The Mahalaxmi racecourse wore a festive look as the Turf Authority of India welcomed the delegates for the 36th Asian Racing Conference 2016. The day had an international flavor alright, as the eight race card had Indian and International Sponsors, Millions and Multi-Million races with record stakes on a single day on offer. A sizable number represented the international racing fraternity and their first hand view of Indian racing would have been a riveting experience with the Indian Champion Quasar showcasing his best while smashing the course record for the mile and quarter distance and Myrtlewood flaying her opponents for the Oaks crown.

The Chief Guest for the ARC Princess Zarah Aga Khan made a gracious appearance clad in an Indian Sari and was the centre of attention at the presentation podium alongside Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, Chairman of the 36th ARC 2016.

 The Indian Champion colt Quasar notched up his 15th Victory in 20 starts. While runner-up Booker Jones may have helped Quasar to chip off split seconds off the record timing with a bold show ensuring Quasar didn’t ease up, Myrtlewood hurtled to a fantastic win by a good four lengths, without really have to step on it. While these two performances stood out in the day, there were others, especially the rookies who showcased Indian racing in good light to our foreign guests.

The Villoo Poonawalla Indian Oaks (Gr1) had a lineup of 17 fillies and the loading operations were conducted most efficiently by starters M/s Jehangir Sayed, Shobhag Singh and their team of handlers. The start was an impeccable one and after the early rush for the lead, Lavender Blue settled to set a steady pace past the Hornbe Villard corner. Shivalik Heroine bravely was up with the pace, while Myrtlewood stayed unperturbed way back in the field.

Hectic jockeying for positions began at the entrance of the homestretch and Lavender Blue was the first casualty fading out soon on turning for home. Shivalik Heroine surged into the lead, but soon had Chef D’Oeuvre challenging and going ahead with about 350 to go, which is when Myrtlewood opened throttle and swooped upon them.

Jockey PS Chouhan showed remarkable calmness and self assurance as he made no move to improve positions, confidently keeping Myrtlewood on ‘snooze’ mode – second last of seventeen runners, even as the final bend was fast approaching. Chouhan switched lanes to move out from the rails and didn’t mind taking the turn wider than ideal, just to ensure a clear passage. That calculated move proved spot on as Myrtlewood when asked to gallop, produced a sudden burst of speed and in split seconds had collared them all and shot into the lead. Her brilliant turn of foot saw her skipping away from the rest and she displayed her staying prowess to the hilt winning by four lengths!

“She is at the top of her game,” claimed PS Chouhan, delight obvious on his smiling face. The only worry was the wall of horses in front. She shifted out smoothly and once we turned for home, although I was way back in the field, I was confident she will gallop past them all and she did. She is incredible in her finish and she travelled very well all through. Once she gave that final dash it was all over,” Chouhan concluded.

For owners Mr & Mrs Mehernosh Deboo Myrtlewood has been a sensational filly. “Thrilled by her win, for me the suspense of her going over the distance was at the back of my mind. Once I saw her start to accelerate in the straight, anxiety turned to sheer delight and I loved the way she finished on. I thank Pesi Shroff and PS Chouhan and the stable hands for their efforts,” said Mr Deboo.

Pesi Shroff trained Myrtlewood is by Multidimensional out of Adamile and bred at the Usha Stud. She clocked 2:30:72, way off the best timing in current times for a classic, but then she also had a good bit in the reserve. Chouhan did strike her a couple of times even after she had sealed the race, perhaps more to correct her inner drift than to urge her on. She looks capable of striking off a couple of seconds at least and it won’t be a surprise if she has saved her best for the Indian Derby a fortnight from now.

The ‘boys’ better be on guard as Myrtlewood is a super talent and the undisputed queen of the turf. Her manner of victory proves again that she possesses immense class and ability and distance is no longer a question mark. For those already looking for the Derby ‘tanala’ you would do well keeping Myrtlewood for a slot in the top three. I would place her at slot one!