Mysore chalo is the call.  And the racing buffs are heading to the royal city to witness the week-end double-dhamaka at the Mysore Race Club (MRC). The two big-ticket events, the Zavaray Poonawalla Mysore Derby and the Champion Of Champions event, the Zavaray Poonawalla Indian Turf Invitation Cup has generated big buzz and all the hype and hoopla surrounding the two classic events has provided MRC a shot in-the-arm, the hosts ready to raise the bar and scale a new high in the second edition of the champion event at this centre. 

The blue riband of the season, the Mysore Derby has attracted seven best colts and four top fillies claiming a statutory gender allowance of 1.5 kilos and the 2000 Guineas winner, Stud Poker from champion trainer Prasanna Kumar's yard to be piloted by top gun Suraj Narredu is certain to start the favourite, while the Pesi Shroff schooled Zuccaro, who is rated the best on the Indian racing circuit is fancied to gallop into the Hall Of Fame after the showdown at sundown on Super Sunday. 

Five Group 1 races, a solitary Group 2 event, ten Million races and a contest of skill offering the winner, a Renault Kiger car will provide a silver lining to the two-day extravaganza and the managing committee of the club headed by chairman KT Balakrishna has left no stone unturned in their endeavour to put MRC on par with all the premier racing clubs. "Satisfied with all the preparations, we are geared up to host the two big events in style and we are pleased with the response, taking into account that most of the leading classic contenders are down here to parade their skills and gallop to fame in the marquee events," said Balakrishna adding that all the members of the managing committee played a stellar role and the team work helped provide a definite design and shape to all the pomp and gaiety associated with the two mega events. 

Balakrishna disclosed that the two-day star show would not have been possible without the support of the famed breeder and the biggest promoter in Indian racing, Zavaray Poonawalla who magnanimously agreed to chip in and sponsor all the five Group 1 races run over the week-end. 

MRC Secretary and CEO, NHS Mani revealed that the club understanding that the attendance during the week-end will be high, has built temporary viewing galleries with sizeable number of seats. "A special gallery on the opposite side of the Grand Stand is created and admission to this top viewing spot is Rs 999 per person inclusive of a lunch box and a complimentary beer, " said Mani. 

"Another big draw is, an amount of four lakh will be added to the popular five-horse puzzle (Jackpot) on Saturday, " said Mani pointing out that the festivities will start with more than 40 members of different clubs competing in a golf tournament on Friday. 

So all said and done the stage is set and the galloping goldmines hopefully will set a new standard and put MRC on the high road.