Early records show that the event was first run in Bombay (as it then was) in 1924. Apparently, despite its rich prize -- 4,000 to the winner, an astronomical sum at the time -- the inaugural running drew a disappointing field in terms of quality, with only four of the fourteen runners being first division horses. For the record, an English mare named Aquilegia annexed this race. She was owned by philanthropist and industrialist Cusrow N Wadia, founder of the Bombay Dyeing empire.

This Sunday, the 76th renewal of this historic event will take place over its traditional distance of 2,000 metres at theMahalaxmi race course in Mumbai. As import of race horses is on the negative list, none of that variety will line up at the start. Eleven are left in, comprising three tired warriors past their prime, two pretenders lacking in class and six in with a chance. This year's renewal is sponsored by Eveready Industries, which has added the munificent amount of Rs 15,00,000 to the prize, to make it worthy of the race's status.

The Bangalore-based Byramji stable goes into the race double-handed with Allied Forces and Ahu, while MAM Ramaswamy will be hoping for a reversal of his poor streak of the last few weeks through the medium of last year's Indian Derby winner, Star Supreme, and the iron warrior, Octogonal, who rarely runs a bad race. The Imtiaz Sait-trained Act In Time has been in irresistible form of late, and this mare comes off a win in the Bombay Dyeing C N Wadia Gold Cup over the same distance on January 17.

Rather than speculating on who will win, perhaps the best value in the race will be a five-horsetanala permutation of Act In Time, Ahu, Allied Forces, Star Supreme and either Octogonal or Party Whip (Rs 600 ). The slightest of upsets and this strategy could yield a substantial dividend.

With so many juvenile events being run of late, the fields for the pair of three-year-old cup races on the card are small. Untold Story stands out in the six runner RJ Kolah Trophy, although she might find the 1,400-metre trip a shade sharp. What's more, last time out she looked a trifle light in condition. Any chink in her armour will be fully exploited by Queenstown, most impressive when emerging from the maiden ranks on January 28.

None of the eight maidens really stands out in the Nadia-Mary Homi Wadia Trophy, which commemorates the doubly famous cine star of yesteryear: in tinsel town for her role as "Hunterwali" and on the turf as the owner of Nijinsky. Presidential ran a fair race last time out, albeit a street behind Intel, who scored again. Third - placed Conduction failed to frank that form, so rather thanPresidential, Clear Sense might be the one to look at carefully. The Vijay Mallya-owned filly was over-matched when a quiet seventh on her only appearance.

In the Kr Ramkrishan Singh Trophy, named after a rare personality who combined old-world charm with an incisive knowledge of the turf, there are only six runners. Despite being harshly-treated by the handicapper, Sunglow looks a good bet to extend his winning sequence, with only Perception set to challenge if he can recapture his early-season form. Shandaari should figure on the board.

Eight will face the starter in the 2400 metre Aroma Stakes, of which recent winner Sovereignty, from the in-form Imtiaz Sait stable, has found a spot which should ideally suit her staying bloodlines. Her chief danger is Shaktik, an improving type, who caught a tartar in Ovid last time out. As the latter has run a couple of good races since, it is probable that finishing second to him was no disgrace, and Shaktik could gain an overdue win.

Finally, Majesty Of Law couldgain recompense for a troubled passage last time out. One presumes it was not for nothing that she had been backed to the exclusion of her 21 rivals on that occasion. Here the attractive grey faces fourteen similar competitors, most of whom have form that is fully exposed. Only the lightly-raced Independence Hero appears capable of improvement.

Sprints in the lowest class are notorious for freak results so no attempt is being made to provide any pointers here. Punters should in general eschew backing runners in such events.