Free Press Journal Trophy: Lightning McQueen Prime Contender For The Prestigious Race

Lightning McQueen, hailing from the yard of champion trainer Mallesh Narredu, has shown remarkable form in her trackwork sessions

Joe Williams Updated: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 04:48 PM IST
Representational pic | Punters

Representational pic | Punters

Lightning McQueen, making her much-anticipated maiden appearance, stands out as the prime contender for the prestigious Free Press Journal Trophy, scheduled to be held at the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse here on Thursday.

On a day dedicated to races for various publications, this promising three-year-old filly, Lightning McQueen, hailing from the yard of champion trainer Mallesh Narredu, has shown remarkable form in her trackwork sessions. Her agility, coupled with her evident determination, positions her as the one to beat in this six-furlong sprint. Experienced jockey S J Sunil will be entrusted with the responsibility of guiding her to a successful debut, and fans will be keenly watching her performance.

However, Lightning McQueen is not without competition. Eastern Monarch, the talented runner from Sanjay Kolse's stable, is expected to offer stiff resistance. Having displayed encouraging form and consistency in training, Eastern Monarch could pose a significant threat to Lightning McQueen. The duel between these two young contenders is sure to add an electrifying edge to the race.

Adding further intrigue to the event is Charisse, another debutant who will be carrying a competitive weight of 54.5 kilograms. Under the watchful eye of her trainers, she has shown potential and could very well make her presence felt in this high-stakes showdown.

As the crowd gathers at Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the Free Press Journal Trophy promises to be an exhilarating contest featuring youthful energy, strategic racing tactics, and the thrill of emerging talent. Racing enthusiasts are in for a treat as they witness these equine athletes gallop for glory on one of the country's most iconic tracks.

First race: 4.30pm

Selections

1. The Racingpulse.in Trophy: 1. (2), 2. (5), 3. (4)

2. The Free Press Journal Trophy: 1. Lightning McQueen (8), 2. Eastern Monarch (3), 3. Charisse (7)

3. The Mid-Day Trophy: 1 (1), 2. Gordon (3), 3. (4)

4. The Times of India Trophy Div-1: 1. (1), 2. (5), 3. (9)

5. The Indiarace.com Trophy: 1. (5), 2. (1), 3. (9)

6. The Hindu Trophy: 1. (5), 2. (6), 3. (3)

7. The Race Mirror Trophy: 1. (2), 2. (4), 3. (3)

Published on: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 04:48 PM IST

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