The chatter around the lawns of Madras Race Club has been unmistakable this week. Trainers with hopeful glints in their eyes, jockeys quietly confident yet respectful of the task, and punters weighing form against instinct all signs that the MRC race day preview deserves every ounce of attention. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the 2025–26 Madras Racing Season stages a six-race programme rich in storylines, ranging from hard-fought handicaps to emerging prospects ready to stamp their authority.
Amorous Knight Handicap to Open the Afternoon
At 2:00 PM, the curtain rises with the Amorous Knight Handicap over a mile, restricted to Class V runners rated 0–25. Saintly Star, the 4-year-old gelding partnered by Koshi Kumar for trainer B. Suresh, will be popular in the ring, though Kallipos (Jitendra Singh / M.M. Uthaiah) and Queens Cliff (Dhanu Singh Deora / Suraj Shaw) look to spoil the script. The seasoned Royal Supremacy joins Avantador and Flourish in what should be a competitive opening test.
Revelation Handicap: Older Horses Take Centre Stage
The second race at 2:40 PM, the Revelation Handicap, is a seven-furlong Class IV for older campaigners. Bomber Jet (Dhanu Singh Deora / P. Krishna) brings consistency, while Larado (Darshan N / J. Sebastian) and Windsor Walk (Ram Nandan Manjhi / B. Suresh) add quality. Veteran War Emblem (M.S. Deora / Fahad Khan) lines up alongside Aurora Borealis and Royal Falcon, setting up a fine clash of stamina and experience.
Charon Handicap Promises a Dash of Speed
By 3:20 PM, the speedsters arrive for the Charon Handicap over 1200 metres. Royal Deccan (Aleemuddin / Arjun Mangalorkar) has shown promise, while Off Shore Breeze (Inayat / J. Sebastian) and Wood Art (Jitendra Singh / M.M. Uthaiah) are proven triers. The mares Sacre Couer, Bohemian Star, and Santamarina Star round out a field where pace will prove decisive.
Columbia Handicap: Sprinting Stars in the Spotlight
The Columbia Handicap at 4:00 PM has the feel of the day’s showpiece sprint. Gold Ride (Darshan N / R. Ramanathan) is well regarded, but faces stiff tests from Magical Bay (Faiz / Suraj Shaw) and the grey Emperor Vikram (C.A. Brisson / J. Sebastian). Phenomemon (Aleemuddin / Suraj Shaw) and Saint Emilion (Pavan / Suraj Shaw) add to a strong challenge, while the likes of Safety, Taqdeer, Admiral Shaw, Rising Tycoon, Set in Gold, Arjun, and Springsteen ensure depth and unpredictability.
Galileo Cup: Clash of Generations
At 4:40 PM, the Galileo Cup over a mile should intrigue punters. The seasoned Alpha Domino (Jitendra Singh / Saddam Iqbal) takes on Deepesh Narredu’s emerging pair of Sea Legacy (A.S. Peter) and Star Power (Yash Narredu). Their clash with Carolina Springs, Starlight Whisper, and Our Asset offers a fine balance of youthful promise against proven durability.
Almanac Handicap Brings the Curtain Down
The finale at 5:20 PM, the Almanac Handicap, closes the afternoon with another mile contest. Key to the Mint (Darshan N / Saddam Iqbal) will be watched closely, but This Is Gold (Yash Narredu / Deepesh Narredu) has shown the ability to strike. Elfin Knight (A.R. Pradeep / K. Pradeep Annaiah) and Vishwas (M.S. Deora / J. Sebastian) add further weight to the field, while Chat, Sweet Fragrance, and Queen Anula provide seasoned depth in the line-up.
Race Day Outlook
The Madras Race Club race day preview for September 27 suggests a card loaded with intrigue, from opening handicaps to closing battles between veterans and rising stars. With competitive fields, healthy stakes, and Chennai’s racing faithful turning out in numbers, the stage is set for an afternoon of compelling sport at Madras Race Club.
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