Another ray of light is the belated, but nevertheless very welcome, decision of the Maharashtra government to reduce the betting tax to more manageable levels. One only wonders if it is a case of "too little, too late", as the losses sustained by the betting public, the turf club, and indeed the sport itself from April last year can never be recovered.

In recent times, the Invitation Cup has become a sort of re-run of the Indian Derby. Horses that tower over their rivals have an opportunity to add to their owners' bank balances, while runners in an average crop seem to take turns beating each other. There might actually be a case for opening the race to older horsesand testing the current classic crop against its elders.

Had this been an ordinary year, Saddle Up would have been an automatic choice from the eleven runners. He finished first in the McDowell Indian Derby exactly four weeks ago, beating the same rivals. His rider, Pesi Shroff, has six wins to his record. His trainer, Imtiaz Sait, has exhibited a rare touch in this race on his home course, sending out the victorious Charon in 1984, Exhilaration in 1989 and Super Brave in 1994.

However, Saddle Up has since tested positive for pain-killers, a matter which is under investigation. Moreover, the hyperactive rumour-mill suggests he has been seen to be lame of late. Any chink in his armour would give the fillies Supervite and Running Flame an opportunity to make amends, although it's worth remembering that no female has annexed this race at Mumbai.

Running Flame had an obvious excuse for failing as the favourite in the Derby, as a pocket of inflammation was found in a hoof. The problem has since been takencare of and she should run a better race. Meanwhile, Supervite stands to benefit from a possible disqualification of Saddle Up and will here aim to gain more than mere reflected glory. Beautiful Babe aims to turn the tables and has worked well.

Although drawn on the extreme outside, Indiscretion looks a certainty for the 1200 m. Wills Sprinters Trophy. The ultra-consistent Ancient Warrior should follow her home. Tanala fans can consider the above pair, with Specialist, Anticipator and Bengal Lancer as outsiders, in their quest for value.

Last year's champion four-year-old Star Supreme is less than a lakh of rupees away from crossing the one crore mark in earnings. He has been winless since March last year, but has come extremely close on a couple of occasions. It's probably his turn to be favoured by Lady Luck and he should be able to fend off Astana, Sky Classic and Allied Forces in the Wills Stayers Trophy (3000 m).

Only six clash in the Japan Trophy. Octogonal would have been the choice but for thefact that he may not relish the track. The only two blemishes on his 22-race record have been at Mahalakshmi. That leaves Act In Time and Party Whip, as there is precious little to choose between the pair at the weights, although the former has an edge in view of her having finished ahead of Party Whip three of the four times they have met.

Anticipator attempts to emulate Bergamo by taking a crack at the Super Mile Cup (1600 m). If he is not too tired by his exertions of the previous day, he will certainly be there at the business end. If the pace is cracking, expect Ahu to place her last failure well behind her. Priceless Asset will be coming down in distance, but has a terrific record at this trip and will be hard to down if at her best.

Just half a dozen juveniles run in the 1400 m. Juvenile Cup, which suffers by its proximity to last week's Poonawalla Breeders Million. Averoff has come all the way from Calcutta and the Deepak Khaitan standard-bearer has had the form franked when the runner-up scorednext time out. As perhaps the best juvenile in Calcutta, she must be a good thing if she has travelled well. Queenstown and Royal Deeds come next in appeal.

Whatever the results, a good time should be had by all. Here then is a weekend with the best the sport has to offer, and racing fans would do well not to miss this great opportunity.