“The first week’s proceeds will be donated for the benefit of unfortunate victims of the recent Uttarakhand tragedy,” Vivek Jain, chairman, of RWITC marketing group, said at a press meet held at the turf club yesterday. The season which ends on the last Sunday in October has lined up Rs 8.5 crore in stake money, which is up by 7% from last year’s figure.

The schedule for the important group races is as follows: Gr 3 Eve Champion Trophy (Sat, Aug 10), Gr 2 FD Wadia Trophy (Sun, Aug 11), Gr 3 Fillies & Mares Stakes (Sun, Aug 25), General Rajendrasinhji Million (Sat, Aug 31), Gr 3 Idar Gold Trophy (Sat, Sep 10), Gr 2 SA Poonawalla Multi-Million (Sun, Sep 22), Gr 1 Signature St Leger (Sun, Sep 29) & Gr 1 Nanoli Stud Pune Derby (Sun, Oct 13).

Coming to the opening day’s card, the Fair Haven Trophy for Class I horses is the main attraction, which is expected to be won by Bezan Chenoy-trained Neona with Maximus and Cent Per Cent expected to be challengers. Trainer Malesh Narredu has entered two of his forward youngsters, Rio and Ace Angelfire, in the Capricorn Trophy for maiden three-year-olds which has been divided into two divisions.

The former will have to fight it out with Forest Vision and You’re The Boss, while the latter will have to be watchful of debutant Four Star General from Altaf Hussain’s yard.

First race at 1.00 pm.

Selections: