The second classic of the Mysore racing season – The Mysore 2000 Guineas (Grade 3) – witnessed a performance of sheer class and determination as Echoes Of Time, the shrewdly handled ward of trainer Pradeep Annaiah, rose to the occasion in splendid fashion. A final entrant into the field, the colt not only justified the confidence of his connections but also stamped his authority in no uncertain terms, much to the delight of the Mysore racing fraternity.Ridden with great poise by S. Anthony Raj, Echoes Of Time, sporting the silks of Sohna Stud Farm Pvt Ltd, represented by Mr. Sultan Singh, showcased both stamina and tactical brilliance. Right from the start, the race was thrown wide open by Money Bags, who chose to make a bold statement by tearing away from the rest and opening up a commanding lead. For a good part of the journey, it appeared as though the front-runner’s daring gamble might just pay off.However, true class always has the final say. Tracking the runaway leader with unflinching determination, Echoes Of Time steadily narrowed the gap that at one stage measured nearly eight lengths. Entering the home stretch, Anthony Raj produced a perfectly timed run, urging his mount to unleash a decisive burst of acceleration. The response was electric – Echoes Of Time surged past Money Bags in the final furlong to emerge a deserving and emphatic winner.The others in the fray were left to fight for minor honours. Mahler, who had been biding his time at the rear, made noticeable late progress to finish third, while Sicyon filled up the frame. Both, having shown glimpses of ability earlier in their careers, seem to have lost momentum in their upward trajectory and will need to rediscover their spark to make an impact in the future.
ORIGINAL VEL SPORTING NEWS extends its warm congratulations to the winning connections on this memorable achievement and wishes them continued success and greater laurels in the classics that lie ahead.
