Prior to this, racing took place at the Byculla Club, on land now occupied by buildings and a bus depot. To commemorate the link between the old and the new, a race was framed at Mahalakshmi called the Byculla Club Cup, over what was then one and three-quarter miles (now 2800 metres). It's hard to say why this distance was chosen, but whoever selected the trip was in a way paying a tribute to the new racecourse, as it is ideally suited to staying horses, with its broad, sweeping turns and flat surface throughout.

The race is a handicap for horses in the highest classes, and its latest renewal this Sunday has five inopposition. On paper, it seems tailor-made for Executive Decision, who had run such a fine race over 3,000 metres in the Wills Stayers Trophy in early March. However, for some obscure reason, he was pitched into the far-shorter Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia Trophy last week, a decision which is sure to have resulted in depletion of his reserves. Low-weighted Jonty Rhodes should thus be able to exploit the former's discomfiture.

Like the feature, the Class II event, which is programmed for 1,400 metres, has only five declared to start. After a setback, Mi Amante displayed her true colours recently, and comes in at a sensible weight. In her present form, she should be hard to down, with the lightly-raced and consistent Sunglow, aiming for a hat trick, following her home.

The same size of field is to be found in the Astronomic Stakes for three-year-olds over 1,400 metres. The connections of Balancita are unwisely risking her just four days after her last appearance, which was a winning one. History suggeststhat most Indian-bred racehorses cannot take such frequent racing, and even if she scores, she might do herself irreparable harm. Successful last time out, Favorite Trick is from the in-form Antia stable and has the bloodlines to improve--she will have to cope only with Metronomic.

Famous for his cricket commentary and lively wit, AFS Talyarkhan was also the Turf Club's auctioneer for decades. The race commemorating his memory is for maiden juveniles over 1,200 metres and ten are scheduled to face the starter. There is little to go on by way of form, so track work is the key. Bound Unbound has been working well and might bring what would be a very welcome first winner for his sire, Rebounding Thrill.

From the seven in the Class IV metric mile, Clean Barrister and Orange King have yet to earn a winning bracket, fully eighteen months after they were first eligible to race. The "roulette wheel" of fortune turns slowly but surely and thus their turn is sure to come. The only question is "when"? Of the rest,Voices Of Spring is in sparkling shape. He stunned his rivals by five lengths last week but has been lumped with a substantial penalty. Should his trainer opt to reduce his burden by employing a claiming rider, he could defy the additional burden.