LAHORE: The 2000 Guineas Of Pakistan Classic, undoubtedly one of the top highlights of the country’s thoroughbred horse-racing scene, will be run during the 24th Lahore Winter Meeting at the Racecourse here on Sunday.

The event billed as the top classic in the life of three-year-old thorough-bred colts and fillies drawn from country’s top stud-farms brings together a cream of eleven high bloodline four-legged athletes in turf action at a high caliber race jostling for supremacy over 1600 metres.

Apart from the Pakistan Derby or the prestigious Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup, no other thoroughbred event, can boasts of matching the roll of honour that 2000 Guineas Of Pakistan classic really holds for jockeys, trainers, owners, breeders or of course the winner itself.

The current field for the coveted race represents a very healthy picture of country’s thoroughbred produce with a star studded cast of eleven racing jewels from finest bloodlines bred at different farms.

The quartet comprising Jim And Tonic, Mighty Macs, Leisure Trip and Red Rock look to be the real contenders on recent form, speed and stamina shown during the recent winter meeting races. This will be the fifth race of the day.

Karachi’s leading owner, Syed Sibghatullah Shah 111, Pir Pagara VIII, has put in two colts-Ex Gambler and KingPin, who have raced in only one race prior to taking part in this race. But they are highly bred colts.

The bay colt, Bambino looks to be very well placed in the handicap and has an edge in on course experience and racing fitness. The filly Elizabeth, colts Paddington and Prodigal Rain could be Bambino’s challengers in this sixth race in racing order.

The day’s nine-card racing order also includes another classic term race for two-year-old thoroughbreds — the Christmas Cup over 1300 metres.

Apart from the two rich classic cup races, the other seven events promise some close and ithrilling contests and finishes expected to be enjoyed by race-goers.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2023