Narredu had him going fluently right through. Highlander was found wanting when it mattered and gave in meekly, without showing any fight.

Alecto (Glory of Dancer – Flying Home) compiled a courageous start to finish victory at nourishing odds successfully keeping the well-backed Stormy Princess at bay. Alecto, ridden by S Mosin led them into the straight with a slender lead. However, Alecto kicked on relentlessly and even when Stormy Princess came alongside, Alecto put on stiff resistance to wear his challenger down with a gritty run. Stormy Princess had a great chance to pull ahead, but failed to get that extra bit in the final stages to fold up and lose the initiative going down narrowly.  Home Advantage ran on to get past Sun Hot for place money.

Savannah Sound (Antonius Pius – Born Free, Bhaktawar Stud) galloped to a fluent victory and justified the large following she garnered. Jockey Sandesh always had her in striking position and gradually moved up even as Shivalik Skies sailed into the lead. When Savannah Sound made her move, she was off at a good clip and soon surged past them all to post a runaway win. Shivalik Skies ran on to end second ahead of Diesel Don.

Centaurus (Virtual – Caressed, Bhaktawar Stud) put up a brave fight to get the measure of two live contenders in Bethpage and favourite Ramesses. Centaurus ridden by five kilo claimer KN Bhati booted home the advantage by covering ground a good clip just as Bethpage was beginning to get the better of Ramesses. The weight Ramesses was giving to his rivals proved too much in the end and a cramped passage at a crucial stage also went against the favourite. Centaurus added to his last start victory to pinch the last race off Bethpage and pushed Ramesses to third.

For the professionals, trainers  Pesi Shroff and Malesh Narredu saddled a double each.