The Royal Western India Turf Club continues to light up the Mumbai racing season with the fourth day of its 2025/26 meeting on Sunday, 14 December. A full card of competitive racing awaits at the iconic Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai, but all eyes will firmly be on the prestigious Indian 1000 Guineas (Grade I), a race that traditionally brings together the best three-year-old fillies in the country.
This season’s Indian 1000 Guineas brings together a fascinating mix of established performers and exciting improvers, each arriving with a point to prove. The mile test at Mahalaxmi is known for exposing even the smallest weakness, demanding balance, timing, and a sharp racing brain. With strong stables and accomplished jockeys involved, the stage is perfectly set for a memorable renewal of this classic race.
Fillies to Watch in a High-Class Field
Azalea, trained by P. Shroff and partnered by Kirtish Bhagat, has been a picture of consistency. Her sharp acceleration in recent outings suggests she is ready to take on elite company, and a strong showing would come as no surprise.
Dreamer, trained by M. K. Jadhav and ridden by N. S. Parmar, has steadily improved with each run this season. She appears to be peaking at the right time and could spring a challenge if the race unfolds in her favour.
The combination of Aman Altaf Hussain and jockey Akshay Kumar has quietly built momentum. Their filly’s tactical pace could be a valuable asset in what is expected to be a closely fought mile contest.
Fynbos stands out as one of the most accomplished fillies in the line-up. Trained by P. Shroff and ridden by P. Trevor, she brings with her an outstanding résumé that includes victories in the Zavaray S. Poonawalla Bangalore Summer Derby (Grade I), the Benaka Developers Fillies Championship Stakes (Grade I), and the Forbes Breeders’ Juvenile Fillies’ Championship at Mumbai. Her proven class and versatility make her a central figure in the race.
Kavya, trained by M. K. Jadhav, has shown admirable consistency throughout the season. She will be partnered by David Allan, the accomplished jockey from the UK who has been making a strong impression during his stint in India. Known for his calm race-reading ability and polished big-race temperament, Allan brings valuable international experience to the Guineas stage, adding further depth and interest to an already strong field.
Kings Gambit, another from the powerful P. Shroff stable, will be ridden by Vivek G. Known for her fighting spirit and natural speed, she has the tools to stay competitive over the mile if positioned well early.
Social Butterfly represents the Dallas Todywalla stable and will have A. Sandesh in the saddle. She arrives on the back of a confidence-boosting win in the Poonawalla Stud Farms Auction Sale Stakes at Mumbai, underlining her ability to step up on the big stage.
Vegatha completes a strong and balanced field. Trained by P. S. Chouhan and ridden by R. Ajinkya, she combines stamina with agility, attributes that could come into play if the race develops into a true test of endurance.
Adding further depth to the season’s narrative is Fourth Wing, who recently captured The Coromandel Gromor Fillies Trial Stakes in Chennai and earlier won the F. D. Wadia Trophy (Grade III) in Pune. Although not part of the Guineas field, her performances underline the overall strength of the current crop of fillies.
With proven performers, progressive fillies, and a high-quality riding line-up, this edition of the Indian 1000 Guineas shapes up as a race rich in depth and intrigue. Run at the historic Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai, the classic mile is expected to test skill, timing, and temperament, ensuring a finish worthy of one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
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