The Gr 1 Maj P K Mehra Super Mile has been one of the best races that one can hope to see during the Indian Turf Invitation Cup weekend. Sponsored by Ameeta Mehra in memory of her father Maj P K Mehra who shaped the destiny of India`s best known nursery, the Usha Stud Farm, the race has never been a dull affair. Both in terms of quality and competitiveness, this race generates more than ordinary interest.

The runners are well matched with an array of classic winners in the fray. The unlucky Circle of Bliss who found success in classics elusive has been switched back in distance which seems to suit her fine. Interestingly English champion jockey Richard Hughes will be seen in India for the first time during this season and he will guide the fortunes of Circle of Bliss. Circle of Bliss did exceedingly well to finish a close third in last year`s Indian Derby. Richard Hughes has a fine understanding of the five year old. His patented style of preserving the horse for the assault in the final furlong suits the five year old who should give a bold show in the Super Mile.

Bangalore challenger Arrogant Approach enjoys a high rating of 116 which translates as much higher at Mumbai. The handicapping is very tight in Bangalore and as such, Arrogant Approach comes into strong contention by virtue of having reached this mark. Arrogant Approach won his last three outings in tremendous fashion and also clocked the best timing in recent times at Bangalore for the mile at one minute 36.39 seconds. The five year old son of Carnival Dancer appears to be a late bloomer and seems to be running at the peak of his form. He runs with a realistic chance.

Janardhan trained Zachary is in tremendous nick as evidenced by his easy win last time out. The progeny of Kingda Ka ran behind Be Safe in the 2000 Guineas and then followed it up with an impressive win over a mile. The mile long trip suits Zachary fine and he should be prominent at the finish.
One of the best performed horses in the fray is Vittal Deshmukh trained Machiavellianism who is a multiple Group I winner. He slammed the field in the Indian 2000 Guineas a few years ago. His performance back home has been impressive and he returns to the track which made him famous. Machiavellianism has been working brilliantly and the Hyderabad camp is cautiously optimistic about his chances.

This year`s Indian 1000 Guineas Godspeed has been a rousing performer though she ran way below par in the Oaks. The use of tongue strap perhaps did not suit the talented daughter of Multidimensional who has had two surgeries to ease her wind problem. The deterrent factor about her chances is her poor last run. However, jockey Suraj Narredu believes that Godspeed will be a different proposition over the mile long trip where she has been seen at her brilliant best.

Seven year old Field Marshal won a mile race at Mysore in record time and then won a race over seven furlongs at Bangalore in fine fashion. Field Marshal has been a top notch performer and it won`t come as a surprise if he is at the busy end. Three years back Field Marshall had finished third in the Indian Derby.

After winning the Poonawalla Breeders` Multi-Million, Shivalik Storm has failed to win a race. Acclaimed, Mr Gorgeous, Maximus are all capable horses but they may find the going tough for comfort.

The Gr 2 Suresh Mahindra Multi-Million has always proved to be one of the interesting races of the Invitation Cup weekend. Pesi Shroff trained Maisha who narrowly missed the berth in the Indian 1000 Guineas should be the obvious horse to win this seven furlong race. She ran over six furlongs last time out where a combination of poor jockeyship and the sharpness of the distance went against her. She should bounce back to winning form in this company.

Coriolis, Your Royal Majesty, Trance, Plenipotent and the unbeaten Adam should make things hot for the favourite. Adam has remained unbeaten thus far but he is graduating into graded race company for the first time. He has the class in him to maintain his winning streak and he is the horse that Maisha will have to beat among others.