After the Invitation Cup week-end at Mysuru, the racing circus shifts to Bengaluru and after the first day of the winter season was cancelled following the basic Maintenance Cost (BMC) issue, the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) has framed a competitive eight-event card on Sunday, the opening plum, the Rajyotsava Cup attracting seven seasoned performers. A facile winner on the Invitation Cup day, Ice Of Fire from Pradeep Annaiah's yard holds the cutting edge in the seven furlongs event, while the Hyderabad raider Quattro, who has shifted base after a satisfactory monsoon season at home looks outstanding in the relatively small field of six runners in the fray for the Gomos Plate. 

New BTC chairman Arvind Katarki satisfied with the preparations for the season disclosed that the track is lush green and in ship shape condition and the galloping goldmines are eager and ready to gallop to fame. "Most professionals happy with the track and the conditions on offer are looking to make a mark early in the season and this is a good sign taking into account that the club will be able to frame quality cards all through the 24 -day winter season," said Arvind adding that famed breeder and the most sought after racing promoter Mr Zavaray Poonawalla has sponsored all the winter classics and the minimum guarantee stakes for 1000 and 2000 Guineas and Oaks will be Rs 50 lakh each and the Winter Derby will be 1.5 crore, the richest purse on offer this winter.

Arvind Katarki revealed that 66 jockeys including a dozen apprentice riders have been issued `A' license and 35 jockeys have been issued `B' license. Jockeys apart, 34 trainers are up and ready to make their presence felt in what appears a quality winter season. 

A new Board Of Appeal consisting seven members headed by Vivek G Ubhayakar (Chairman) has been formed. The other six members in the appeal board are: Byriah Siddaramu, Y Jagannath, Ritesh Kumar Singh,IAS, Satish N Gowda, Seemant  Kumar Singh, IPS and Sidney Moses. 

So all said and done the stage is set and bar a couple of expected sharp showers, Sunday evening the winter season will provide a lyrical ring, punters ready for the first day, first show at  BTC on Sunday.