The seventh day of the Pune Meeting 2025 delivered high drama at the Royal Western India Turf Club on Sunday, September 14, with Race 5, The S. A. Poonawalla Million (Grade III), a 1600m terms contest exclusively for three-year-old Indian horses. In a commanding performance, Baychimo (J: Antony Raj S., T: Nirad Karanjawala) stormed home to secure the prestigious Group race crown. Carrying the famous silks of Mr Shiven Surendranath rep. Diamond Band Racing Syndicate Pvt Ltd, Mr K. H. Vachha, Mr Vikram Bachhawat rep. Bachhawat Farms Pvt Ltd & Dr Syed Ainuddin Arif, Baychimo showcased both stamina and acceleration to stamp his authority on the classic path.
Right from the break, the field settled into a steady rhythm with early pace-makers ensuring an honest gallop. Positioned strategically by Antony Raj, Baychimo travelled comfortably in midfield before being asked for his effort turning for home. Responding with a decisive burst in the straight, the colt surged ahead in the final furlong, leaving no doubt about his superiority as he crossed the wire with authority.
The runner-up honours went to Zacharias (J: Vivek G., T: P. Shroff), who stayed on resolutely to finish second, while Gunsmoke (J: Yash Narredu, T: M. Narredu) produced a late rally to claim third place. The trio ensured a strong finish, with margins that reflected both competitiveness and class among this promising crop of three-year-olds.
With the dust settled on this Group III spectacle, attention now shifts to the upcoming feature events of the Pune season, where the narrative of India’s emerging turf stars continues to unfold.
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