In a thrilling spectacle on the 8th day of the Mumbai meeting at Mahalaxmi Racecourse on Saturday, Psychic Star showcased her brilliance by clinching the prestigious Villoo C. Poonawalla Indian Oaks (Gr.1) in emphatic fashion. The filly, trained by the legendary Pesi Shroff, lived up to her billing as the top favourite and left her rivals in the dust.
The ten-horse field sprang out of the gates in unison, with each runner jostling for an early advantage. Final Call seized the lead, setting a steady pace for the group, while Expedite and Field of Dreams kept close quarters. As the race unfolded and the contenders approached the final 600 meters, the tension heightened, with several jockeys positioning for the crucial final stretch.
It was here that Psychic Star, expertly ridden by jockey G Vivek, surged forward with a commanding move. Her turn of foot proved too strong for the competition, as she crossed the finish line over two lengths ahead of her nearest rival, Regina Memorabilis, who settled for second. Expedite secured third place, while Thalassa completed the top four. Psychic Star’s triumph was a testament to her class and preparation, reaffirming the dominance of her connections.
“Psychic Star was a late foal who took a bit of time to come to hand. She has an amazing attitude and a fabulous temperament which is half the battle won. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful filly in my charge,” said the proud trainer Pesi while speaking to FPJ after the race.
Other highlights of the day
The day also featured other electrifying races that kept racing enthusiasts at the edge of their seats.
In the Gool S. Poonawalla Million (Gr.3), Elusive Art stole the show with a decisive victory, followed closely by Stormy Sea in second and Rosabelle in third.
The Ramniwas Ramnarain Ruia Gold Cup (Gr.3) saw Golden claim top honors, cementing her reputation as a rising star. Shambala and Odysseus finished in second and third places, respectively, after a fiercely contested battle down the stretch.
With a combination of thrilling finishes and standout performances, the day at Mahalaxmi Racecourse will be remembered as a celebration of equine excellence and competitive spirit. Psychic Star’s win in the Indian Oaks was undoubtedly the crown jewel of an unforgettable day of racing.
