Dr Vijay Mallya was let down twice in the current season when his properties, Smashing and Speed Six, ran disappointingly in the Radio Mirchi Indian 1000 Guineas and the Casino Royale Indian 2000 Guineas in December last. But it was third time lucky for the liquor barn as Pesi Shroff nurtured Smashing decided to live up to her name and give a breath-taking performance in the Zoom Indian Oaks (Gr.1) on Sunday. Mallya in fact made a timely entry at the venue to catch all the racing action live.

As soon as the ten-horse field was flagged off by the starter, Smashing raced in the mid group till Anthony Crastus got her to settle just ahead of Alma Mater and no-hoper Capriole. Meanwhile Swift Memories grabbed the lead from Gossip and led the field into the straight.
No sooner did the front-runner turn for home, jockey B. Prakash spurred Volterra into the lead which didn't last for long as the French professional Anthony Crastus had decided it was time for Smashing to get into action. He just had to stir her and the bay filly uncoiled a magnificent run. Smashing came with raking strides to draw level with Volterra and the rest.

Smashing then stretched clear of Alma Mater before the Richard Hughes ridden public choice could engage her in a battle. Alma Mater had the consolation of being runner-up and was clearly shorn of the brilliance she displayed during her success in the 1000 Guineas.

With her Oaks victory, Smashing (Holy Roman Emperor - Exquisite), bred at the Usha Stud Farm, quashed all doubts of her staying abilities to rest. Interestingly, Smashing was one of the four leading contenders in the big event who were all trained by Shroff.

Smashing not only avenged her defeat in the first classic of the season, but also captured an Indian classic for her proud owner. Smashing also took home stake-money of Rs 41.85 lakh apart from a glittering trophy presented by the first time sponsors Zoom television channel. Shroff had the rare honour of saddling the first three fillies who figured on the judge's board.

An elated Vijay Mallya said that it was his friend who convinced him that Smashing had the ability to get the mile and half trip of the Oaks when there was scepticism that the filly may not handle the extended trip well. The filly will now join the line-up for the mega event of the season, the McDowell Indian Derby which is slated for Sunday, February 5.